Synopsis:

Tommie's dad is the creator of Reptar, a giant, Godzilla-esque monster that has found tremendous acceptance in France. As a matter of fact, EuroReptarLand is a hit among the European children and Tommie's dad couldn't be happier. Disaster strikes when Reptar breaks down and the director of EuroReptarLand has to get him back online asap! So, Tommie, Chuckie, Anjelica, Phil and Lil and baby Dill take to the friendly skies. Their destination, Paris, France. At the start of the film, in a tremendous homage to The Godfather, the babies go to the "modfather" (Anjelica) on the day of grandpa's wedding. In classic Anjelica fashion, she plays the part to the hilt, offering to honor the wishes of the babies should they not be too extravagant. With every wish granted, save one, she heads to the dance floor where a very special mother child dance is being held. Here she runs into Chuckie whose sole wish is to have a new mommy. Evidently Chuckie's mommy passed away and he's been looking for a new one for a long time. At every turn he sees a mother and her children and his little heart breaks a little more. So the theme for this film is two fold. One is an adventurous romp through Paris with the Rugrats and the other is the search for a new mommy for Chuckie. Both are wrapped in a very pleasing movie that's a better turn than the first film and a lot more fun. Watch out for Chuckie Chan, he's a martial arts master!

Audio/Video:

The audio is presented in a DD5.1 that's employed primarily during the musical segments heard throughout the film. It's actually, the film's soundtrack that provides the bulk of the audio effect. Reptar's footsteps add another level of LFE when he arrives on scene and the 747 passing overhead has some really great directional effect. The dialogue is clear and the center is well delineated. The video is rich with all the colors you can think of that were employed very nicely throughout the film. This is a beautifully rendered anamorphic widescreen version if the film and easily one of Paramount's best efforts to date. There were no transfer errors noted.

Extras:

I don't get it with Paramount. Discs that everyone is waiting for are bare bones (Star Trek, Braveheart,) and discs that hard-core fans aren't waiting for get star treatment! As Paramount discs go, this is the most loaded Paramount entry to date. The extras include: Rugrats In Paris Documentary: Roughly a 15-minute look into the making of the film from initial conceptual designs to foley artists creating the aural textures of the film.

Theatrical Trailer: Self-explanatory.

Two Theatrical Promotional Spots: Very cute television spots for the film.

Sound Effects Showcase Featureing-Chuckie Chan, the Martial Arts man! One of my favorite segments, Chuckie is buffed up and ready to do battle with his fears. In this particular portion, a special effects vignette featuring either the special effects audio or the actual scene from the film can be selected.

2 Alternate Endings At the end of the film, Cocoa Labouche is exposed and her fate is sealed. Here two very funny endings for her character are included. Either one would have been fitting.

Baha Men Music Video: "Who Let the Dogs Out?" This song is the joy of every child and the bane of every parent's aural existence. The repetitive barking is more than enough to cause you to pull out someone's hair but the video is cute and your kids will enjoy it.

Overall:

I really dig the Rugrats. From the first time I saw them on Nickelodeon, I was hooked. Their first venture on the big screen was slower than I expected but the second feature re-established them as the preeminent kids cartoon that parents enjoy as well. This has a great storyline, great action, great fun and most of all a great sense of humor. Definitely a winner! Highly Recommended