Animation

Earwig and the Witch | Review

Published

3 years ago

April 11, 2021

Studio Ghibli can probably be considered as the world’s greatest animation studio. It never kowtowed to basic expressions of animation and continued to push the boundaries of hand-drawings to sweep away audiences in the studio’s ever-imaginative worlds (see Spirited Away). Even their simplest productions, such as Isao Takahata’s My Neighbors the Yamadas, had an aura of magnifying wonder to them. Their latest film, Earwig and the Witch, is the studio’s first fully 3D animated feature…and should be their last. Directed by Gorō Miyazaki, son of the great Hayao Miyazaki, the film follows the story of a young girl named Earwig (Kokoro Hirasawa) who gets adopted by a witch named Bella Yaga (Shinobu Terijama), so she can become her “apprentice” by helping her with spells. Bella Yaga’s abusive tenure forces Earwig to learn spells on her own with Thomas (Gaku Hamada), the talking cat, so she can finally be the one who controls the household. While the plot isn’t necessarily bad, Earwig and the Witch‘s cyclical structure makes for a pretty dull viewing experience, not particularly improved with its cheap-looking 3D animation.

Studio Ghibli's first CG movie, 'Earwig and the Witch,' is an insult | Engadget

As I’ve mentioned in my previous paragraph, Studio Ghibli has essentially perfected the art of 2D, hand-drawn animation by crafting fully realized fictional worlds, which exalted the purely freeing imagination of many of their film’s child protagonists. In Spirited Away, we’re essentially seeing the entire world through Chihiro’s eyes–our eyes widen at seeing its incredibly detailed food and larger-than-life characters. That’s just but one isolated example of the many memorable images Studio Ghibli pictures has embedded in our minds over the years. So for (G.) Miyazaki to use fully synthesized/3D animation for his picture feels like a pure insult at what his father, Toshio Suzuki, Yasuyoshi Tokuma, and the late Isao Takahata have brought to the table for the past 35 years.

Sure, there’s a somewhat valid argument to say that the studio needs to “modernize” itself or at least experiment with a cheaper, more popular form of animation–but when that same studio has been revolutionizing the way audiences perceive animated drawings for 35 years, is it essential? It also doesn’t help that the 3D animation presented in Earwig and the Witch looks cheaply constructed and devoid of any movement, charm, and personality. The animation is placated on the screen without any proper direction or visual creativity. The sequences that could make the *best* use of 3D animation, particularly when Earwig enters The Mandrake (Etsushi Tokoyama)’s lair, are mediocre-at-best-, and the mostly boring, repetitive sequences of Earwig being constantly berated by Bella Yaga have no soul. Imagine that: a Studio Ghibli without any soul. How is that possible? Simple. Use 3D animation because it’s the only type that’s lost its value as more and more audiences become accustomed to the prospect of more realistic-looking characters (and worlds) inside computer-generated imageries.

Earwig and the Witch review: Ghibli's first 3D movie is better than it looks - Polygon

It also doesn’t help that the film’s plot is extremely unengaging. We observe Earwig being constantly berated by Bella Yaga for most of the runtime, without any character progression from both protagonists. At some point, you may wonder in what direction the film is going–and you’ll quickly realize that the entire film only serves as a pretext for a sequel. Everything you’re watching is tediously written exposition, which acts as chapter 1 out of 152 of a story that’ll likely never get completed. It wouldn’t have been a problem if we didn’t spend so much time with the character doing the same chores, without an ounce of development or…direction, where the audience would see a clear path to a satisfying ending, but that never happens. At least the voice cast seems to bring a quasi-form of life to the picture–with Kokoro Hirasawa delivering a charming performance as the titular character, bringing lots of energy and heart to an inexpensively crafted character. The same can be said for her sidekick, Thomas, who shares the entire movie’s funniest lines, most notably in a hilarious scene where he has to confront his worst fear: worms. The comedic timing is spot-on and is the only time where the animation somewhat works within the context of the physical humor presented on-screen.

By Studio Ghibli’s standards, Earwig and the Witch is a terrible film, stripping away the one thing that made the studio stand out above every type of corporate made animation by major motion picture studios, while also turning the soulful imagination of hand-drawn paintings with lifeless, vapid and unresponsive 3D video-game cutscenes. To have a Ghibli film in 3D is showing to the audience small signs that the studio might become creatively bankrupt if they continue in that direction. Thankfully, Hayao Miyazaki has a new movie coming soon; crafted the way it should be done. Let’s just hope Goro won’t continue down the path of lifeless 3D and direct his next film the same way his father is doing it.

Earwig and the Witch is now available to rent or buy on video-on-demand and on Blu-Ray and DVD.

FILM RATING

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Animation

The Garfield Movie | Official Trailer — Starring: Chris Pratt

Animated feature film based on the popular comic strip about a sarcastic, lasagna-loving cat.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2023

Brandon Creighton

Genre:

Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Release Date:

May 24, 2024

Director:

Mark Dindal

Cast:

Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Chris Pratt

Plot Summary:

Animated feature film based on the popular comic strip about a sarcastic, lasagna-loving cat.

FILM RATING

Animation

‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ Review | A Pawsome Super-Powered Sequel!

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2023

Liam Dearden

Power Up… “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is a Super delightful family adventure that is sure to please the young & young at heart! The animation from Mikros Animation is absolutely adorable and the story is impactful, highlighting the importance of even the smallest members of the team can make the biggest difference!

Synopsis

When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

Review

The Paw Patrol franchise is now 10 years old which in dog years can be up to 70 years old depending on your dog and with each instalment, children and their parents have been treated to exciting adventures, wholesome characters and cool new merchandise. What began as a preschool TV series back in 2013 created by Keith Chapman finally got the Hollywood silver-screen treatment in 2021 with “PAW Patrol: The Movie” directed by Cal Brunker who returns for this mighty follow-up. The films have broadened their scale and reach alongside their lesson-learning story-driven narrative.

Much like Chase in the first film battling confidence issues against a traumatic situation, here it’s Skye’s spotlight moment. Her merit and worth are assessed when fighting her insecurities as the smallest of the group, the smallest in her litter growing up. A challenge for her resolve, seeking and affirming her niche under these rearranged dynamics. The movie explores her heart-tugging backstory as the unwanted “runt” of her litter, whom Ryder eventually rescues. As the story unfolds, Skye realises that her self-worth isn’t tied to her size but to her inner strength and resilience. Returning writer-director Cal Brunker and co-screenwriter Bob Barlen add different facets to her arc to distinguish it from Chase’s anxiety issues. Her tiny pink bandana acts as a literal and figurative tie to her past. They include a beautifully poignant and emotional tear-jerking ballad called “Learning to Fly” from Christina Aguiler with breathtaking animation.

This time, their mission holds greater challenge and peril — raising the bar creatively and delivering a smart sequel that features bolder action, bigger stakes, and deeper resonance for all ages. Like the show on which it’s based, the Mighty Movie focuses on teamwork, courage, believing in yourself, learning from your mistakes, encouraging your friends, and being a community helper. The pups each bring different talents to the crew, and they all work together during every emergency. They all discover they have a purpose, with or without powers.

PAW Patrol to the Rescue

Adventure City is safe and secure on land, at sea and in the air thanks to the elite PAW Patrol and their efforts to quell crime and avert disasters. Team leader Ryder is so confident in their ability to keep the peace that he’s decided to take on three young, clumsy and over-eager trainees: Nano (Alan Kim), Mini (Brice Gonzalez) and Tot (North West). Though the newest member of the pack, headstrong dachshund Liberty (Marsai Martin), Liberty’s character development delves into her apparent lack of a superpower as she’s looking for a purpose, is initially opposed to the idea, she stays behind to train the trio when the others are called out to fight danger. Little do they know a lurking evil is about to upend their lives.

From her lair in an abandoned observatory, scientific mastermind Victoria Vance (Taraji P. Henson) plots to magnetically harness a meteor and mine it for its powers. However, her plan goes awry, putting citizens at risk and the pups in its path. While Vance is sent to jail for her misdeeds — where she connects with the pups’ longtime foe Mayor Humdinger and his Kitten Catastrophe Crew — the patrol learns the massive rock contains special crystals that give them amazing abilities: Starting with teeny pilot Skye, who gains super strength and the ability to fly. The others soon touch their own crystals and find their powers: Rubble turns into a wrecking ball, Zuma controls water, Chase has super speed, Marshall can manipulate fire, and Rocky becomes magnetic. But just as The Mighty Pups are honing their newfound skill sets, a trap is set that threatens their livelihood.

Taraji P. Henson is a delight as this film’s villain, Victoria Vance, with a delicious evil laugh. Victoria keeps insisting she is not a mad scientist. And fans of frequent Paw Patrol nemesis, former mayor and cat-lover Humdinger, will be glad to see him turn up as Victoria’s cell-mate, who helps her escape from jail. As I am in the UK our version of “Paw Patrol The Mighty Movie” is dubbed by the original UK voice actors from the show which I believe are Lewis LaHei (Ryder), Matthew Campbell (Chase), Jacob Baker (Marshall), Archie Flint (Rocky), Kit Gibbon (Rubble), Holly Thomas (Skye), Ollie Evans (Zuma), Michael Cross (Mayor Humdinger), and Mayor Goodway (Niki Felstead)

The Mighty Movie also boasts impressive guest stars voicing minor characters, including Kristen Bell, James Marsden, and Kim Kardashian returning as pampered poodle social media star Delores and her children. In the UK Dub Two of Britain’s best-loved celebrities have managed to score themselves cameos in the film. The British radio and television personality Roman Kemp will appear in the film as Tony. Whilst Veteran newscaster and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald will voice the character of Sam Stringer, a news reporter. Roman Kemp will replace Neil Crone as the voice of Tony, Sir Trevor McDonald will replace Lil Rel Howery as Sam Stringer.

Action sequences and their aesthetics have evolved. Scenes that show the team functioning as a well-oiled machine are exhilarating, but pull double duty narratively, propelling the characters and their conflicts further. Mikros Animation once again has done a super job in providing the pups animation, especially when they receive their powers. The quality of animation is outstanding as they have improved the quality of animation from the first film by completely reworking their facial system. working very closely with animation and rigging, to produce a more efficient, good-looking and flexible facial expression system. The new costumes of the PAW patrol team are also incredible showing how the whole paw patrol has improved. They are cooler, more complex, but also practical!

Final Thoughts

“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is a Super delightful family adventure that gives young audience members the fun of a group of characters from which they can choose their favourite, a reminder about confidence and believing in themselves, and a lesson in teamwork. If there are any families looking for a new movie to take their kids to, “PAW Patrol The Mighty Movie” is a great choice. The film is preceded by a short featuring Dora the Explorer about saving the egg of an alebrijes.

FILM RATING

Animation

Scott Pilgrim | Official Teaser – Anime Coming Nov. 17th [Netflix]

The titular slacker and in a garage band named Sex Bob-omb with his friends. His life is turned upside down when he meets Ramona Flowers, an American girl who is recently single. But before their love can blossom, Pilgrim finds himself challenged by his love’s seven previous relationships, and must defeat them in over-the-top fashion.