Studio Ghibli has been producing hit animations for nearly 30 years and through Hayao Miyazaki has created some modern classics, most notably 2001's Spirited Away. While Miyazaki is at the heart of much of its output, he only occasionally turns his hand to feature length animations such as 2008s Ponyo. … [Read more...]
Review: 5 Centimetres Per Second (2007)
5 Centimetres Per Second is an hour long. Normally, films that are that length are direct to DVD horror/action flicks that didn't have the budget to make it longer, but this film is different. The story is told through three segments, each presenting a different snapshot of a life. There are three characters that 5 Centimetres Per Second focuses on, with two being the main … [Read more...]
Review: When the Wind Blows (1986)
The Cold War was a state that the Western world found itself in from the end of the Second World War right up until 1991. Tensions arose between USA, with allies NATO and what is now known as Russia and their satellite states. After the war as they were the remaining two super-powers, and having such profoundly different ideologies and politics caused great tension, which was … [Read more...]
Review: The Last Unicorn (1982)
It's difficult to compare The Last Unicorn to anything which has come before or after it. Part children's animation, part epic fantasy, part fable, Peter S. Beagle's adaptation of his original novel is as beautiful as it is simple, as sweet as it is sad and as enjoyable for adults as it is for children (perhaps even more so). An immortal unicorn (Mia Farrow) lives in her forest … [Read more...]
Review: Shrek 2 (2004)
The Shrek series is, it's fair to say, DreamWorks' most popular series of films, although I suppose it's possible that Kung Fu Panda may yet overtake it, and Shrek 2 is the best of the bunch. Grossing over $1 billion worldwide, it's certainly the most successful film of the franchise, and also marks the last time, at least until recent prequel Puss in Boots, that the series was … [Read more...]
Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
One Disney tale that is sure to put children off eating their 5-a-day is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney has always prided itself as being an innovative production company and surpassed itself when creating this story, becoming the first American animated feature film created in full colour. To gain perspective of the reception Disney showcased the film once in December … [Read more...]
Review: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A Tale as old as Time¦Disney again catches the imagination of all children in the 1991 hit, Beauty and The Beast. Mindful of its audience Disney creates another film with an important message. Looks are not the be all and end all, despite what many think. Disney jumps on the band wagon to teach children that to respect people of all backgrounds is a trait no one should grow up … [Read more...]
Review: The Iron Giant (1999)
The Iron Giant is an animated film directed by Brad Bird and based on the Ted Hughes book The Iron Man. Loosely stylistically based on Hayao Miyazaki's ˜Clear Line Technique' it avoids the similarities of a Disney film by being a proper, realistically drawn film. In total it cost $70m to make and only took $23m at the box office, making it a clear commercial flop. However, a … [Read more...]
Review: The Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists (2012)
Waiting for an Aardman film requires patience and understanding. With the advent of computer-generated animation, the wait has been reduced which leaves cinema-goers in the enviable position of having had two released within 6 months of each other. Arthur Christmas was a treat for the wintery season, but now we have a fully-fledged claymation film in the form of The Pirates! In … [Read more...]
Review: Coraline (2009)
Welcome to The Twilight Zone for kids in another Henry Selick production, Coraline. The audience will see childhood fun and frolics take on a sinister edge and bringing the characters to life are Dakota Fanning as Coraline with Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman featuring as her parents. Henry Selick uses his famous stylistic way of film animation making this piece of work instantly … [Read more...]