Rugrats in Paris

Review by James Anthony

Paris, city of lights, style and impossible traffic. Paris, capital of France, and world leader at basting up a few snails and sliding them down the old gullet.

Paris … target for tonight! And, oh boy, are the Parisians in for a shock - because heading their way is a planeload of some of our favourite friends.

Yup, Tommy, Dil, Phil and Lil, Chuckie and (grrrrrrrr, I hate this kid) Angelica are flying with their parents for a visit to Paris so Stu (Tommy and Dil's dad) can repair a giant Reptar that's gone a bit astray.

It may mean chaos in France, but at least it will keep Chuckie and Chas (his dad) focused on something other than the death of their mother/wife.

It's a bit sad as poor young Chuckie watches all the other rugrats at a wedding dancing with their mums and so his mission is to find a new mum and make him, and his dad, happy again.

Fortunately, Angelica is on the case. She has just been watching The Bobfather and is interviewing the little nippers in a brilliantly Don Corleone-like way. Promising them anything they ask - as Bobfather's do on wedding days - Angelica sets out on her mission.

In Paris, at the massive Reptar dinosaur fun park, she runs into the evil park boss Coco le Bouche, who has no heart and hates kids. This is a bit unfortunate, as her Japanese boss loves kids and wants the vicious miss to get married and show him she loves kids, before he'll consider her for promotion.

Picking the gormless Chas as a potential wedding victim, Coco le Bouche sets in train a series of mishaps that will almost destroy Paris.

The fun is fast and furious and the creators have gone to great lengths to incorporate at least three major references to classic movies in the plot. They are the Godfather, Godzilla and King Kong.

As you would expect there's plenty of revolting poopie jokes, snot eating, farting, pukeing and other really unmentionable stuff. And, the rugrats are in top form.

Tommy and Dil are good solid chaps, Phil and Lil are disgusting let's eat anything types, Angelica is the bossy brat who cops even more punishment this time around and, of course, Chuckie.

Dear, sweet, little red-headed chap that he is. He's always been my least favourite rugrat (Angelica aside) and his sookiness and wussieness have always grated. However, in Rugrats in Paris he redeems himself in these harsh eyes by evoking feelings of "poor little fellow."

Okay, okay, I'm going soft in old age!

Anyway, let's talk about the animation. Well, once again, it's superb. The original Rugrats the Movie was excellent with its imagery and it's fair to say the production team has gone two steps better this time around.

The images at times appear 3D and the way in which they give the impression of depth is amazing.

The soundtrack will keep the feet moving and, with the exception of Who Let the Dog Out, is pretty reasonable. Shame is, however, that having heard Who Let the Dog Out it will remain in the brain for hours. Days even. Should be banned. It's a health hazard.

Rugrats in Paris is a hugely enjoyable way to spend 78 minutes and, with its child/adult-friendly humour will keep youngsters and parents well entertained.

The script is excellent and while your youngster is laughing at one level, you'll be chortling at a very adult concept.

However, if you are one of the people who gets embarrassed 'fessing up to the fact you can enjoy children's movies, throw off the coat, hat and dark glasses and take the nippers along during the school holidays to meet their animated cousins. You can always say you were forced to do it!

Rugrats in Paris
Rated: G.
Australian release date: April, 2001.
Director: Stig Bergqvist, Paul Demeyer.
Cast: The Rugrats crew.
Running time: 78 minutes.
Website: www.rugrats.com