(The Vintage Tempest)
There’s plenty of animated films to look at in the new year. Some are more interesting than others and herein, I make my Top Animated Picks of 2016 to look forward to. Instead of glancing at the films coming out of North America, I’m looking world-wide and the movies I see offered get diverse.
But before I get to the list, the following are my honourable mentions: Just because Finding Dory is PIXAR and I loved Finding Nemo, that does not mean this movie will be excellent. Thirteen years have passed (an unlucky number for the superstitious) since Nemo went home. In another film, I’m thinking the cat featured in Secret Life of Pets is the next Garfield. For the story featured in Henchman, I’m figuring this film can easily fit in the world of Mastermind although this movie is developed over at BRON Studios.
Animal Crackers (TBD)
Not to be confused with the Marx Brothers film of the same name, this animated fare looks at a life of the Huntington family who finds a magical box of said crackers who can change the eater into the animal they have pulled out from the box. This film has promise when there is an all-star cast assembled to provide the voices.
What’s especially lovable is the fact that it’s tough not to love a cartoon that Patrick Warburton is featured in; ever since Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, he does a great job at voicing one of my favourite characters from Toy Story. Not to be forgotten, the other stars include: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Ian McKellen, Danny DeVito, Sylvester Stallone, Wallace Shawn and Raven-Symoné.
Batman: The Killing Joke (TBA)
A lot of press was released when news of this Alan Moore story is getting turned into an animation. Mark Hamill wanted to come out of retirement (from doing the voice of the Joker) just to have the opportunity to voice the Clown Prince of Crime again! Yes, Luke Skywalker has a dark side. There’s no need to reread the graphic novel as this direct to video release should be faithful to the book. The Joker’s origins finally get an animated retelling, and it ought to be very dark and grim. The trials he puts Commissioner Gordon through is at the heart of this tale, and to see how he pulls though will require work from a top notch voice cast. So far, only Kevin Conroy and Hamill are confirmed to be part of this production.
This animated comic book video may well be the first to get an R rating if its to capture the edge that the original product excelled at.
Kubo and the Two Strings (August 19)
Studio LAIKA can do no wrong. They made the supernaturally fun Coraline, ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls. In their latest product, the team led by director Travis Knight, with the story by Emmy-winning Shannon Tindle (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends), are travelling to Feudal Japan to tell a tale about a young boy, Kubo, who has to tame the ghosts and monsters after him because one of them recognizes this child and perhaps, his past-life.
This movie has so much potential to really go the extra mile when exploring the supernatural side of Japan. To name a few, this film must at least feature yūrei and kappa. I have to wonder if this product will try to top the paranormal parade from Studio Ghibli’s Pom Poko?
Kung Fu Panda 3 (January 29)
There’s more story to tell about Po the hungry Panda. He’s the Dragon Warrior and there has to be an ultimate foe he will have to defeat. Just how his legacy begun is because of an accident. But by what other incident caused him to be adopted? Mr. Ping is a goose and while the television show Legends of Awesomeness offers a few clues, perhaps the third movie will provide answers. In this film, Po finally meets his father, and he travels to a village to rediscover his roots. Although that means seeing more of Po, I’m more concerned about how much screen time the Furious Five will get. Hopefully they are not forgotten. They will be needed to help Po when he faces his latest nemesis.
There’s also wishful thinking that, unlike Penguins of Madagascar the TV Series, the animated television show will continue after this film releases.
The Little Prince (March 18)
This animated adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry‘s literary masterpiece technically premiered in film festivals in 2015 and it will be getting a proper State-side release this year. This product blends CGI animation with stop-motion and that alone makes for curious cats to go investigate and perhaps fly to the moon too.
In this tale, there is a wrap-around story which is intriguing. A young girl meets an elderly neighbour who recounts his story of meeting a little boy who claims to be from asteroid B-612, where there exists three volcanoes and a rose. Just how much of the original tale will get recounted needs to be investigated.
Disney may be looking to replace their Lilo & Stitch property with Moana. Technically, this former Polynesian fable is retired from broadcast in North America, but Stitch! is still going strong in Japan with new specials in 2015. Disney Asia is a separate entity and I think I love them more than the company under North American leadership.
Little is known about this film other than the fact the title character is in search for a fabled island and she teams with a demigod to get there. What makes this film attractive is its mythic quality and Dwayne Johnson who voices this half-god. He certainly has the voice acting chops to pull off playing the titular Maui, but what’s especially hot is his roots. His maternal grandfather was from Hawaii! Perhaps The Rock is embracing his heritage.