Best of 2021: Top Animated Films


This was a great and diverse year for films, and we saw that in the animated features and shorts presented, too. I saw a number of them and below are the five animated features that I liked best from 2021. The list appears in ascending order and, where possible, I listed where you can stream them.

5. Luca (Disney+): I didn’t love the story for this film but it was OK. What stood out to me was the beautifully crafted world created here. The stunning visuals mixed with a decent story was enough to make this a fun viewing experience.

4. Ron’s Gone Wrong (Disney+, HBO Max): This little animated tale didn’t draw as much fanfare as others, but it’s a solid adventure. It’s a story that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like a bit of an outsider. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

3. Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney+): This was one of the earliest features released in 2021 and still one of the best. I loved the creativity of the tale, and I enjoyed the lead character voiced by Kelly Marie Tran. If you missed it, make sure you get a chance to go seek it out!

2. Encanto (Theaters, Disney+): This delightful tale came out around Thanksgiving and dropped for viewers on Disney+ on Christmas Eve. This is another one where I loved the beautiful world created, but I was also drawn into the beautiful narrative and the story. The music here—from Lin-Manuel Miranda—is also great. This was a blast to see in theaters and it would be my favorite of the year, were it not for…

1. Sing 2 (Theaters): I am not a big U2 fan, but this film might single-handedly have changed that for me. This is the rare follow up that surpasses the original. The worlds created were beautiful and creative, the music was incredible and the story hooks you. But what helps it stand out for me—and is one of the reasons I have it in my Top 10 for the year—is the emotional response it generates. I simply loved this film; it was one of the best theater experiences of the year and was easily my favorite animated tale.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve
Read more