'Kubo and the Two Strings' Review

Nominated For: Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects.

Kubo and the Two Strings is the fourth full length stop-motion animated feature from Laika Entertainment, an animation studio which specializes in stop-motion feature length films. For those unfamiliar with stop-motion, it is an animation technique where an object is subtly moved and the filmmaker snaps a picture, the pictures are all edited together with small increments between the frames and so it appears as though continuous movement is happening. I'm actually a little familiar with stop-motion since I made a few stop-motion shorts as a child and I can attest to the fact that it's a tedious process, therefore I have plenty of respect for the filmmaking behind stop-motion films. I'll admit that I haven't seen any prior Laika films, but I am much more eager to give them a chance after watching Kubo and the Two Strings.

I won't disclose too much of the plot because the less you know the better, but Kubo and the Two Strings tells a classic archetypal hero's journey of a young boy Kubo in search of mystical armor to defeat evil forces who threaten him, his family, and his village.

One of the unique appealing aspects of Kubo and the Two Strings is that it feels deeply rooted in Japanese mythology; samurais, honor, family, and legacy are brought to the forefront while the score composed by Dario Marianelli has the air of Oriental inspiration. Travis Knight, president of Laika, makes his directorial debut after serving as a lead animator on previous Laika projects and he hits the mark. Knight, his team of animators, and cinematographer craft some compelling visuals and the stop-motion is seamless, so much so that in moments I forgot I was watching a stop-motion film.

The screenplay from writers Marc Haimes and Chris Butler manages to take a seemingly basic story and make it pop with Eastern influence and cool dialogue while offering laughs, heart, and a terrific story.

Another high mark of Kubo and the Two Strings is definitely it's talented voice cast. Art Parkinson brings a grounded relatable protagonist for the audience to support as he evokes childlike wonder in the young Kubo. Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, and Rooney Mara offer up a wide ensemble of supporting characters encompassing the heroic well-intentioned Beetle, the stern protective Monkey, the malevolent Moon King, and a pair of creepy sisters.

I won't be surprised if in February we see Disney or Pixar win the Best Animated Feature, but I surprisingly can make a huge case for why Laika deserves the golden statuette after I was blown away with Kubo and the Two Strings. Kubo and the Two Strings astounded me start to finish with an original premise, terrific characters voiced by an incredible cast, endearing themes, and remarkable animation showcasing some high-brow visuals making for not only one of the best movies this summer but also one of the best films I've seen all year.

Film Assessment: A