2024 Oscar Animated Films
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An overview of this year’s Oscar-nominated Animated Films, and brief looks at three recommended from last year.
Animation
The Boy and the Heron (2024.28, Interesting , Spirit )
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The Boy and the Heron is beautifully crafted, but the musings of a man contemplating the end of his life and what it means to him. Not for everybody. (3.5*)
Robot Dreams (2024.27, Simple , Just OK )
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Robot Dreams is an animated film with no humans and no dialog that conveys feelings of emotional connection but is mostly concerned with cute and fun imagery. (3.5*)
Elemental (2024.14, Disappointing , Light )
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Elemental is top-notch creative world building on top of a mundane story! (3*)
Nimona (2024.13, Good , Little-Known )
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Nimona may not be the best in animation, but it tells an important message about gender identity. (3.5*)
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse (2024.12, So-So , Hero )
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Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is a sequel and like the original, it isn’t for everyone. If you are into comic book action heroes go for it. Otherwise, there are plenty of other movies to see. (3*)
2023 Oscar Animated Films / Family Films
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An overview of the 2023 Oscar-nominated Animated films. Includes a look back to the best from last year.
Turning Red – Spunky but Lost (2.0*)
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Turning Red is about a 13-year old’s experience with adolescence and her family’s reaction. Though with spectacular animation and colors, who is this story really for? (2.5*)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On – Extra Bold and Odd (4*)
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Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Will hold your interest with an unusual combination of live-action and stop-motion animation, an intriguing main character, and unique perspectives on life, nature, and relationships. (4*)
The Sea Beast – An Epic Moby Dick and Master Political Metaphor (3.5*)
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The Sea Beast has terrific computer animation, a Moby Dick story, a young girl as the leading character, and multiple political and social threads for adults. (3.5*)
Puss in Boots The Last Wish – Bright, Easy, and Frisky (4*)
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Puss in Boots The Last Wish Is a terrific animated feature that will be enjoyed by children of all ages and their elders! It is the story of a legendary cat who faces his ninth life and discovers what is really important. (4*)
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio – Master Animation, Odd Story (2.5*)
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Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a superb example of stop-motion animation, but it falls short as a musical and doesn’t tell a story most audiences will enjoy. (2.5*)
2022 Oscar Animated Films
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An overview of this year’s five 2022 Oscar Animated Films and a look back at last years.
Luca
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(1.5*) Luca is fun for about twenty minutes and then descends into boredom!
Raya and the Last Dragon
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(2.0 *) Raya and the Last Dragon is visually stunning, but is going to leave adults rather empty!
The Mitchells vs the Machines
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(0.5*) The Mitchells vs the Machines is quite possibly the worst movie I’ve ever seen and certainly the worst one this year.
Encanto
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Encanto (3.5*) Good family entertainment, but Disney and Miranda might be showing fatigue!
2021 Animation Genre Summary
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An Overview and comparison of this year’s Animation Genre films, for those looking for one to see
Wolfwalkers
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(4.5 Stars) Beautiful animation, Celtic music, and an Irish folk story with modern day lessons.
Over the Moon
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(3 Stars) The film doesn’t hang together real well, but there are some great songs and terrific visuals.
Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
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(2.5 Stars) Family Entertainment and a refreshing unique style of animation.
Soul
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(4.5 Stars) Interesting and Creative approach to some very abstract questions. Excellent film.
The 2020 Animated Movies
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There are animated films for adults, kids, and both. Here are my suggestions from the last two years.
Frozen II
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(2.5 Stars) As to be expected, terrific visuals. But the story is a little weak and the songs aren’t memorable.
Lion King
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(2 Stars) A retelling of the original story with amazing computer-animation technology. Watch it if you, or your family, didn’t see the original.
Toy Story 4
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(5 Stars) Visually stunning movie and a story for anyone who has ever been part of a family. One of this year’s Must-Sees!
Klaus
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(3.5 Stars) A delightful family story with a terrific combination of animation styles.
Missing Link
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(2.5 Stars) Has some terrific stop-motion animation scenes with rich backgrounds. Story-line a little weak, but a good family movie.
I Lost My Body
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(4 Stars) A surprising mental challenge exploring destiny and free will, but definitely not a family movie
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
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(2.5 Stars) A good family movie: Kids will be entertained by the humor and the dragons; Adults will be mesmerized by the beautiful imagery.
Mirai
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(2 stars) 2019 Some delightful animation, but the movie is in search of an audience.