animated characters Archives - Page 2 of 16

Despicable Me 4 is Messy, But Fun

The Despicable Me and Minions movies deserve high praise for their blend of heartwarming storytelling, vibrant animation and infectious humor. Gru has an endearing transformation from villain to loving father and the mischievous antics of the Minions consistently deliver charm… Continue Reading →

On Top of the World with the Emotions of Inside Out 2

The 2015 film, Inside Out, painted a vivid picture of the human experience while focusing on the emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. It resonated deeply with my own life as a 46-year-old single dad caring for my… Continue Reading →

June 17, 2024

Hundreds of Beavers Builds a Dam Looney Film

Immersed in the world of 1980s animation, my affection for Looney Tunes transcends mere fandom — it became a cherished cornerstone of my childhood. Amidst the cacophony of vibrant characters and uproarious escapades, the timeless rivalry between Wile E. Coyote… Continue Reading →

April 10, 2024

Hazbin Hotel Hopes to Redeem Your Soul

Cartoons have transcended the traditional audience of kids. I recall the uproar among parent groups when The Simpsons premiered during my younger days. As I transitioned to college, South Park and Family Guy faced similar scrutiny for their adult-oriented content…. Continue Reading →

February 14, 2024

The Tiger’s Apprentice Learns Disappointment

In the realm of animated adventures, there is a recurrent exploration of Chinese culture, often centered around the Chinese zodiac and its associated animals. An illustrative example is found in Minions: The Rise of Gru, where the storyline revolves around… Continue Reading →

February 8, 2024

Robot Dreams Speaks a Universal Language in Silence

As a film critic, I occasionally get the chance to explore movies created beyond the borders of the United States. While some prove excellent enough for me to want to share with friends, I often have a recurring inquiry: Is… Continue Reading →

January 24, 2024

Migration Feels Like an Eternity of Disappointment

Illumination has undeniably mastered the art of crafting animated films that seamlessly blend humor, heart and an infectious sense of joy. From the irreverent charm of the Minions to the heartwarming tales of unlikely friendships in films like Sing and… Continue Reading →

December 25, 2023

Disney’s Wish is Exactly What Many Fans Have Hoped For

In recent years, Disney has faced considerable criticism from its fanbase. Many enthusiasts believe the company has departed from its original storytelling roots, becoming increasingly entwined with the current social and political landscape in ways that make some fans uneasy…. Continue Reading →

November 20, 2023

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Merges Nostalgia with a New Style

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles held a special place in my heart during my childhood years. I found immense joy in tuning in to the animated escapades of Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello and Raphael whenever they graced our television screen. Their courageous… Continue Reading →

August 22, 2023

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is Only Half the Story

Disney doesn’t have a monopoly over the comic book movie realm. Sony Pictures secured the complete film rights to the beloved Web-Slinger by paying a mere $7 million to Marvel in the late ’90s, which was on the verge of… Continue Reading →

July 7, 2023

Geek Culture, Zombies... and Other Monsters

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