Incredibly steeped in Irish mythology and folklore, it’s a visually distinctive and emotionally affecting story of a boy saving his sister, and by extension his family. Beautifully animated, it lives up to the reputation of Cartoon Saloon.
Relentless, gripping, and epic in scale. Beautiful wide vistas of Spitfires chasing Messerschmitts. Tight and claustrophobic in the bowels of sinking ships. Thrilling and tense.
A fantastic performance by Judi Dench, who disappears into Philomena. Steve Coogan is, well, Steve Coogan. He did write an entertaining film.
Essentially a feature-length variety show from 1979, with a parade of cameos, a slow pace, and, of course, the charm of the Muppets.
A modern masterpiece, from the songs to character design, animation, and plotting. It really bounces along at quite a clip. The ballroom scene hits you over the head, but even Be Our Guest showcases the possibilities of computer animation. Almost perfectly executed, fascinating advances in animation, and a well-told story.
Viewed: 4 March 2022
Directed by: Joe Dante
Listed in: Movies, netflix
A live-action cartoon, every setup exists only for the next gag. It can’t be taken seriously (what convention is held on Christmas Eve!?), its logic is absurd, and it revels in chaotic energy. Gremlins is ridiculous and kind of perfect.
A colossal achievement, hard to believe this is 85 years old. Watch all the raindrops in the climatic fight! They make it a little easier with only three realistic humans, but then they add more and more cartoon animals. It's never one chipmunk, it's 16! Amazing.
The story and concept are the strongest part. Dragged down by an uneven production. It feels low-budget and never finds enough creativity to overcome it. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is good.
Exquisitely made, thinking man's Fifty Shades of Grey.
Fantastic bureaucracy until the elevator descends into the basement and into indulgent fantasy. It’s such a singular version of the world I just want to keep exploring it and it’s witty details. Full of wonderful one-liners, throwaway gags, and perfect casting.
