Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The Dellies - 2012 Best Animated Feature

Today we dive into what is probably the most fun category. Every year tons of kiddie fare hits the theater. Truthfully, much of it is annoying and overly simple. That said, when one of these movies gets it right it can be a truly wonderful viewing experience. The movies below got it right. Click on the titles of my nominees and honorable mentions to read my full reviews.


2012 - Best Animated Feature

The Real Nominees: Brave (Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman), Frankenweenie (Tim Burton), ParaNorman (Sam Fell and Chris Butler), The Pirates! Band of Misfits (Peter Lord), Wreck-It Ralph (Rich Moore)


My Nominees


Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Brave is a beautiful looking film. Beginning with our heroine’s expertly rendered hair, it’s a wonderful mix of photo-realistic scenery and cartoonish people. Nearly every frame has a touch or two that are a treat to lay eyes on.

Directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler
The characters on the screen are plenty scared, but their plight is handled with a good deal of levity. And the jokes actually work.

Directed by Peter Lord
Verbally, Pirates prefers subtly inserted punchlines to the obvious or crass. All of this comes together in a solid package.

Directed by Peter Ramsey
It’s possible to see the entire plot as a test of faith and what happens if we don’t have it. No, this doesn't get preachy and it’s not an advertisement for any religion. However, the theme is present. More than any of this, it’s just plain fun to watch.


Directed by Rich Moore
There’s more to this movie than being pretty and loud. It eventually becomes a redemption tale. That much is expected. What’s not is the complexity of the redeeming and how many actually go through it.


Honorable Mention:
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted


The Real Winner: Brave (Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman)


And My Winner Is...

Rise of the Guardians
Directed by Peter Ramsey
On the surface, things boil down to that good guys/bad guy stuff. That aspect alone is fun, but there’s more to it than that. It plays on our childhood hopes and fears to create both excitement and dread.


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