The main characters of the story are a young mouse apprentice tooth-collector (families of Hispanic origins will appreciate the nod to El Ratoncito Perez, who fills the role of Tooth Fairy in Spanish-speaking homes) and a crotchety, musically gifted bear who busks unsuccessfully for his dinner. The two stumble into an unlikely friendship that mortifies the mice and bear communities alike. The film's themes of tolerance, bigotry, and the limitations of stereotypes may seem at first to be a little predictable, but there are more plot twists and turns ahead for the pair than one sees coming. Their friendship grows slowly, through a series of challenges, as Celestine tries valiantly to meet the expectations of her fellow mice, and Ernest just tries to find a good meal and a little rest.

The watercolor-style animation offers all the delicious pleasure of leafing through a beloved children's book, with scenes reminiscent of the Madeline books, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, and even sometimes The Gruffalo. But it's not just the story and illustrations that have a classical feel; the English language voices are provided by marvelous actors who include Forest Whitaker, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, and Lauren Bacall.

I confess that when I sat down with my 10-year-old to watch this for our Friday movie night, I braced myself for the possibility that he might complain; my son has talked non-stop Lego Movie (taking breaks only to sing the refrain "Everything is awesome!") for weeks now. How can a classic children's story with board book style illustrations stand up to non-stop explosions and speed?  But my fears that he might label this film babyish (and my fourth-grade sophisticate is always on the look-out for such traps) were completely un-founded; my son was as delighted by Ernest and Celestine as I was. More, even. He laughed; he crooned; he quoted. The movie has chase scenes, plenty of humor, lovable animals, hateful baddies, and a satisfying resolution at the end. What's not to love?

The film is rated PG but is appropriate, in our opinion, for kids ages four and up. Very young or sensitive children might need some hand holding during scenes when older mice try to frighten younger mice with scary stories, or when several characters have to escape from a dangerous fire. There are also moments when some characters are cruel to our heroes - though of course it all turns out alright in the end.

Ernest and Celestine opens in LA on February 28 (in case you'd like to see it before Oscar night), in NY on March 14, and across the country shortly after.