Since its establishment in 2005, Laika has come to represent the pinnacle of American stop-motion animation. The first task for the studio was to rescue director Henry Selick from the horrors of his post-Monkeybone career in order to produce Coraline, a dark fantasy reminiscent of Selick’s debut film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Though every film that Laika has made, including ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link, has been certified fresh and is nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Picture, Coraline would turn out to be their best combination of critical praise and box office. Carey Mulligan and Mahershala Ali will feature in their upcoming film, Wildwood, which is based on the children’s fantasy novel written by Colin Meloy of The Decemberists. It is scheduled for release in 2025.
Consensus of Critics: Kubo and the Two Strings has enough to offer viewers of all ages, matching its amazing animation with an engaging— and frankly melancholic— plot.
Summary: When young Kubo (Art Parkinson) unintentionally calls forth a furious spirit from the past, his tranquil existence is upended. Right now…
The consensus among critics: Coraline is a visually spectacular and wildly enjoyable film thanks to its vibrant stop-motion animation and Neil Gaiman’s inventive tale.
Summary: A girl named Coraline (Dakota Fanning) finds a secret door that leads to an alternate world while exploring her new house.
Starring: Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Teri Hatcher, and Dakota Fanning
Critics’ Consensus: Surprisingly insightful fare for parents, ParaNorman will fascinate (and worry) older youngsters with its beautifully animated and well-written script.
Summary: The young Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) possesses the capacity to communicate with the dead, and he frequently enjoys spending time with them.
Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, and Casey Affleck in the lead roles
Sam Fell and Chris Butler directed
Critics Consensus: Missing Link is a visually stunning film that possesses a lot of humor, heart, and even some thought-provoking content. It is another masterfully animated achievement from Laika.
Summary: Mr. Link, an eight-foot-tall furry man, was sick of being alone in the Pacific Northwest and decided to do something about it.
David Walliams, Zoe Saldana, Hugh Jackman, and Zach Galifianakis in the lead roles
Behind the camera: Chris Butler
Critics Consensus: The Boxtrolls is a solid dose of amusement for all ages, even though it’s not Laika’s best film. It’s still got plenty of quirky humor and stunning visuals.
Summary: Living in a cavern, the Boxtrolls are a group of eccentric, mischievous creatures that include Eggs (Isaac Hempstead-Wright), an orphan.
Ben Kingsley, Toni Collette, Elle Fanning, and Isaac Hempstead-Wright in leading roles
Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable directed.
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