Animated Family Movies

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?