4K Blu-Ray Film Review: Coraline & Paranorman

Since 2009, LAIKA has been one of my favorite animation studios, and for good reason. The quality practically speaks for itself—nearly every entry in their impressive filmography has been nominated for prestigious awards, including Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Through the gorgeous use of stop motion animation, LAIKA has proved that the medium is not … Continue reading 4K Blu-Ray Film Review: Coraline & Paranorman

Film Review: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

★★★★★ Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio has been in the works for so long that I can barely fathom its release is finally imminent. Containing all the stunning beauty that only stop-motion animation can bring, this version of Pinocchio is dark, disturbing, and deeply moving. I have not felt this strongly amount a stop-motion movie since … Continue reading Film Review: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

AIF 2022: Unicorn Wars

★★★★ For some reason, Unicorn Wars has evaded me several times, despite screening at various different festivals that I was covering. Finally, I was able to check out this animated gem for the Animation is Film Festival! Effortlessly epitomizing everything I loved about gleefully demented cartoon Happy Tree Friends, this Spanish feature crams in more … Continue reading AIF 2022: Unicorn Wars

TV Review: Big Mouth – Season 6

America’s favorite extra-raunchy animated series is back with a vengeance in season six of Big Mouth! I, for one, consider this to be Netflix’s second-best animated outing, after the masterful Bojack Horseman. Unlike that show, Big Mouth does not give an iota of care to its big dramatic scenes; this series has always leaned heavily … Continue reading TV Review: Big Mouth – Season 6

NewFest 2022: Wendell & Wild

★★★★ As a lifelong fan of director Henry Selick’s work, I was excited for his newest creation, Wendell & Wild, from the second it was announced. Selick’s career has had a stunning trajectory, from beloved cult classics (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline) to unsung gems (Monkeybone, James and the Giant Peach). One visionary creator collaborates … Continue reading NewFest 2022: Wendell & Wild

Film Review: My Father’s Dragon

★★★★ Based on the famous children’s book, My Father’s Dragon is the newest movie from one of my favorite unsung animation studios, Cartoon Saloon. Responsible for such magical titles as The Secret of Kells and my personal favorite, Song of the Sea, Cartoon Brew always injects their films with a vibrant heart not dissimilar to … Continue reading Film Review: My Father’s Dragon

Film Review: Cool World Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray

★★★★ 1992’s Cool World wondrously mixes hand-drawn cartoon with live action and intricate sets, features animation and direction from the legendary Ralph Bakshi, and was released right in that sweet spot between 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit and 1996’s Space Jam. It even managed to secure an extremely fun (and supremely difficult) Super Nintendo game … Continue reading Film Review: Cool World Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray