How to Train Your Dragon 2

Release Date: Jun 13, 2014
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 
Director: Dean DeBlois 
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, Djimon Hounsou, Cate Blanchett.

Over the years, DreamWorks has had its fair share of animated achievements, from a wise-cracking ogre to a masterful panda. But perhaps the most poignant of the group was a boy and his dragon, a heartfelt coming-of-age tale set in the world of Vikings. Now four years later, we return to the land called Berk, where the sky claims the backdrop for the next hightailing adventure. In "How to Train Your Dragon 2," the story broadens to new heights, highlighting the aerial versatility of soaring with dragons. It's a breathtaking experience that underscores the animation, while augmenting the personalities of each of the characters. Hiccup, voiced by Baruchel, is noticeably matured, alongside his faithful companion Toothless, the incomparable Night Fury. Beyond just friendship, their journey together has proven to be special, paralleling their progression, both, emotionally and physically. In a same way, the music by John Powell has beautifully evolved to accompany each spectacle and gamut of emotions. Funny and intelligent, some of the notable scenes happen inconspicuously, recessed in the background in lieu of what's happening in the foreground. As sequels usually go, it's hard to improve upon the first, but Deblois does a terrific job of crafting a memorable film. Touting an exceptional storyline and a charming array of characters, it's easy to see that "How to Train 2" is DreamWorks at its best. With another installment set for 2016, the expectations will be even higher the third time around.

Rating: 5 stars

The LEGO Movie

Release Date: Feb 07, 2014 
Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min. 
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller 
Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson.

Back when "The LEGO Movie" was first announced, the whole idea sounded absurd. The prospect of a film based entirely on toy blocks seemed more like a marketing ploy than anything else. Yet lo and behold, if they can dream it, they can build it — and surprisingly enough, it's a movie worth seeing. From the writers that brought us "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," comes a quirky new adventure set in the intricate realm of LEGO's. Voice-led by Chris Pratt and a handful of stars, it's an elevated take on a childhood classic. Emmet, played by Pratt, is an everyday construction worker, ordinary and faceless to all those around him. But when a prophecy calls upon a "Special" to thwart the evil doings of the "Kragle," it's up to him to rise to the challenge and go from zero to hero. At first glance, it may seem like an average underdog tale, a rehash of morals and conventional values. But residing deeper is a story much more intellectual than that, as ingeniously clever and creative as that of "Toy Story." Through its rigid movements and constructed environments, the film embraces the versatility of its star, in this case the LEGO piece. The animation is unique in that very sense and stirs up the nostalgia of being a kid all over again. What's more are the colorful characters that inhabit the world, from Batman to Bad Cop/Good Cop to "1980's Space Astronaut Guy." They really validate the limitlessness of it all when it comes to imagination, particularly in line with the climax that will be left unsaid. While some scenes can come off as theatrical and divergent in tone, "The LEGO Movie" is a film that's truly built for all ages. With a sequel already in the works and positive box office results, there will be plenty of more chances to recapture our youth.

Rating: 4 stars

Frozen

Release Date: Nov 27, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min. 
Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk.

A great, animated Disney movie usually possesses three decisive qualities: memorable songs, lovable characters and invaluable lessons. They're what reinvigorates our childhood and induces excitement – a simpler time when life was sung by melody. With claims boasting this latest as Disney's best animated feature since "The Lion King," it's a tall order to fill thanks to heightened expectations. But "Frozen" deftly performs above and beyond, and is one of the most charming films to release in recent memory. Similar to "Tangled," it's a modernized fairy tale, based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen's story of the Snow Queen. Lighthearted and sweet, and filled with toe-tapping numbers, it's impossible to watch without a smile on your face. Kristen Bell leads the voice cast of Broadway regulars, including Idina Menzel of "Wicked" fame. Though Bell fits the mold well of Disney standards, Menzel feels miscast in the voice of Elsa who appears not much older than Anna (Bell). Gifted with an incredible voice, she almost seems too 'old' for the role and therefore too powerful. This may be attuned to the given song choices, which sound decidedly younger and somewhat 'pop-pier.' Josh Gad provides the comic relief, as the magical snowman Olaf who brings a majority of the laughs. He's just one of the many gems found in the novelty of "Frozen," and that's in addition to the gorgeous animation. Disney has come a long way from 2D renditions and their 3D has only gotten better. One can't help but get lost in the beautiful, arctic landscapes, especially when paired with the catchy tunes. Though gone are the days of classic animation, it's nice to see the continuance of boundless imagination. Case in point: make sure to catch the short film (only in 3D) before the feature presentation. 

Rating: 4½ stars

Despicable Me 2

Release Date: Jul 03, 2013  

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min. 

Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin 

Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand.

Turn the world's nefarious villain into a stay-at-home dad and you get "Despicable Me 2," Minions take two. In the sequel to the surprisingly successful picture by Illumination Entertainment, we find Gru, newly reformed and adjusted to parenthood. But when a mutating chemical compound is stolen by an unknown entity, it's up to the former villain to step in and save the day. Far less despicable than its aptly named predecessor, the follow-up is kinder, having grown softer at its core. Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, is irrevocably changed, no longer the hardened criminal that made him so engaging. His Minions, on the other hand, are as unruly as ever, stealing most of the prime light – for better or worse. In spite of their own spin-off due out next December, the film gives early indication of the tumult that is to come. On the plus side, the addition of Kristen Wiig is wholeheartedly welcomed, her character of Lucy Wilde being as fervent as she is. Her chemistry with Gru/Carell is undeniably salient, making their next onscreen collaboration all the more enticing (hint: anchorman). Whereas the story is inviting and the animation is on par, it's the characters that make it worth it, particularly little Agnes. Seeing as there will probably be another sequel in the imminent future, for now it's up to the Minions to carry on the torch. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Monsters University

Release Date: Jun 21, 2013  
Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min. 
Director: Dan Scanlon 
Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Peter Sohn.

In 2001, Pixar revealed what goes bump in the night, with the ingenious narrative titled "Monsters, Inc." Remarkably inspired and heart-touchingly funny, it told the story of two monster employees who scared for a living. Now 12 years later, our favorite 'Scarers' are back, this time living the glory days at their beloved alma mater. In this dubbed prequel, we follow Mike and Sully as inexperienced freshmen, as they tackle the intensive challenges of collegiate life. But despite the mature context of "Monsters University," it's determinedly more kid-friendly than customarily expected. Missing the adult wit that's made Pixar so enjoyable, the plot is simple at best and effectively unimaginative. It goes without saying the animation is superb, enlivened with color and enriched with detail. Each monster is unique in his or her own way, as we get introduced to new characters while fraternizing with old ones. But one face you won't see is the adorable little Boo, who doesn't appear until after Mike and Sully become MU alumns. It's a small sacrifice for the sake of chronology, but one that's sorely missed for sentimental value. As the story spends a great deal of focus on imitating Greek life, it feels less like an animated feature than it does a college tutorial. But faith has not been lost on the animation powerhouse, as Pixar's planned sequels seem especially promising. "Finding Dory" is already set for a 2015 splash, while "The Incredibles" is still hopeful for a heroic return.

Rating: 3 stars

Brave

Release Date: Jun 22, 2012  

Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min.

Director: Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews

Cast: Kelly MacDonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd.

From a magical toy chest to the majestic blue skies, Pixar has continually brought us inventive stories that both captivate and awe. Their ability to paint masterful landscapes is a uniqueness of its own, oftentimes imitated but never duplicated. So it goes without saying their 13th feature is yet another visual masterpiece; one that takes us to the highlands of Scotland where a fiery heroine will stop at nothing to change her fate. Only this time the story is less than what it appears, and conventions take over for a common folklore that's admissible at best. Taking cue from its parent company, Pixar introduces us to its first female lead — a princess to boot at that. Set to be betrothed in order to unite the kingdom, she has more than life can offer. But obvious stereotypes aside, this is no ordinary princess, as Merida is as untamed as her red-tinged tresses. Her attitude and rebellious nature is what makes for an engaging character, but her hair is the film's true star. Contrasted against the lush green panorama, the flame-red curls are a vision to behold, and lift up a somewhat lacking script. But this is in no part entirely Pixar's fault, as the higher the standards go, the greater the chance of failure. Admittedly, "Brave" is not the strongest of the bunch, it still possesses the rich qualities that encompass the talented animation house. With a track record such as theirs, the number 13 may not be so unlucky after all. Because there can't be perfection without a few flaws.

Rating: 3½ stars

Puss in Boots

Release Date: Oct 28, 2011  

Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min. 

Director: Chris Miller 

Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris.

Before there was an ogre who saved a princess, there was an outlaw by the name of "Puss in Boots," and this is his tale. Acting as a spin-off and prequel, the story takes place before the adventures of "Shrek," where we find Puss on a quest to find the mythical magic beans that lead to the golden goose. Along the way he meets his match in the equally conniving Kitty Softpaws, opposition from the evil duo Jack and Jill, as well as a blast from the past. Call it feline attraction because Puss and Kitty have real onscreen chemistry (can animated cats have that?) thanks to their lead voice actors, Banderas and Hayek. Given that Banderas has had three films prior to mastering the character, his vocal talent really shines through on this solo venture where he takes the reigns. His suave performance is comically intoned, even without the help of a giant ogre and talking donkey. But they do become sorely missed when it comes to Puss's new companions, especially Humpty Dumpty, played by the often cartoonish Galifianakis. Aside from his outlandish behavior and bi-polar attitude, there's just something eerie about seeing a human face plastered on an over-sized egg. But despite the long overhaul of the past two "Shrek" sequels, the story itself is surprisingly refreshing now that culture innuendos are replaced by dashing sword fights and kitty dance-offs. Perhaps it's the choice of character, but "Puss in Boots" seems more kid-friendly than adult when it comes to its underlying jokes. Either way, this hero is here to stay. At least for another sequel.

Rating: 3½ stars

Cars 2

Release Date: Jun 24, 2011

Runtime: 1 hr. 52 min.

Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis 

Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, John Turturro, Eddie Izzard, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer. 

Pixar films never seem to fall short of extraordinary—let alone ordinary—when it comes to storytelling, so it was a disappointment when "Cars" debuted back in 2006 after the brilliance that was “The Incredibles.” Lacking the emotional pull that usually characterizes their films, it felt like a step back for the animation powerhouse. Yet that didn’t stop Pixar from releasing the sequel, and fortunately, we get a remodeled follow-up that is worthy to be called an upgrade. “Cars 2” continues from where it left off, with Lightening McQueen returning to Radiator Springs with his 4^th Piston Cup win, and reuniting with familiar friends. But he soon finds his stay short-lived when a push towards the Grand Prix has him and best friend, Mater, in a race that spans across the globe. International intrigue and location details are just some of the new elements that help the sequel jump into high gear and excel further than the original. This time, it's Mater who takes the limelight, as mistaken identity transforms him from dim-witted tow truck to secret agent. Alluding to such spy films as “007” and “Mission: Impossible,” “Cars 2" keeps the action sequences engaging, while putting less emphasis on the gimmicky humor that’s usually involved. In turn, we get a sleek peek at spy life through the windshields of animated vehicles voiced by an impeccable cast, including newcomers Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer. From the flashing streets of Tokyo to the royal palace in London, “Cars 2” is the most grandiose to come from Pixar so far. But it still doesn’t possess the qualities that make it as memorable or achieving as the rest. With “Brave” set to release next summer, another original story may just be what the studio needs to get back on track.

Rating: 3 stars

Kung Fu Panda 2

Release Date: May 26, 2011

Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min.

Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson 

Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh.

After defeating the evil Tai Lung and saving all of China, Po—the robust panda, and newly minted ‘Dragon Warrior’—faces his greatest challenge yet, in the latest sequel from DreamWorks Animations. The question of his origin comes into play when he confronts an enemy from his past that is hell-bent on destroying Kung Fu and all those who seek it. As memories begin to resurface, our newfound hero finds himself examining his identity, making this second go-around a much more rooted story than the first. A celebrity-packed cast returns to lend their voices, including Jack Black who perfectly repeats his stride as the lovable panda. Joining the sequel is highly respected actor Gary Oldman, who brings a serious malevolence to his villainous character of a peacock, Lord Shen. This time, however, the ‘Furious Five’ gets less notice, with the exception of Angelina Jolie as Tigress, as they are presented as hero support rather than leaders. The film becomes more about Po and his back-story than anything else. First-time director, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, puts her artistic résumé on display, as she adds a rich quality of color and movement to the feature. While “Kung Fu Panda 2” isn’t as intriguing as the first, the fun remains the same and is sure to please the crowd of all ages. In the words of Jack Black, "Skadoosh!"

Rating: 3½ stars

Tangled

Release Date: Nov 24, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 32 min. 

Director: Byron Howard, Nathan Greno 

Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Tambor.

In what is said to be the last ‘princess’ movie from Disney, comes “Tangled.” A re-imagined story of the classic, Rapunzel, about a girl trapped in an ivory tower with enchanted long hair. Similar to past fairy tales, Disney returns to what it knows best, depicting a strong-willed heroine who falls in love, fights an evil witch and lives happily ever after. But despite sounding formulaic and following a lackluster trailer, “Tangled” manages to surpass expectations and become an instant classic with a contemporary twist. The storytelling, while being whimsical and enchanting, avoids cultural innuendos that usually plague animated features. This, in turn, gives precedence to the memorable characters and beautiful illustrations that make the film so lively. With catchy musical numbers by Mandy Moore and, surprisingly, Zachary Levi, the film brings a reminiscent quality of the early years of Disney, which now seem like a distant memory. If it weren’t for “Toy Story 3” or “How to Train Your Dragon,” this would easily be the best-animated film of the year.

Rating: 4½ stars 

Megamind

Release Date: Nov 05, 2010

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min. 

Director: Tom McGrath 

Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Brad Pitt.

Never one to evade comparison, DreamWorks offers its take on the superhero genre in the newest adventure pic, “Megamind.” Not to be confused with “Despicable Me,” which coincidentally came out earlier this year, it pits villain vs. hero, but with a predictable twist. Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt play these roles, respectively, leading an all-star vocal cast that easily outshines the film itself. Whereas the animation is up to standards, the story relies heavily on borrowed material that is obvious, yet forgivable. In a familiar narrative that has one rooting for the underdog, in this case the bad guy, there are plenty of heartfelt moments where humor isn’t necessarily needed. That being said, the jokes are mildly funny when not extraordinarily clever. Though it may not be the best product from DreamWorks, it certainly gives off an enjoyable impression for all ages. A story with a moral is always a plus.

Rating: 3 stars

Despicable Me

 





Release Date: Jul 09, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min. 

Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin 

Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett.

As the first computer-animated feature film from Universal Studios and Illumination, “Despicable Me” is able to find its niche with ease amongst the animation giants. Backed with a star-studded vocal cast and an abundance of adorableness, it’s enjoyable for kids, as well as those young at heart. Whether it is the little yellow minions with unintelligible dialogue or the fluffy unicorn-obsessed Agnes, the laughter comes in waves due to the cuteness factor rather than comicalness. What begins as villain rivalry quickly becomes a heartfelt picture of self-discovery and the importance of family. Because of this shift in moods, the pacing of the story seems choppy at times, but it does eventually regain itself in the end. While it is redundant to draw comparisons to Pixar, or even DreamWorks, the film still holds its own, both visually and conceptually. With a full slate of projects leading all the way into 2012, Illumination may prove to offer up some heavy competition. 

Rating: 3½ stars

Toy Story 3

Release Date: Jun 18, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min. 

Director: Lee Unkrich 

Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles.

It only took 11 years and 7 films to come full circle and complete possibly one of the best trilogies ever. And this is quite an achievement coming from an animated feature film. Pixar has always gone above and beyond to tell a story, but it takes a great amount of talent to tell it better each time. Woody and the gang are all back in the latest, and conceivably last, adventure in “Toy Story 3.” The question we’ve all been asking, of what lies ‘beyond infinite,’ is answered in the form of every toy’s nightmare: daycare. With the inevitability of Andy getting older, the toys struggle between deciding their fate and the undeniable bond that they share. There are plenty of heavy underlying themes in the third installment that the first two only touched upon, making it much more somber than is usually expected. From the opening scene to the last, there is never a moment where you don’t feel emotionally connected to the scenario which represents such a strong link to childhood. The film taps into this relationship so naturally that you almost forget that you’re sympathizing with a toy. Fortunately, the wittiness is still present, with a whole new assortment of characters to love. Ken, voiced by Michael Keaton, is by far the standout addition, with his impeccable style and complex of being a ‘girl toy.’ That’s the great thing about a Pixar film; it has the ability to tell a joke that’s applicable rather than forcing an idea for the sake of being funny. Not surprisingly, the animation is stellar and doesn’t require the extra 3-D—skip the glasses—which, if anything, dull down the quality. With an almost unprecedented reign as the most highly rated trilogy yet, it’s another easy win for Pixar. Stick around for the gag reel at the end for an extra dose of laughter. 

Rating: 4½ stars

Shrek Forever After

Release Date: May 21, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min. 

Director: Mike Mitchell 

Cast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews. 

When “Shrek” first emerged in 2001, it was clever, humorous and contemporary. Its sequel was equally entertaining, while the third, not so much. Needless to say, the fourth and final chapter proves to be no different. The repetitive nature of the script and overly outdated jokes keep this film from reaching new ground. While the premise of “what if” seemed promising at first, the story quickly becomes formulaic, even going as far as borrowing ideas from the second film. Perhaps the only redeeming quality is the nature of the characters and their ability to evolve. This time around, we find Shrek as a ‘family man’ who feels nostalgic of his days as a liberated ogre. He’s certainly grown into the role, even if he’s just a green and animated version of Mike Meyers. The opening sequence is jumbled and accelerated, though it at least gives some sense of time lapse. Then, the story unfolds in a typical manner until at last, like any fairytale, there’s nothing else to do but say, “the end.” Let’s just hope DreamWorks learns from this and stops at two for future outings. 

Rating: 2 stars

How to Train Your Dragon

Release Date: Mar 26, 2010 

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min. 

Director: Dean DeBlois 

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse. 

DreamWorks’ latest adventure takes us to the world of the Vikings, where dragons run wild and poach the sheep stock. The protagonist is an awkward and lanky boy, aptly named Hiccup, who is the son of the Viking Chief. Voiced by the similarly built Jay Baruchel, the cast is solid in terms of matching personalities with characters. While the story isn’t original, being based on a book of the same title, the way it is brought to life on screen is magical in its own sense. The cinematography is beautiful and the animation has greatly improved to match almost that of Pixar. The best of the film comes from the actual dragons, which are wonderfully designed and choreographed to the tee during the flying scenes. With high-tense action and a moving script, it’s a story anyone at any age can enjoy. This may well be my favorite DreamWorks piece to date, even surpassing “Shrek.” Well-done. 

Rating: 4½ stars

Up

Release Date: May 29, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min. 

Director: Pete Docter 

Cast: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Bob Peterson, Jordan Nagai.

Take an old man as a protagonist, a chubby Asian kid as a sidekick, a house as a makeshift blimp and you get yet another Pixar success. The story may look and sound absurd, but the film is far from being irrelevant. The main character's back story delves deep into human nature and how we cope with life's struggles and ends. There is a mixture of emotion in every scene, tearing at the heartstrings or even making a grown man giggle (I heard him behind me). The path of rediscovery with an unlikely duo keeps a level of excitement throughout despite some pitfalls. The talking dogs as the villains and the gazillion balloons that never seem to diminish appear implausible, but animation allows for such exaggeration. In the end, you're left with a feeling of hope that maybe someday you can have what Carl Fredricksen had: love, adventure, and...squirrel! 

Rating: 4½ stars

Monsters vs. Aliens

Release Date: Mar 27, 2009 

Runtime: 1 hr. 34 min. 

Director: Conrad Vernon, Rob Letterman 

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland.

With a few nods to the old school "horror" films, DreamWorks brings another animated film that's not quite up to Pixar standards, but enough to get the kiddies laughing (and some full-grown adults). The concept is solid, along with a group of recognizable individuals. Half the fun is guessing who voices who, though i think B.O.B. (Rogan) is the real scene-stealer. The only setback is the title itself and how it plays out in the film. Susan, aka Ginormica, seems to battle it out more than the other creatures of the weird, which makes it instead, "Monster vs. Aliens." Nevertheless, the ending leaves room for an inevitable sequel that will surely be open to infinite possibilities. "Monsters vs. the Recession," anyone? 

Rating: 3 stars

Wall-E

Release Date: Jun 27, 2008

Runtime: 1 hr. 37 min. 

Director: Andrew Stanton 

Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger.

Consistent yet again, Pixar succeeds in providing another original and ridiculously clever story that exceeds beyond any previous film. Despite the lack of dialogue, every emotion is ingeniously communicated through movement and noise. The art direction is breathtaking through the depths of space, rivaling the waters of "Finding Nemo." The message of our possibly impending future is lightly noted with humor that could only be told as a backdrop to two robots in love. By far, my favorite Pixar film to date.
 

Rating: 5 stars