Animation Domination

This past weekend I saw an awesome movie, it was just incredible, and was an animated movie geared towards children.  The movie was Kubo & The Two Strings.  It is the latest movie from Laika, whose films, like Pixar and Studio Ghilibi, have raised the bar in feature animation.  They’re featuring a variety of issues that can be appreciated by all ages and humor that plays to multi generations. 

Let that last point sink in for a minute as you realize that Shrek, a film that has been viewed by many children and adults alike, makes a subtle dick joke.  That’s the key that makes it all work, playing to two different levels and succeeding on both as well as the common ground.

The wave of releases in the past few years have played to both children and adults.  After all why should children have to view crap movies only like Norm of the North?  These small versions of adults are smart people who, like adults, can get something out some deeper material.  These films have been highly entertaining and continue to be successful at the box office and awards, outside of the animated feature category.  After all Up and Toy Story 3 were best picture contenders at the Oscars.

I’ve also enjoyed seeing the release of Sausage Party.  The movie was an animated feature created for adults.  It was filled with bad language, adult themes, filthy jokes, and many clever gags (which is also featured in many children based cartoon).  I enjoyed the movie, but what I really enjoyed what going to a prime time showing and having to worry much less about a baby crying somewhere in the auditorium.  This is never guaranteed (I have stories) but the odds go up during kids movies.

I have to admit that there have been some animated movies that have been highly entertaining as well as a major nostalgic trip to a younger version of myself. Chief among them are The Peanuts Movie & The Lego Movie.  Both movies are cleverly written, play well to children, and is a great watch for those who remember those aspects from childhood fondly.  Plus there just good ole fun to watch.

Yes there have been duds in the genre.  How many times can they recycle the Ice Age story to keep the franchise going?  However with releases such as Zootopia, Rise of the Guardians, and the french import April & The Extraordinary World it seems like the genre is under the right influence.