They are some of the best films being made today.
There’s a genius in the execution.
There’s a genius in the writing.
The worlds they create. The stories they tell.
Astounding stuff.
Robert De Niro and Tom Hanks to Don Rickles and Chris Rock.
Matt Damon and Judi Dench to George Clooney and Meryl Streep.
It’s Hollywood’s A-list on their A-game.
Betcha can’t watch just one.
Synopsis: “The first-ever animated film adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s iconic masterpiece. A little girl lives in a very grown-up world with her mother, who tries to make sure she is prepared for it. Her neighbor The Aviator, an eccentric, kind-hearted old man, introduces the girl to an extraordinary world where anything is possible.”
Review: “An emotional, inspiring and touching homage to Antoine Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece.”
Movieko: Two wonderfully different animation styles. One wonderful movie! With a refined ‘classic storytelling’ feel, it’s overflowing with quality on every level and teeming with wonderful voices; Albert Brooks, Jeff Bridges, James Franco, Ricky Gervais, Rachel McAdams, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd. Despite the fact it might be a little hard for younger kids to follow, “The Little Prince” is King.
Synopsis: “Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, with his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy.”
Review: “Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends finally arrive on the big screen in a movie that sticks close to the gently comical tone of the comic strip that launched in 1950 and the vintage TV shows from the 1960s and 1970s. Sweetly nostalgic, relatively unambitious but a treat for the adults who grew up with them.”
Cartoonsko: Nothing new here, except how it looks. Charlie Brown still can’t fly a kite, kick a football or get the girl. Snoopy’s still chasing the Red Baron. Lucy’s still charging 5-cents at her psychiatrist booth. (Do kids today even know what a nickel is?) The voices still sound about the same. There’s still not a lot of diversity. (Asians, Hispanics and Muslims need not apply.) There is a token black. (Or was that Pig-Pen?) And Peppermint Patty has still not “come out.” Is it a little out of touch? Yes. Does it matter? No. It’s still funny. And it’s still a lot of fun to watch. (Even if you’re just a kid.)
PS: My favorite part was Schroeder playing along with, and becoming part of, the 21st Century Fox opening.
Golden Globes Nominee:
Best Animated Feature Film
Synopsis: “Asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? An Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend and learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of. ”
Review: “The Good Dinosaur delivers thrillingly beautiful animation in service of a worthy story that, even if it doesn’t quite live up to the lofty standards set by Pixar, still adds up to charming, family-friendly entertainment.”
Cartoonsko: Asteroid misses earth. Man and dinosaurs live together like “The Flintstones.” I hear The Creation Museum wants to show it 24/7. The CGI is astounding (of course) and the story has an overall wholesome feel. Compared to what else is out there, it may not be great. But it is good.
Golden Globes Nominee:
Best Animated Feature Film
Synopsis: “Shaun is a mischievous sheep living with his flock at Mossy Bottom Farm. Tired from the monotony of life on the farm, he hatches a plan for a day off. However, he accidentally sends the sleeping farmer to the big city inside a runaway travel trailer. Then everyone ends up in the big city. Now it’s up to Shaun to return the flock and farmer safely to the green grass of home.”
Review: “Warm, funny, and brilliantly animated, another stop-motion jewel in the Aardman’s family-friendly crown. It’s essentially a silent movie, evoking the world of the great slapstick comedians, from Charles Chaplin and Buster Keaton to Jacques Tati.”
Moviko: I’ve heard of “no talking” during the movie. But “no talking” in the movie? Not one word was spoken. And I was left speechless. From the people who brought you “Wallace and Gromit” and “Chicken Run,” get ready for Shaun and the flock as they go “on the lamb.” At one point, Shaun and Blitzer his dog are causing a ruckus. All of a sudden, George Thorogood’s “Baaaaaaaaaaad to the Bone” starts to play. The most over used song in the history of film and FINALLY somebody uses it right?! So British. So funny. For shear fun, this film’s hard to bleat.
Oscar Nominee:
Best Animated Feature Film
Synopsis: “The Minions trio, Stuart, Bob and Kevin, embark upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind from annihilation.”
Review: “How do you craft a film about a hoard of nearly identical yellow oval creatures who speak no identifiable language and live solely to serve the most evil master they can find? Rather successfully, it turns out. Minions has an eccentricity and quirky charm that can only be described as very British. It’s going to be one of the biggest hits of the year.”
Cartoonsko: They’re small. They’re yellow. They’re cute. They’re evil. And they’re funny as hell. They have their own language. They have their own history. They have their own Summer Blockbuster! The world will never be the same. (Especially England.) Enjoy the voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, and Steve Carell. Enjoy the music of The Spencer Davis Group, Donovan, The Turtles, The Kinks, The Who, The Monkees and The Beatles. Enjoy yourself! Enjoy Minions! I give it ‘two thumbs up’ and three cheers out to Stuart, Bob, Kevin and the entire Minion throng!
(Spoiler Alert: Bob wears a thong!)
Now the minions would like to say something.
Stuart: “Tulaliloo ti amo!”
Kevin: “Tank yu!”
Bob: “Poopaye!”
That’s minion-speak for “We love you!” “Thank you!” and “Good bye!”
They sure have a way with words don’t they?
Synopsis: Riley, a young girl, is uprooted from her Midwest life and moves with her parents to San Francisco. Riley and her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Sadness (Phyllis Smith) and Anger (Lewis Black) – struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco.
Review: Inventive, gorgeously animated, and powerfully moving. Pixar has truly outdone themselves, delivering their most intelligent, ambitious, and flat-out best film yet.
Cartoonsko: First of all, I loved it. All these Pixar, Dreamworks, Studio Ghibli, Disney, Illumination, Blue Sky Studios “cartoons” are visually stunning. They’re magical, breathtaking, amazing. (Even the ‘bad’ ones.) The critics seem to really like this one because of its ‘sophisticated message.’ (I liked it anyway.) Who watches cartoons for messages? Let alone sophisticated messages? As long as it’s fun to watch, what’s not to like? It’s a cartoon! In fact, why even write a review about a cartoon? (Oops.) The film was a Joy, with a little Sadness, Fear and Disgust thrown in for good measure. But for me, Anger (Lewis Black), steals the show. Maybe I was channeling a little Anger as I wrote this? (Did I mention I loved it!) Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oscar Nominee:
Best Animated Feature Film
Won Golden Globe for:
Best Animated Feature Film
( I’m Just here to help.)
BRAVE (2012)
From Pixar/Disney. Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time. It’s like a 21st century version of a good ol’ Disney animated movie. Visually spectacular. Funny. Touching. And it won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
MEGAMIND (2010)
Good vs Evil with a real twist. It spoofs and pays homage to the superhero genre. Crazy characters with all-star voices: Will Ferrell, Jonah Hill, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, David Cross, J.K. Simmons and Ben Stiller.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2010)
Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature. Whether you have a dragon or not, don’t let too much time drag on before you see this one. (Sorry. I couldn’t resist.)
TANGLED: (2010)
Disney. Rapunzel. Songs. Fun. Nominated for Golden Globe’s Best Animated Feature.
CORALINE (2009)
The quality on EVERY level, this stop-motion film exudes, from frame 1 to frame 144,768 will… blow… your… mind. You have been warned. Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (2009)
With all the food raining down I’m guessing some shrooms fell from the sky before the writers got to work on this one. Nominated for Golden Globe Best Animated Feature. Special thanks to creators, and Pratt Institute graduates, Judi Barrett (Author) and Ronald Barrett (Illustrator). You’ll eat it up!
FANTASTIC MR. FOX (2009)
Directed by Wes Anderson. Screenplay by Wes Anderson. Need more? Ok. How about nominated for Best Animated Feature Oscar and features the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe and Owen Wilson. Need more? (Please never darken this site again.)
UP (2009)
The main character, Carl, is based on Spencer Tracy. Ed Asner is the voice of Carl. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. If you’re making a “must see” list, jot down UP.
BOLT (2008)
He’s a dog starring in his own Super Hero TV Show. Trouble is, nobody has told Bolt his powers aren’t real. Via a mix-up, Bolt ends up in NYC on his own. Separated from his co-star, the film becomes the 21st century version of “Lassie Come Home.” Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature. Plus an all-star voice cast. I give it “Two Milk-Bones up!”
PS: I loved Susie Essman as the jaded, abandoned housecat, now alley cat, named Mittens.
WALL.E (2008)
WALL.E gets an A! He really takes out the trash. Won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
BEE MOVIE (2007)
Bee-ware of negative reviews. The critics gave it a “C.” If you’re a fan of Seinfeld you’ll give it an “A.” Jerry wrote it and stars in it. His ‘voice’ really comes through. Fun Seinfeldian premise. Fun Seinfeldian lines. The animation could Bee better, but it’s still terrific. Contains sort of a scientific/moral explanation on why humans need bee’s. (And it’s not just BEE-cause.)
CARS (2006)
You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico. Flagstaff, Arizona don’t forget Winona. Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino and more! Owen Wilson plays the lead car. He’s joined by Cheech Marin as the the low rider. George Carlin as the VW Bus (covered with flowers and a peace sign). Michael Keaton as the villain/arch-rival. Bob Costas as ‘Bob Cutlass’ the TV commentator. With Paul Newman, who’s been to the races, as the older and wiser ’51 Hudson. Of all the Pixar “Cars” and “Planes” animated films, this is the one to watch. Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature.
PS: I haven’t seen cars talk since “My Mother The Car.”
THE INCREDIBLES (2004)
These super heroes keep it all in the family. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. I would say it’s incredible, but words can’t describe how incredible it is. The only thing more incredible, will be if you don’t watch it. (Or if I say “incredible” again.)
( I’m Just here to help.)
SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE (2015)
Another stop-motion masterpiece from the people who brought you “Wallace & Gromit.” Not one word was spoken and I was speechless. So British. So funny. For shear fun, this film’s hard to bleat. (If you’re groaning or rolling your eyes you might want to exit the site while you still can.)
THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (2015)
A giant pickle canon. Sponge Bob in tighty-whiteys. A pirate (Antonio Banderas) playing cards with seagulls. Welcome to Bikini Bottom! Traditional animation morphs to a CGI/live-action hybrid. It’s SpongeBob and friends, like you’ve never seen them before.
INSIDE OUT (2015)
Sort of a “little chick” flick – for everyone. So well done. Nominated for Movieko’s Best Animated Feature. PS: Loved Lewis Black as “Anger.” (Speaking of type casting?)
THE BOOK OF LIFE (2014)
A animated Mexican fantasy. Mexican characters. Mexican bull fights. Nominated for Golden Globe Best Animated Feature. The character design is increíble! ¡Mucho gutso!
It’s about time we snuck over their boarder. ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiióóóóóóó!!!!!!!
BIG HERO 6 (2014)
“6” is a 10. So stunning on all levels. Won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (2014)
When Peabody and Sherman jump in the WABAC machine it’s like old times. But when the space-time continuum gets a tear, that’s when the real fun begins. Plus the “Peabody Puns” are so punny! (No pun in ten did.)
THE LEGO MOVIE (2014)
Brick for brick it’s pure gold. Nominated for a Golden Globe Best Animated Feature. Looks as if entire movie was created with real Legos. (Spoiler Alert: There isn’t one real Lego in the entire movie.)
SONG OF THE SEA (2014)
No CGI? They call this animation!? I’m writing my congressman. (Who is my congressman?)
A Scottish legend brought to life about a young girl who escapes from home, journeys to the sea, transforms into a seal and frees fairy creatures trapped in the modern world. (Ho-hum. Been there. Done that.) Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature. (CGI, SchmiGI! This one gets the Movieko seal of approval.)
THE CROODS (2013)
Cavemen come out in the light. It’s the worlds first family. The voices of Nicolas Cage and Ema Stone. Nominated for Best Animated Feature Oscar. The film should have ended with a cave painting of “two thumbs up.”
FRANKENWEENIE (2012)
A Tim Burton, stop-motion, black and white horror movie spoof. Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature. Don’t be a weenie. Don’t miss Frankenweenie!
DESPICABLE ME (2010)
If you don’t see this one, despicable you! Nominated for Golden Globe Best Animated Feature.
DESPICABLE ME 2 (2013)
If you don’t see this one, despicable you 2X’s! Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature.
MINIONS (2015)
It’s the tiny, yellow, cute, evil, funny guys from Despicable Me 1&2. You gotta see this one. (You’re not that despicable are you?)
PARANORMAN (2012)
The animated version of “I see dead people” but with a sense of humor. Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature. One of the main characters, Mitch, is gay. Making him the first openly gay character in a mainstream animated film. (I don’t think this one was produced by Disney;)
RANGO (2011)
A Spaghetti Western for kids! Starring Johnny Depp as a chameleon who’s just trying to blend in. Could have been titled, “The Good the Bad and the Chameleon.” Won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN – THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN (2011)
From the comic series by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, Steven Spielberg creates a 3D motion capture computer-animated epic. The voices of Daniel Craig and Simon Pegg. It won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. In spots, it looks so “live action” it’s ridiculous. If you’re only gong to watch one CGI animated film, watch this is one. On second thought, don’t. This one might spoil you. I give it, “Two bazillion pixels up!”
Synopsis: “SpongeBob SquarePants, the world’s favorite sea dwelling invertebrate, comes ashore to our world for his most super-heroic adventure yet. When a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret formula for Krabby Patties (the main form of sustenance) it throws all of Bikini Bottom into a terrible apocalypse.”
Review: “A colorful burst of manic fun. Under the expert guidance of TV series writer/director Paul Tibbitt, sophisticated adult gags jostle with inspired childish silliness, each element dovetailing for increased inventiveness.”
Movieko: Wanna see a giant pickle canon? Wanna see SpongeBob in is tighty-whities? Wanna see Antonio Banderas play a pirate who plays cards with seagulls? (“Anybody got a seven? Go fish.”) You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Bikini Bottom.
While SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Plankton, Hulk, Sandy and Mr. Krabs are under the sea, the film is traditional animation. But when they hit dry land a CGI/live-action hybrid takes over. Eventually they all end up morphing into Avengers-esque versions of themselves. It’s SpongeBob and friends like you’ve never seen them before!
PS: There were a lot of real bikini bottom’s in the live action. (These “kids” films always have something for Dads.)
cartoonsko 