Moomins on the Riviera

Those unfamiliar with the Moomin comic (sort of the Peanuts of Northern/Western Europe), may not be as enchanted with the gentle and naive characters as those who feel nostalgic about them. While there are definitely some sweet and funny moments in the film -- particularly those featuring Moominmamma, who resists the glitz and glamour of the Riviera by spending time on the beach and attempting to grow her own food in their penthouse suite -- some of the other characters frustrate more than they entertain. Snorkmaiden in particular is hard to root for as she gambles for the sake of buying a black bikini and other fashions a la mode. 

The movie's funnier scenes involve an aristocrat who takes a shine to Moominpappa and the family because he's secretly an artist who wishes he could shed the golden shackles of his blue-blood upbringing. Little My is hilariously mischievous, causing trouble and making blunt, matter-of-fact comments that prove that while she may be the youngest, she's certainly the most knowing character of the bunch. This is a modestly charming story that families who enjoy Japanese and European animation will want to check out but that those who "need" more Disney-fied characters, musical numbers, and heartwarming adventure plots may find a stretch for Moomin-uninitiated kids.