“The Little Prince”, a co-American/French animated feature based on the classic 1943 children’s book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, proves that animation remains one of the most powerful forms of cinematic storytelling. Directed by Mark Osborne (“Kung Fu Panda”) and featuring a stellar, star-studded voice cast, this is a magical gem. Paramount was originally on track […]
If ever there was an animated franchise that’s been milked for all it’s worth, it’s “Ice Age” (though I’m not sure if you could actually milk Wooly Mammoths). What began as a noble and heartfelt, Oscar-nominated original back in 2002 (the first feature from Blue Sky Studios) is now four sequels, three shorts and two […]
Pixar’s breakthrough concept 21 years ago: What do toys do all day while their owners go to school or work? The latest feature from Illumination Entertainment, the creators of “Despicable Me”, poses the similar question: What do pets do all day while their owners are away from home? The answer is revealed early on in […]
I remember reading author Roald Dahl’s book, The BFG, in elementary school. Like many of Dahl’s stories, including James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr. Fox (all of which received terrific film adaptations), this tale was full of whimsy and wonder, with charming illustrations. Now The Big Friendly Giant […]
2003’s “Finding Nemo” is a Pixar classic. Fans knows it inside and out – from the jarring opening scene to “Just Keep Swimming”. Now, 13 years later, director Andrew Stanton dives back under the sea to tell a new tale – “Finding Dory” – which is better that it could’ve been, but not nearly as […]
Six long years ago, Tim Burton took us down the rabbit hole for his live-action version of Disney’s 1951 animated adventure “Alice in Wonderland”. It was the second highest-grossing movie of the year ($1 Billion+ worldwide), though not because of the quality of the film (many critics, including myself, thought it was extremely dull). “Alice” […]
Angry Birds is one of the most popular and successful apps of all-time. The game is energetic, wacky and completely addicting. With so many kids (and adults) attached to these characters, an animated feature film was a logical next step. Seven years after the game’s inception, Rovio, the franchise’s Finland-based animation company, brings us “The […]
Nearly 50 years after The Mouse House first adapted Rudyard Kipling’s iconic literary works for the screen with their animated musical “The Jungle Book” (the last film Walt Disney produced), a new version for a new generation has arrived. The 2016 “Jungle Book” is directed by Jon Favreau, whose diversity of films include innocent “Elf”, […]
“Miracles from Heaven” comes from the same studios behind 2014’s emotionally effective faith-based, true-story family drama “Heaven is for Real”. That film starred Greg Kinnear as a minister and father of a little boy who suffered a near-death experience and, once he recovered, claimed to have seen and talked with God. Much of the focus […]
Sony Pictures Animation is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its first feature, “Open Season”, by continuing the franchise with the enjoyably amusing, direct-to-DVD fourth installment – “Open Season: Scared Silly”. Director David Feiss (the creator of “Cow and Chicken”) was head of story on the original “Open Season”. He nicely brings much of the high […]