SILVER TONGUED SILVER SCREEN: KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (2016)

With much of Hollywood cranking out sequels, comic book or novel adaptations, reboots of classic franchises, and so on, sometimes the more original ideas slip through the cracks. LAIKA films, those wonderful people who gave us films like CORALINE, PARANORMAN, and THE BOXTROLLS, have released another film exploring themes like magic, mysticism, and the supernatural. KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS jumped on my radar initially with the heavy Japanese folktale epic subject matter. The animation of course looked incredible too.

Laika films are unique entities among most of Hollywood's children films in that they're completely animated by hand using maquettes or armatures and painstakingly moving them one frame at a time. The process of "Stop Motion Animation" is a long and arduous endeavor but comes from a long tradition. Special effects legend Willis O'Brien pioneered this process in the 1925 film THE LOST WORLD and later with 1933's KING KONG. The master of this process is undoubtedly Ray Harryhausen, the man who gave us such cinema classics as JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS, THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, and the original CLASH OF THE TITANS.

Laika Films is keeping this wonderful filmmaking tradition alive.

THE PLOT

Kubo is a one-eyed boy with a gift for storytelling. He spends his days entertaining the local villagers with the tale of Hanzo, a great samurai warrior, in a battle against the evil Moon King. Magic and mysticism abound in his story, completely enthralling the crowds. But everyday, just before dusk, Kubo stops and returns home. His mother stresses that he stay indoors whenever night approaches. One day Kubo learns of a festival in which one can communicate with a deceased loved one. Kubo tries to communicate with his dead father. Kubo succeeds and accidentally stays out past dusk.

Suddenly two women appear, wearing frightening masks and flying. They attempt to kill Kubo when his mother comes to the rescue. She tells Kubo that the stories of Hanzo versus the Moon King are real and that the Moon King is out to take Kubo's other eye. And that Hanzo is Kubo's father. With the help of strangers Kubo flees in search of the only weapons that can kill the Moon King, the fabled armor and sword of Hanzo.

WHAT I LIKED

The Story. It feels authentically Japanese for a film made by westerners. A Japanese folktale from beginning to end. Much of the western-style storytelling is abandoned which lends the movie a unique flavor. Simply put, it doesn't flow the way most stories flow nowadays. There's great action but the core of the story revolves around the relationships between the characters and the bonds created. And while Kubo discovers who his companions really are, they're thrown in the middle of some truly fantastic and imaginative situations.

The Imagery. The animation is incredible. Just watching the movie is amazing, but then seeing what they do elevates the experience to a whole other level. Origami plays a key role in the film and it is a sight to behold. The giant skeleton monster is awesome and something right out of a level in Ninja Gaiden. And then there are the Moon King's daughters. Played by Rooney Mara, the Sisters are frightening and memorable. I wouldn't have minded more of them. And final confrontation with the Moon King is visually stunning. So, both technically and conceptually this movie is just amazing to watch.

NITPICKS

This movie isn't like your typical summer film. By that I mean it hasn't been distilled down to nothing but action, comedy, or musical numbers. Nor has this film been designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator. There are moments where the film calms down and we are allowed just to sit with the characters. In addition the film's climax doesn't follow the usual conventions. Kubo doesn't vanquish evil but instead finds an alternative solution. All of these aspects help make the film unique and stand out from the crowd. For myself I felt they were great strengths of the film. However I can see how some might find this different from the norm and not what they're looking for.

THE VERDICT

Laika Films delivers one of the best movies of the year (in my opinion). Even though the movie was made by Americans it has an authentic Japanese atmosphere and tone. It is simply gorgeous visually and astounding to watch considering it was all done with Stop-Motion animation. The film is filled amazing and truly inspired characters. Among all the countless animated children's films released in the last few years KUBO is one of a kind.

Overall Ranking: 7 out of 10

Really good! One worth owning!

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out Laika's other films too, Coraline being one of my favorites!