★★ It is finally time for the colorful, magical, musical return of Giselle, post happily ever after! Revisiting the kingdom of New York City a long time since we last caught up with these characters is a rush that unfortunately wears off too quickly. In spite of a nearly fifteen-year-long wait, Disenchanted fails to live … Continue reading Film Review: Disenchanted
Film Review: Slumberland
★★ 1989’s Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland has been a favorite of mine for years, so to say I was ambivalent about a live action remake would be an understatement. Still, I am always willing to give these types of films a proper chance, viewed on their own, separate from their animated superiors. Aladdin and … Continue reading Film Review: Slumberland
AIF 2022: Titina
★★★★ Every now and then, a wonderful film comes along to remind us what makes 2D-animation so special in the first place. In stunning Belgium/Norway collaboration Titina, we follow the very first exploration of the North Pole through the eyes of an absolutely adorable little dog. The perspective of spunky punk Titina adds an extra … Continue reading AIF 2022: Titina
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: The Munsters
★★★★ Rob Zombie’s long-anticipated love letter to the classic 60s series The Munsters has finally arrived in all its slapstick glory! I am happy to report that devotees of old-school humor and Zombie’s filmmaking in general will have a blast with this colorful ode to the horror/comedy shows of yesteryear. Clearly, Zombie is a huge … Continue reading Film Review: The Munsters
Film Review: Spirit Halloween: The Movie
★ When Spirit Halloween: The Movie was first announced, I was practically rejoicing. A horror film based around one of the most iconic Halloween stores of all time, headlined by Christopher Lloyd, and coming our way just in time for spooky season—what could possibly go wrong? Well, I can only answer this by saying some … Continue reading Film Review: Spirit Halloween: The Movie
Film Review: 13: The Musical
★ I should have seen the writing on the wall with Netflix’s new musical, the aptly titled 13: The Musical. For one thing, the review embargo is the actual release date and time it drops; while not an infallible measure of quality, this is often a sign that films are not up to par. Secondly, … Continue reading Film Review: 13: The Musical
Film Review: Luck
★★★ The addition of streaming options for newer animated films has only added to the breadth of variety, ideas, and fascinating filmmakers swirling around projects. Obviously, they cannot possibly all be winners. Too frequently, companies cater to the mindset of very young children as opposed to trying to reach a wider audience through the injection … Continue reading Film Review: Luck
Fantasia 2022: Princess Dragon
★★★★ Written and directed by Jean-Jacques Denis and Anthony Roux, Princess Dragon is a magical French animated fantasy that shines in its loving attention to detail, and Ghibli-esque heart. Like the best kinds of fairy tale movies, Princess Dragon begins with an age-old “once upon a time” before charting its story of friendship and celebrating … Continue reading Fantasia 2022: Princess Dragon
Five Must-See Films at 2022’s Fantasia International Film Festival
With 2022's Fantasia International Film Festival steadily making its approach, there is no better time to prioritize under-the-radar titles that could slip through the cracks! After the jump, check out five exciting titles we recommend going out of one's way to see at this year's fest! GOODBYE, DON GLEES! Saturday, July 16th Animation, Drama Goodbye, … Continue reading Five Must-See Films at 2022’s Fantasia International Film Festival