11/21/2016 - Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) - 8-/10

A perfectly executed simple hero journey, but with the depths of the heart plumbed. Few if any animated kids films fill the characters with such pathos and melancholy. I also love that legitimate real consequences occur that are not glossed over or redacted. This is real, despite animation within animation and being wrapped in magic and fantasy.

The animation is some of the slickest and most gorgeous I have ever seen. Such work and talent pays off in spades with every cell of this magnificent wonder. A truly glorious sight to be held.

The voice acting mostly worked (though an odd mix of Asian and non-Asian in a totally Asian story) and the punch-up/child-friendly japes were sparing enough not to be distracting. This may not be the standard kids' film, but that is a good thing. There is real heart, hard situations, meaningful action, and depth in the fanciful mythology & story. It is fun, thoughtful, and will be a terrific animated film for the whole family.