I’m watching anime a lot less that I used to, but I’m still maintaining a steady intake of other animated works, prompting this this list. You’ll have to forgive my generally mainstream tastes and I found few non-English speaking titles to consider, but that’s just how it is. As before choices are limited to titles on physical UK retail which means that titles such as Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 will have to sit this one out.
Frankenweenie – A story about
a boy and his reanimated dog set to a 1950s-esque suburbia backdrop. Tim Burton remakes his live action short film
from 1984 to great effect in this stop motion effort. Classic horror movie references abounds, and
the odd proper scare or two. Everything
is as it should be with this one.
Paranorman – It plays in the
same neighbourhood as Frankenweenie, but is very different. It removes the classic horror vibe in favour
of a more modern tone with disinterested leads, and a smarter, cynical outlook. Definitely recommended to the many Coraline
fans out there.
Lady Death – Okay, I’m
joking…
Monsters University – I’ll
admit I cast a massively sceptical eye over Pixar’s current trend to churn out sequels
to all its popular franchises, and to a certain extent I still do (there’s no
way a studio with that level of talent aren’t coming up with new ideas by the
second). Monsters University stumbles
through its first half and yet results in a genuine emotional depth that is satisfying
to see. It’s very much playing in its safe
zone, but does enough to be both enjoyable and relevant.
Archer Season 3 – Superspy
Archer shoots and shags his way through a third season of action. Somewhat side-lined by the Family Guys and
South Parks of this world, Archer dumps the constant pop culture references in
favour of just letting the characters battle it out from their brutal
freeflowing scripts. As often hilarious
as it is deeply inappropriate.
Despicable Me 2 – You don’t
watch Despicable Me 2 for its story.
It’s there, and does what it needs to do to keep the jokes coming which,
in a way, makes it perfect. Grab a drink
and a banana and dive on in for some unpretentious fun.
Ernest & Celestine – I’ve
talked about this film before but once is never enough for something this
good. Released on DVD with absolute zero
fanfare and noticed by essentially no one, Ernest & Celestine is a gentle
soul with a simple tale of friendship to tell with its charming artwork and
quality animation. Safe for all
audiences (unless you’re queasy when it comes to loose teeth), and it’s
basically a joy throughout.
The Little Mermaid – The film
described as igniting the Disney Rennaisance, and it’s not difficult to see
why. Sat between Oliver & Company
and Rescuers Down Under in the Disney’s feature film chronology, Little Mermaid
still looks distinctly modern compared to its contemporaries. It triggered over a decade of quality Disney films
before CGI enveloped 2D animation in the west almost entirely.
Adventure Time Season 1 –
I’ve been seeing cosplayers of this show at comic events for ages now, and
finally the relevant parties have wised up an have given us some Adventure Time
love. Judging by the amount of merchandise
already out there, Finn and Jake’s visit to the UK will be a long one.
The Rabbi’s Cat – Kind of
bending the rules as this hasn’t actually had a UK release yet, I doubt I’ll
have another opportunity to talk about this one (the US Blu-ray will work here
however so import away). The Rabbi’s Cat
is a mischievous film, poking fun at certain human conventions while critiquing
the inflexible and intolerant. You
wouldn’t think a film about a talking cat would be as intelligent as this, and
younger viewers may find it a little dry, but mature audiences will be fully
engaged while being stunned by the amazing artwork.
Other noteworthy titles:
King of Pigs
Kirikou and the Men and Women
Legend of Korra: Book One
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