Maurice: A Mickey Mouse in the Museum (2023)
Vasiliy Rovenskiy directed “Maurice – A mouse in the museum”, an animated film designed for children that explores themes such as friendship and art. However, despite a tangled plot and reversals in the face, the film completely fails to achieve the goal of fully entertaining.
The story revolves around Vincent, a ginger cat who was born and raised on a large cargo ship in perpetual voyage, knowing nothing of the world. During a storm, he falls overboard and ends up on a desert island, where he meets Maurice, an art-savvy mouse who dreams of gnawing on his most famous works of art. The two protagonists, through a series of daring events, find themselves adrift again and are fortunately saved by a Russian merchant ship that takes them to the Hermitage museum.
At the museum, Vincent joins a group of cats who take care of protecting the works of art. However, he finds himself having to play a double game: on the one hand, he must prevent Maurice from damaging the paintings, on the other he must protect his rodent friend from being discovered and devoured by the ruthless felines. The tension reaches a fever pitch with the arrival of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. The question that arises is whether Maurice will be able to hold back to save his friendship with Vincent.
Director Rovenskiy has created an intricate plot, characterized by constant reversals of the front. However, the film doesn't excel in animation or comedy, struggling to elicit convincing laughs, unless it's the little ones. Here's the thing: this time the director doesn't aim to create a film to entertain the whole family, but focuses on the interest of the children.
The complex developments of the plot put Vincent, our beloved ginger cat, faced with important choices. His decisions are guided by his conscience, whether it be loyalty to his friend Maurice, the importance of keeping his word to fellow cats, or a desire to spend quality time with Cleopatra, his love. This dialectic engages the viewers, allowing them to empathize with Vincent and reflect on what they themselves would do in a similar situation. It's a great emotional gym for young audiences.
Rovenskiy confirms his didactic intent by placing art at the center of the narrative. The story takes place in one of the most prestigious museums in the world, and the paintings that populate the Hermitage galleries almost become additional characters. The public, especially the little ones, learn to know and recognize these works of art.
The plot of “Maurice – A mouse in the museum” is rooted in the collaboration between a cat and a mouse, offering authentic entertainment. Inside the Hermitage historical museum, the little mouse Maurice spends his time gnawing at works of art, trying to escape the attention of the elite team of cats who have been guarding the museum's masterpieces for years to prevent attacks by of rodents like him. On a stormy night, Maurice saves the life of Vincent, a kitten looking for a new family. The friendship between the two is tested when one of the most famous masterpieces of all time arrives in the museum: the Mona Lisa. Will Maurice be able to resist the temptation to gnaw on the most famous painting in the world and save his wacky friendship with a cat?
"Maurice - A mouse in the museum" is a funny story about the friendship between a funny mouse and a kitten in search of its place in the world. It's an animated adventure that distinguishes itself with a focus on art, capable of making audiences of all ages laugh and cry.
In conclusion, "Maurice - A mouse in the museum" may not reach the pinnacle of animation and comedy, but with its intricate storyline and reflection on the values of friendship and art, it proves to be an experience that involves the little ones and entertains them in an educational way. All that remains is to take a journey into the enchanting world of Maurice and Vincent, as they navigate between friendship, adventures and works of art.
Technical data
Regia: Vasiliy Rovenskiy
Gender: Animation
Duration: 80 ′
Production: Licensing Brands
Distribution: Eagle Pictures
Release date: 04 May 2023
