FRANKENWEENIE (2012)

Another wonderful stop-motion animated movie this year. Directed by Tim Burton in his familiar fashion, Frankenweenie pays homage to the very old horror classics. It is also a remake to the short film by Tim from 1984 of the same name. Entirely in black and white, the movie is about a boy and his love for the dog who dies accidentally. He decides to bring his dog back to life through science and his innocence and naivety obscures the fact that there is a thin line between the use of good and bad science.

Victor Frankenstein is a young scientist who lives in a town called New Holland. He spends most of his time away from other children of his age, secluded in his attic and working on his inventions. Sparky, his dog and only friend is the one who accompanies him in the attic and when in the backyard he likes to gaze at the pet poodle living in the neighbor's yard. His accidental death leaves Victor heartbroken but when he learns from his science teacher Mr. Rzykruski that dead can be brought back to life with the use of electricity, he sets out to bring back Sparky to life unaware of the consequences.

                                                        Mr. Rzykruski and his class.

My verdict:
This mesmerizing black and white movie has a colorful heart and visual appeal. I loved its manner of storytelling which is sensitive and captivating and its a sheer delight to watch how the story unfolds. Another wonderful animation gift this year.

Who should watch?
This movie has everything to make it a fascinating viewing and has a little surprise in it for everyone. If you have watched previous Tim Burton's stop-motion animation then you probably know what i am talking about. If you didn't like those, then perhaps this wont appeal you either.

Movie info.:
Genre - Animation, Horror
Director - Tim Burton
Stars - Charlie Tahan, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau (voices)
Country - USA
Language - English
Runtime - 87 minutes

PARANORMAN (2012)

Paranorman is the second stop motion 3D horror movie from Laika stop motion animation studio (first being Coraline). Coraline (2009) was a fantastic movie and consecutively Laika studio has produced another animated marvel. Paranorman makes use of pretty much the same basic animation technique of Coraline but the story is completely different with a boy named Norman as protagonist.

Norman is a young boy with the ability to see and talk with the dead ghosts and spirits. He is often misunderstood and ignored by his family, especially his father and is bullied at school, mostly by Alvin, a big school bully. While practicing for a school play based on their town's 300 old past about a witch's execution, Norman has a horrifying vision and soon he comes to know from his Uncle, who like Norman can also talk with the dead, that the town is going to be haunted by the witch's curse once again and the dead will rise from their graves. So Norman ventures out on an adventure to stop this along with his sister Courtney, friend Neil and his brother Mitch and the school bully Alvin.

                                                              The adventure troop.

The movie's solid script and humor had me surprised and laughing all the way. I loved each and every character, especially Alvin the bully. I will surely watch it again all over again!

My verdict:
This movie is remarkably voiced and beautifully animated. This years one of the best animated movie.

Who should watch?
This movie is for everyone who likes animation and humor and will entertain people of all ages. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Movie info.:
Genre - Animation, Comedy, Horror, Adventure
Director - Chris Butler, Sam Fell
Stars - Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck (voices)
Country - USA
Language - English
Runtime - 92 minutes

BRAVE (2012)

Previous Pixar Animation Studio's animated feature Cars 2 was a disappointment for the crazy fans of animation like me and wondered if had Pixar lost its touch. And then came much anticipated Brave which wiped out all the doubts and made me realize Pixar can still do its thing.

The movie is set in a time in Scotland when kings and magic were in fashion. The king Fergus gifts her young daughter Princess Merida with a bow on her birthday. Afterwards the clan is terrorized by an out of control ferocious bear whom Fergus defeats but looses his one leg. Soon archery becomes Merida's passion and gives her sense of freedom as she grows up. But when her mother decides for her to get married Merida's hopes are shattered and she rudely rejects the offer. But nonetheless the three clans from all over Scotland come in order to win Merida's hand for their young princes. Furious Merida leaves the castle and goes to the nearby forest where she meets a wood carver who turns out to be a witch. Merida asks her for a potion that could change her mother's opinions and so begins a story of adventure, bravery, compassion and morals.

                                                       The Royal Dunbroch family.

The movie's animation is top notch, something that Pixar is master at and the story is also brilliant in many ways. The story has the right amount of humor and heart which makes this movie a definite watch.


My verdict:
The movie is not groundbreaking like previous Pixar movies but it still lives up to Pixar standards and is magnificent in its own. The good thing about the movie is it does not forces its morals on us but lets itself slowly prove the meaning and significance of moral values.

Who should watch?
A must watch for animation fans! But this is a kind of movie that is for everyone who likes a feel good movie with magic and adventure.

Movie info.:
Genre -Animation, Adventure
Director - Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman
Stars -Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson (voice)
Country - USA
Language - English
Runtime - 93 minutes