animated movies

In Wreck-It Ralph, John C. Reilly voices a video-game villain who's tired of being a bad guy. He sets out on a quest to lose the label, and in doing so, he encounters lots of other characters who are also more than what their two-dimensional selves seem. It's candy-colored and cute, but even if you're not a child yourself, there are plenty of reasons to head out to theaters to see it. Check out my reasons below to find out why Wreck-It Ralph is more than just kids' stuff.

1. It's worth seeing for the video-game references alone. While Wreck-It Ralph does have some made-up games in it, like Sugar Rush, there are plenty of references to old-school video games you'll recognize. There's Q*bert, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Bowser, just to name a few. Be prepared to feel a flood of nostalgia as you remember playing those games as a kid — and feeling like a kid while watching Wreck-It Ralph is a big reason why it's so fun.
2. There's enough grown-up humor. Kids will get a kick out of silly jokes like the double entendre of "Hero's Duty" lobbed by Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), but there's plenty of humor for big kids, too. Not only do the jokes make you laugh, but also, the idea of the video-game world as its own society makes you smirk, especially when you see what the characters do in their off-hours, like drink at bars and attend self-help meetings. Plus, the voices of supporting characters like Jane Lynch and Jack McBrayer recall their usual, funny, prime-time characters.
3. There are deeper themes than your average kids' movie. The fact that protagonist Ralph is a bad guy alerts you early on that this isn't going to be your traditional Disney movie, and while we ride along on Ralph's journey to prove himself, the themes that emerge are pretty mature. There's the frustration in having a reputation you don't like, and the necessity of self-acceptance (as well as a lesson in bullying), but don't worry — it doesn't get overly preachy.

If you're a Tim Burton fan, I have got great news for you. The Frankenweenie trailer has officially come to life! After the young budding scientist Victor's beloved dog passes away, he brings good old Sparky back to life, and mayhem ensues. Re-imagined from his 1984 live-action short, this stop-motion flick oozes all things creepy, artistic, and utterly Tim Burton.

I love that just like the original short, all of Frankenweenie is in black and white — only perpetuating the freaky retro vibe. And along with other big names like Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, and Martin Landau, I was so happy to see that Winona Ryder lends her voice for the film, as she's a staple of a couple of my fave Tim Burton films from the past. Check out Frankenweenie's creepy goodness, after the jump.

For the past five years, Wes Anderson's wide fan base has been waiting for his first fully animated film. Would his adaption of Roald Dahl's children's book, Fantastic Mr. Fox appease the same crowd that holds Bottle Rocket and The Royal Tenenbaums near and dear to their hearts? The answer is an emphatic yes, and the best news is that you don't even have to enjoy Anderson's other work to fall in love with this film.

The story follows the wily Mr. Fox, a professional robber turned family man (er, fox) who just isn't satisfied with his quiet life working as a newspaper columnist. Even a move to prime real estate isn't enough to satiate his appetite for a little trouble making, and Mr. Fox (or "Foxy" as his friends call him) decides to take on the biggest adventure of his life. That's just the tip of the iceberg though, so read more

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release today, announcing that 20 films have been submitted for Best Animated Film consideration at this year's Oscars. This means there could be five movies competing at the awards show in March. (In the history of the category, there have typically been only three.) So who is up for the honor?

Some are obvious choices. Up, for example, comes as no surprise thanks to its huge accolades. I also think Coraline stands a chance, as well as Fantastic Mr. Fox (look for my review on Friday!). But Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel seems like a long shot — even though it hasn't hit theaters yet, so I'm just making an early prediction. (Sorry, Alvin.)

With 10 movies in the Best Picture category, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these films end up with more than one nomination. Check out the full list of animated film contenders, and tell me which you think is most deserving of an Oscar when you read more

The same guys who brought us the Ice Age franchise are back to create another potential hit with the 3-D CGI Despicable Me. Seems like every animated movie nowadays wrangles A-list names, but the Despicable roster is even starrier than most. Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Mindy Kaling, Jack McBrayer — it's like a laundry list of my favorite comedy people. And while I sort of wish we could see them all acting together in the flesh instead of just lending their voices, their involvement really has me hyped.

The story follows the world's No. 2 villain Gru (Carell) on his plot to steal the moon — a plan that gets thwarted by three little orphan girls who challenge his evil ways when they want him to be their dad. The trailer doesn't reveal much, but I'm sure we'll get more footage as we near the June release date. In the meantime, check out the cute preview when you read more

Marmaduke, the comic strip about a giant-sized Great Dane and his owners, finally has a voice. Owen Wilson — who's no stranger to working with dogs, given Marley and Me — has just signed on to lend his voice to the trouble-making pooch in the half CGI, half live-action film set to hit theaters next Summer.

Generally speaking, I'm not a huge fan of the animated and live-person combo. It rarely works when actors are talking to cartoons (one exception being Who Framed Roger Rabbit?), but obviously I'm not the target audience here. Plus, Marmaduke does have some of my favorite people in it, including Judy Greer and Lee Pace who both play humans in the film, and hopefully the movie will offer us adults a dose of humor, too.

Do you think Wilson is a good choice to voice Marmaduke? Anyone you would've rather seen in the role?

Obviously I haven't outgrown cartoons, because I'm secretly stoked for this animated film news. Anne Hathaway and Neil Patrick Harris are reportedly in talks for Rio, which follows a macaw who breaks out of his Minnesota cage for the lively city of Rio de Janeiro. Sounds like a cute concept, right?

The film already has a release date of April 8, 2011, and it will be filmed in 3D digital animation. No word yet on who the actors will be voicing, but I sort of imagine Hathaway putting on her best "don't cha know" Minnesotan accent as the macaw's owner, and NPH delivering the laughs as a Brazilian parrot in a samba costume. (Hey, just a thought, producers.)