The Final Take with Parker Mott

Frankenweenie.

Frankenweenie may be a return to Tim Burton’s past, but it’s not quite a return to form. This is an example of a filmmaker who employs all his tools and tricks, but can’t find a way to twist out the awe – or, what might be more accurate for Burton, morbidity. His latest film, a 3D stop-motion monster romp, is not at the mediocrity of Burton’s last two efforts Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows, but it feels for too much of its 87 minutes unremarkably Burton-lite. (continue reading…)

Rating: PG
Run Time: 100 minutes

Our fire red-haired heroine Merida cocks her bow in "Brave".

Only in a blue moon would I consider Pixar to be in a slump. This renowned animation studio, ever since the rise of Woody and Buzz in 1995’s Toy Story, has generally produced quality animated films to young, dewey-eyed audiences and, miraculously to boot, the adults who were dragged in. Fusing adult themes with children entertainment has been Pixar’s cross to bear. But after the dreadful Cars 2 and the now woefully disappointing Brave Pixar currently has lost that star from their lapel. (continue reading…)

3 Stars out of 4
(94 minutes)

"The Secret World of Arrietty".

I imagine a world like the one in The Secret World of Arrietty. It looks normal to our eyes, but it is built to the needs of borrowers. They use nails to climb walls, tissues for duvets, string for climbing rope, and mantel shelves to scale houses. Their kitchen is something I might use for Playmobile. The rats in the house are predators, so a borrower must use a pin for defense. Yes, they borrow, not “steal”. They take trivial items from house owners and make do. There’s something fantastical about this small world. (continue reading…)

Hold your horses!

This Oscar category should really be called the Best Animated Pixar Film, because since 2001 (when this category was introduced) Pixar has taken it six times. But this is the first time since 2005 that Pixar’s annual film wasn’t nominated. Wise choice. Cars 2 was joyless – all exhaust, no engine. This year, however, will not transcend the annals of animation. The best animated film of 2011 was thankfully nominated by the Academy, and without a doubt it will win. To find out what it is, you must read below… You like how I coerced you there? (continue reading…)

1.5 Stars out of 4
(106 minutes)

Cars 2: a franchise that curiously felt the need to go for another spin.

Cars 2 is like returning to an old, rusty automobile only to notice, right when turning the ignition, it is just as clunky – if not, more. In other words, before the plot’s wheels of Cars 2 even start turning you can tell this franchise was, and still is, out of gas. Okay, the car puns stop here. But so does the fun. (continue reading…)

3 Stars out of 4
(107 minutes)

The sacred parchment scroll beheld by our heroes in "The Adventures of Tintin."

If you thought Indiana Jones was your archetypal adventure tale, you haven’t seen nothing yet. With The Adventures of Tintin, director Steven Spielberg does not want to fly but soar across this world in the mighty, vividly alive motion capture animation – but not the kind that made Scrooge look a few wrinkles shy of a hag in A Christmas Carol. This time, this world truly moves, with characters who glide swiftly with natural human movements. It’s uncanny to see reality mesh with “cartoon.” (continue reading…)

2.5 Stars out of 4
(69 minutes)

Pooh and the gang in Winnie The Pooh.

I had to choke back the tears as Winnie The Pooh opened, showing its stuffed animal characters scattered throughout a bedroom we have resided in and listened to their stories for almost a century. Just then, you know this new short-and-sweet Winnie The Pooh is for nostalgic purposes only, or a kind introduction to the younger generation. (continue reading…)

3 Stars out of 4
(122 minutes)
*EXCLUSIVE TO SHORT CUTS

A villain turns good and cradles our heroes in Castle In The Sky.

The opening to Castle In The Sky proves animation can be action-oriented, and smart. Such characteristics remain in the meandering, at times too bombastic Castle In The Sky. It’s about a young Princess Sheeta (voiced by Anna Paquin) who carries a blue orb that will guide her to the floating castle Laputa (a name originating in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels), a fortress aloof and the destination that stores our characters’ hopes and desires.

Sheeta is acquainted with a miner boy named Pazu (v.b. James Van Der Beek) and they embark on a mission that involves them fleeing from pirates and the military. It’s a whimsical tale, ridden with action and a little bit of swashbuckling between the two protagonists. Miyazaki bombards the action here but it never flushes out the cuteness of this spectacle. Castle In The Sky is about hopes, dreams, and the temptations of gliding free. The film also believes villains can become heroes too, and - for me - that’s enchanting enough.

2.5 Stars out of 4
(103 minutes)

Kiki (v.b. Kirsten Dunst) cordially brings a gift in Kiki's Delivery Service.

I always wished I could fly. Slowly ascending into the light, buoyant skies, weightless above and below the world’s wonders. It’s impossible, I know, and a base jump just wouldn’t be the same. So in that I envy Kiki, the hero of Hayao Miyazaki’s new, light adventure Kiki’s Delivery Service. Our hero is a witch but not the traditional evil one. She is a good witch in a trouble-free world. (continue reading…)

2 Stars out of 4
(90 minutes)

The Furious Five jump for joy in the mostly joyless Kung Fu Panda 2.

Po (Jack Black), the amiable Kung Fu Panda, is on a quest for his Inner Peace in, you guessed it, Kung Fu Panda 2, a film that’s best accomplishment is its high regard for Chinese culture. Amidst the mayhem, self-conscious jabbering, and comfy-goofy plot bromides Kung Fu Panda 2′s story admires the Chengdu landscape and architecture, while its big furry hero gets his Zen on. Unfortunately, the Zen here feels more like tranquilizer darts. (continue reading…)