So, as a lifelong Star Wars fan (born 1973, New Hope original) and stoic defender of even Disney's weakest efforts in the continuing saga, I have to confess I did not yet enjoy either animated series of Clone Wars or Rebels. This being the case, I am not completely versed in the history and deep … Continue reading Ahsoka
From the Irish based Cartoon Saloon came this wonder of dreams and innocence, their 2nd piece of pure magic, in 2014. Following the equally loved The Secret of Kells (2009) and preceding the increasingly impressive Wolfwalkers (2020) and The Breadwinner (2018). Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey's superlative animation studio offers a welcome alternative to Pixar, … Continue reading Song of the Sea
More of the same that made the original so charming, but a bit meandering script-wise. Seems like they missed as many tricks as they pulled off - especially why on Earth it isn't called Ralph Wreaks the Internet??? Colourful and funny enough to be entertaining. Unmemorable enough to miss out on classic animation status. Decinemal … Continue reading Ralph Breaks the Internet
Being a child of Star Wars, born in '73, whose first memory of a cinema was A New Hope in '77, of course the entire franchise is still close to my heart. I am no superfan, however. I do not need to remember every name of every character, or know the obscure names of planets … Continue reading The Mandalorian
When Disney Pixar launches a big new title it comes with a lot of expectation - there are just so many titles in the back catalogue now that will forever be considered classics. Movies that raised and re-raised the bar of what animation and family film storytelling can be at the very, very best. So, … Continue reading Soul
As part of my project to compile a coffee table book called 21st Century cinema: 200 Unmissable Films, I have found it interesting, but not surprising, that almost 10% of the list since the year 2000 are animated features. It is an art form that Pixar and Disney especially, but many smaller studios, are excelling … Continue reading Coco
It took me over a month to get around to seeing this last night at the cinema. Not because I didn't want to see the end of the new trilogy and say goodbye to it in style, but because I feared it just wouldn't be very good. Put simply, it isn't very good. Some parts, … Continue reading The Rise of Skywalker
The Wasteland 