KHUMBA- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Rejected by his superstitious herd, a half-striped zebra embarks on a daring quest to earn his stripes but finds the courage and self-acceptance to save all the animals of the Great Karoo.”
12/6/13- A surprisingly good review for this animated movie. TRDB.
Add comment December 6th, 2013
EPIC- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Magically transported to an enchanted forest, a teenage girl joins forces with a scruffy group of residents fighting a battle against evil — and soon realizes they must win to save both their world and hers.”
5/24/13- Mediocre reviews for this animated movie in general and from the NY Times in today’s review. TRDB.
Add comment May 24th, 2013
THE PAINTING- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In this wryly inventive parable, a kingdom is divided into the three castes: the impeccably painted Alldunns who reside in a majestic palace; the Halfies who the Painter has left incomplete; and the untouchable Sketchies, simple charcoal outlines who are banished to the cursed forest.”
5/10/13- This animated movie got a wonderful review in today’s NY Times saying that it was suitable for adults as well as children. TRDB.
Add comment May 12th, 2013
CONSUMING SPIRITS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “The lives of three co-workers at a Midwestern newspaper intertwine in unexpected ways in this unique animated work by artist Chris Sullivan. Sullivan spent 15 years hand-animating the film, using multiple techniques to express character and drama.”
Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment January 3rd, 2013
IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY- 2012. Synopsis by IMDB. “Bill struggles to put together his shattered psyche, in this new feature film version of Don Hertzfeldt’s animated short film trilogy.”
10/5/12- Excellent early reviews including a very good one in today’s NY Times- calling it unsettling as well as liking it. TRDB.
TRDB.
Add comment October 6th, 2012
A CAT IN PARIS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this Oscar-nominated animated feature, little Zoe discovers that her cat, Dino, moonlights as the companion to Nico, a burglar with a heart of gold. Soon Zoe is drawn into a thriller filled with gangsters, jewels and the rooftops of Paris.”
Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment May 23rd, 2012
THE PIRATES: BAND OF MISFITS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This animated tale follows a pirate captain from the high seas to the streets of London as he strives to win the Pirate of the Year Award. But to snag the coveted prize, he’ll have to beat his dreaded rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz. Featuring an all-star cast that includes the voices of Hugh Grant, Jeremy Piven and Salma Hayek.”
4/30/12- We took our grandchildren to see this– ages 7 and 4. The animation and technique were very good and a pleasure to watch in 3D. The story is incidental. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment April 30th, 2012
CHICO & RITA- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Fernando Trueba and artist Javier Mariscal collaborate on this animated celebration of Cuban music that features pianist Bebo Valdés and other jazz greats in an epic story of romance, ambition and glamour set in the 1940s. Chico (voiced by Eman Xor Oña) is a gifted pianist and composer who falls in love with Rita (Limara Meneses), an equally talented singer, but her rise to success in America tears their romance apart.” Great professional reviews but so-so audience reaction so far. TRDB.
2/10/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
10/9/12- Great music along with a good old fashioned story and I liked it. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2012
THE ILLUSIONIST- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Compelled to perform in obscure venues as his profession becomes overshadowed by rock stars, a magician gets an emotional boost when a girl from a remote Scottish village believes he possesses real magic in this animated film. She comes with him to the city and takes care of his domestic chores while he performs. Delighted by her enthusiasm, the Illusionist begins “magically” acquiring generous presents for her in spite of his limited finances.” Good professional reviews but only fair audience reviews.
2/11- What were they thinking? Boring for sure and I’d suggest you don’t go to see it. TRDB. At the theater.
Add comment December 4th, 2010