As my review of Transformers One have shown, not every film is worth checking out. That’s because I’m a die-hard fan of the original and Prime series. When this work completely changes the lore around, it’s fallen out of my list.
Also, there’s two films which have yet to make a North American side debut. They deserve an honourable mention, and nobody should be surprised that White Snake 3 and The Royal Cat, both Chinese animated movies needs to get marketed here. And there’s also Mononoke: The Movie from Japan!
THE WILD ROBOT
Sept 27
Chris Sanders is back, working at DreamWorks and I couldn’t be any happier. He’s done wonders with fond properties like Lilo & Stitch as well as How to Train Your Dragon. Whether that’s as an illustrator or director, there’s something about his visual style which makes those works stand out. Now that he’s helming this adaptation of Peter Brown’s bestselling illustrated book of the same name, and how he’ll apply his trademark should be exciting.
SPELLBOUND
Nov 22
When Skydance Animation proved itself with a straight to video Luck, they showed just how much passion is significant to making any movie sparkle. Their debut film offered a spirited story about a girl who is unlucky, and the one word said it all. With their latest, Spellbound is getting a better distribution service (not everyone wants to subscribe to Apple), and the idea here concerns a young lady who must break a curse. Apparently a spell has turned her parents into monsters, and she wants them to resume mortal form.
MOANA 2
November 27
This sequel has a lot to live up to, especially when eight years have passed since the release of the original.
The first was very witty and showed how Dwayne Johnson can sing, and in this tale, what this film can do to one up that fun, spirited adventure will require more than another song. This movie better offer something new in what’s beloved about the folklore from this region rather than be a Disney princess sequel.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS:
THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM
Dec 13
There are a lot of expectations riding on this animated series that’s set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s an original work if I remember the past news correctly, and instead of drawing from The Silmarillion, it’s a tale to which fans will no doubt want to pluck apart. And since this film also classified as anime, fans can at least enjoy some spectacular stylized fights that only sentai can offer, as we learn more about why Helm’s Deep exists. This fortress is home to the mighty King of Rohan—Helm Hammerhand, after all.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3
Dec 20
Although Jim Carrey announced his retirement, to not have him in another Sonic movie would be a grave injustice. Whatever the producers said or whatever made him decide to reverse the decision, the fact he’s back is very important especially when considering where the second film left him off as. Not much needs to be said other than the universe has opened up, and with animated stars as the lead, there’s lots to look forward to as I feel this is the only video game to movie adaptation that has exceeded expectations.
Discover more from Otaku no Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
