THE WILD ROBOT (2024, animation)

January 2, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. With four outstanding animated films released in 2024, this one adapted from Peter Brown’s 2016 book by director Chris Sanders (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, 2010) stands above the others thanks to a tremendous story and fascinating characters. This is one for all ages and all types of movie lovers. It’s simply that good.

A new-age robot washes ashore. With no assigned customer and no programmed task, “Roz” is a bit confused on how best to proceed. This leads to a trip into the forest where she shifts to ‘learning’ mode, and soon enough is speaking to the various wild animals – finding ways to ‘help’ most of them. It’s a terrific opening few sequences drawing us in with awe and surprisingly … character connection. A tragic accident finds an undersized and orphaned gosling basically playing “Are You My Mother?” with Roz. The 1960 book by that name is a kids’ classic written by PD Eastman and edited by Dr. Seuss, and re-read countless times by most parents.

What follows is an incredible adventure featuring many different creatures, each with distinct personalities. Only these aren’t the cartoon characters we are accustomed to seeing in animation. None here are training for a solo on stage or strategizing to escape the zoo. These are wild animals in nature, and sometimes bad things happen … and sometimes good things happen. As bonds are formed and trust gained, it’s wonderful to see the community come together. Much/most of the story revolves around three outcasts: Roz the robot who is searching for her task, Brightbill the gosling who is ignored by the skein of geese migrating, and Fink the fox whose loneliness matches his sly manipulations.

A talented and deep voice cast includes Lupita Nyong’O (Roz), Pedro Pascal (Fink the fox), Kit Connor (undersized and orphaned Brightbill), Bill Nighy (Longneck, leader of the geese), Stephanie Hsu (Vontra, leader of the retrieval bots), scene-stealing Matt Berry (Paddler the beaver), Ving Rhames (Thunderbolt, hawk), Mark Hamill (Thorn the grizzly bear), Catherine O’Hara (Pinktail the possom). It’s a lineup of celebrities, but this is no ego exhibition. The characters are developed and story is multi-faceted. Some scenes are tense, while others are capped with humorous moments (“male bovine excrement” cracked me up). There is an overall guiding message of kindness, cooperation, and putting others ahead of self.

The film’s score is by Oscar winner Kris Bowers, and Dreamworks, in their ongoing rivalry with Pixar, has delivered depth and artistry instead of the usual cash grab on project for kids. Without a specific task to complete, Roz manages to be a guiding light for Brightbill and a partner to Fink, all while being an asset to the community … even though she looks a bit worse for wear by the end. For those who typically shy away from animation, this one is worthy of a watch. This is expert filmmaking.

WATCH THE TRAILER

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

December 21, 2013

nightmare1 Greetings again from the darkness. Somehow it’s been a full 20 years since this groundbreaking film was released. It’s a rare combination of cult and holiday, and even all these years later, it’s incredibly entertaining. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the lead character is a societal misfit who means well. After all, the story is based on a Tim Burton poem.

While watching the film, what strikes me is that this was a totally unique and creative world designed by Burton and director Henry Selick. Mr. Selick is a stop-motion expert known also for Coraline (Oscar nominated) and James and the Giant Peach. Complimenting the fantastical look and characters are the witty songs penned by Danny Elfman. Mr. Elfman is now one of the most prolific and successful composers working in the movie industry. At the time, he was better known as the front man for the party band Oingo Boingo (his Batman score changed that!).

nightmare2 Since Pixar began it’s (well earned) domination of the animation world in 1995, we have come to expect major stars as voice actors. However, we landed inn Halloween Town prior to Pixar, so instead of big stars, we get Danny Elfman (singing) and Chris Sarandon (speaking) teaming up for Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Catherine O’Hara is effective as Sally, Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) stands out as Lock (of Lock, Shock and Barrel). The two most outstanding voice performances come from the late William Hickey as Dr Finkelstein (mad scientist), and Broadway star Ken Page as bad guy (and worm-infested) Oogie Boogie.

There has been debate on whether this is best served as a Halloween movie or Christmas movie. The desire and hope to bring positive change to the world seems to fit the Christmas spirit, but the goblins and ghouls are sure to provide a nightmare3nice scare for young kids. Especially fun are the “new toys” created by the work crews in Halloween Town as they prepare for a good will holiday they don’t quite understand.

Whatever your preferred time of year, this one is to be appreciated for it’s creative look and imaginative story and songs. Rather than being created to sell toys, this 3 year production changed the standards for animation films … that’s the gift that keeps giving every year!

Instead of my usual posting of the movie trailer, I thought you might enjoy this rendering of the original Tim Burton poem that inspired this movie.  As an added bonus, it’s recited by the great Christopher Lee:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbPCwc_Cdz0

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Posted by David Ferguson

FRANKENWEENIE (2012)

October 15, 2012

Greetings again from the darkness. Being a huge fan of Tim Burton’s 1984 short of the same title, news of a feature length feature was very exciting. It’s obvious from both films that director Mr. Burton holds the story and project close to his heart. The obvious guess is that young Victor Frankenstein has much in common with the enigmatic director’s childhood experience … a social misfit who finds joy in less than popular outlets (science, sci-fi, filmmaking).  Burton then adds the crucial elements of nostalgia and fun.

The story begins simply enough, Victor – a socially inept boy, whose only friend is his loyal dog Sparky, quickly connects with the new science teacher, Mr. Rzykroski (who bears a striking resemblance to the late, great Vincent Price). Victor’s parents try to get him more engaged and that leads to a tragic accident that kills Sparky. Victor is heart-broken but his scientific mind leads to a shocking development thanks to a local lightning storm. Soon enough, Sparky is back! Of course, the secret gets out and the Science Fair takes on quite a competitive nature.

Burton really treats the film as an homage to old monster, horror and sci-fi films. We get tributes to Frankenstein, The Mummy, Dracula (complete with Christopher Lee), Godzilla, Bride of Frankenstein, Gremlins, Jurrassic Park and others I certainly missed on first viewing. But this is so much more. Mr. Rzykroski gives a less than PC speech to the local townspeople, and though it is straight to the point, that point is lost on these fine folks. The importance of science and learning and accepting the differences of others is all touched upon, but not in a preachy way.

 The voice work is stellar thanks to Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Winona Ryder, Charlie Tahan, Martin Landau and Atticus Shaffer (Brick on “The Middle”). The style and texture of the film is extraordinary. The shadows and lighting provide an atmosphere that adds just enough creepiness. The detail involved with the characters and setting is remarkable for stop-motion animation. Not just that, but how many movies have you seen recently that include a cat-bat, sea monkeys, and a giant turtle? The suburban setting is almost identical to the neighborhood seen in Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, just without the 1960’s color palette.

 This is excellent movie entertainmentand FUN for adults and children alike. Unfortunately, the black and white presentation has meant a lack of interest from today’s kids. Sure it has some darkness to it, but the PG rating means nothing too heavy. This is Tim Burton at his finest … and without Johnny Depp or Helena Bonham Carter! Also, Danny Elfman’s score perfectly compliments the story and characters, and stay for the credits to hear a very odd Karen O song.

 

** NOTE: don’t miss the opportunity to compare the original short with this updated feature length version. The creative differences really show the technical advances over the past 28 years.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you enjoy fun movies and a tip of the cap to old horror films OR you want to see Tim Burton in peak form

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you refuse to believe a black & white animated film can provide any entertainment value

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2luLW-9ySw

2 Comments | Animation, Fantasy | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson