Category: Films (Page 11 of 85)

‘Coraline’ Celebrates 15th Anniversary With Return to Theaters In Remastered 3D

June 22, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: August 15, 2024.

LAIKA is celebrating the 15th anniversary of Coraline by re-releasing it in theaters worldwide in newly remastered 3D. The film will also be available in 2D format.

Tickets can be purchased via Coraline.com. Don’t delay, the film will be in theaters for only eight days.

Synopsis: 11-year-old Coraline Jones and her parents have just relocated from Michigan to Oregon. Missing her friends and finding her parents to be distracted by their work, Coraline tries to find some excitement in her new environment but seriously doubts that her new home can provide anything truly intriguing to her.

But when she walks through a secret door in her living room and ventures down an eerie passageway, she discovers an alternate version of her life and existence. On the surface, this parallel reality is similar to her real life – only much better.

The adults, including the solicitous Other Mother, seem much more welcoming to her. Even the mysterious Cat now regards her as the center of attention. She begins to think that this Other World might be where she belongs.

But when her wondrously off-kilter, fantastical visit turns dangerous and Other Mother schemes to keep her there, Coraline musters all of her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.

Voice cast: Dakota Fanning, Ian McShane, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, John Hodgman, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

Written and directed by Henry Selick.

‘Living Large’ Trailer, Release Date and Synopsis: Stop-Motion Film About A Boy’s Journey Of Self-Acceptance

June 17, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: To be announced at a later date.

Synopsis: 12-year-old Ben has just hit puberty and suddenly his weight’s a problem – for him and for everyone else. The other kids bully him, his divorced parents don’t know what to do… Even the school nurse is worried about him.

So, despite his love of food and his emerging talent as a chef, Ben decides to take drastic action. He starts to diet. Maybe that can turn things round. And even win the heart of Klara, the girl of his dreams… Finally, Ben will learn that what truly matters isn’t how you look – it’s how you feel.

Directed by Kristina Dufková. Written by Petr Jarchovský. Based on the novel La vie, en gros by Mikaël Ollivier.

‘The Imaginary’ Official English Trailer, Release Date, Synopsis and Cast List: Hayley Atwell, Kal Penn and LeVar Burton Join Netflix Anime Film

June 13, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: July 5, 2024 on Netflix.

Synopsis: Studio Ponoc’s The Imaginary portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger.

Their fantastical adventures launched from her attic lead them to discover a magical world of creatures and places never before seen. But their joy is interrupted when a sinister force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and the friendship within it.

Voice cast:
(Character – Actor)
Rudger – Louie Rudge-Buchanan
Amanda – Evie Kiszel
Lizzie – Hayley Atwell
Emily – Sky Katz
Mr. Bunting – Jeremy Swift
Zinzan – Kal Penn
The Old Dog – LeVar Burton
Granny Downbeat – Jane Singer
Aurora – Ruby Barnhill
Snowflake – Roger Craig Smith
Cruncher-of-Bones – Courtenay Taylor
John – Miles Nibbe

Additional Voice Cast:
Ian James Corlett
A.F. Harrold
Cassandra Lee Morris
Colleen O’Shaughnessey
Christopher Swindle
Fred Tatasciore
Kari Wahlgren

Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose. Written by Yoshiaki Nishimura. Based on the book written by A. F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett.

‘The Wild Robot’ Official Trailer #2: Lupita Nyong’o Stars In New Film From the Director of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

June 11, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: September 27, 2024.

Synopsis: Based on Peter Brown’s #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot follows the journey of a robot named Roz that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

The Wild Robot stars Lupita Nyong’o as robot Roz; Pedro Pascal as fox Fink; Catherine O’Hara as opossum Pinktail; Bill Nighy as goose Longneck; Kit Connor as gosling Brightbill and Stephanie Hsu as Vontra, a robot that will intersect with Roz’s life on the island.

The film also features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Matt Berry and Ving Rhames.

The Wild Robot is written and directed by three-time Oscar nominee Chris Sanders, the writer-director of How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods, and Lilo & Stitch.

‘Memoir of a Snail’ Teaser Trailer, Release Date, Synopsis and Cast: Adam Elliot’s Next Claymation Film Is Finally Here

June 10, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Adam Elliot (Mary and Max).

Release date: October 17, 2024 in Australia. October 25, 2024 in the United States.

Voice cast: Sarah Snook, Jacki Weaver, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Dominique Pinon, Magda Szubanski and Eric Bana.

Synopsis: In 1970s Australia, Grace’s life is troubled by misfortune and loss. After their mother dies during pregnancy, she and her twin brother, Gilbert, are raised by their paraplegic-alcoholic former juggler father, Percy.

Despite a life filled with love, tragedy strikes anew when Percy passes away in his sleep. The siblings are forcibly separated and thrust into separate homes. Gilbert finds himself in the care of a cruel evangelical family, while Grace, grappling with intense loneliness, gradually withdraws into her shell, much like the snails she adopts.

As the years pass, and despite new disappointments and sorrows, a glimmer of hope emerges when she strikes up an enduring friendship with an elderly eccentric woman called Pinky.

If you enjoyed the trailer, then you’ll love Adam Elliot’s short films.

‘Brave Cat’ Trailer: First Feature Film From Academy Award-Winning Punkrobot Animation Studio

June 7, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Synopsis: What does it mean to be brave? Kona, a teenage forest cat decides to face her fears and search for her missing mother, who was kidnapped by the circus long ago.

Along with Colin, an abandoned guard dog pup, and Bernard, a runaway old circus bear, the three unexpected companions will embark on a cross country search for their lost families.

Directed by Punkrobot co-founder Gabriel Osorio, winner (with Pato Escala) of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film (2015) for Bear Story.

A release date has not been announced.

‘Piece by Piece’ Official Trailer and Release Date: Pharrell Williams Biopic Comes to Life with LEGO

June 6, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: October 11, 2024.

Piece by Piece, directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, tells the story of musician Pharrell Williams with the use of Lego.

The film features appearances by Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg.

‘Inside Out 2’ Final Trailer: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Tony Hale and Ayo Edebiri Among Cast of Pixar Sequel

June 4, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: June 14, 2024.

Synopsis: Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up.

Voice cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser and Yvette Nicole Brown.

Directed by Kelsey Mann. Written by Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein and Kelsey Mann.

‘Moana 2’ Teaser Trailer and Poster: Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson Return for Highly-Anticipated Sequel

May 29, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: November 27, 2024.

Synopsis: After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Starring Auli‘i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui.

Written and directed by Dave Derrick Jr. with music by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina.

‘Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence’ Official Trailer, Synopsis and Poster: Iconic Anime Returns to Theaters With New 4K Restoration

May 22, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Director Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new 4K restoration and a return to North American theaters beginning June 23, 2024.

Synopsis: In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction.

A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention of Public Security Section 9, a unit specializing in counter cyber-terrorism.

With none of the victims’ families pressing charges, suspicions arise regarding the nature of the androids and their production company.

In the course of the investigation, the almost entirely cyber-bodied agent Batou, and his still human partner Togusa embark on a journey through a technological dystopia, taking on ferocious Yakuza thugs, devious hackers, government bureaucrats, and corporate criminals to uncover the shocking truth behind the crime.

‘Ultraman: Rising’ Official Trailer, Release Date, Cast and Synopsis

May 16, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: June 14, 2024 on Netflix.

Voice cast: Christopher Sean (Ultraman), Gedde Watanabe, Tamlyn Tomita, Keone Young, and Julia Harriman.

Synopsis: With Tokyo under siege from rising monster attacks, baseball star Ken Sato reluctantly returns home to take on the mantle of Ultraman.

But the titanic superhero meets his match when he reluctantly adopts a 35-foot-tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju.

Sato must rise above his ego to balance work and parenthood while protecting the baby from forces bent on exploiting her for their own dark plans.

Ultraman: Rising is written by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, directed by Shannon Tindle and co-directed by John Aoshima.

‘Despicable Me 4’ Official Trailer #2: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell and Sofia Vergara Star In Gru’s Family Adventure

May 7, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: July 3, 2024.

Synopsis: In Despicable Me 4 Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their girls Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan) welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad.

Gru also faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), forcing the family to go on the run.

Despicable Me 4 features new characters voiced by Joey King, Stephen Colbert and Chloe Fineman. Pierre Coffin returns as the voice of the Minions and Steve Coogan returns as Silas Ramsbottom.

Directed by Chris Renaud, co-directed by Patrick Delage, written by Mike White and Ken Daurio.

‘200% Wolf’ Trailer, Release Date, Synopsis and Cast: Werewolf Adventure Based on Children’s Book Series

May 3, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: August 8, 2024 in Australia.

Synopsis: A follow up to the Australian animated feature film, 100% Wolf, in which our hero, Freddy Lupin, had to grapple with the shock revelation that he is destined not to be a mighty werewolf like all of his family, but a tiny pink poodle.

In 200% Wolf, Freddy Lupin thinks he has everything it takes to lead his werewolf pack, but earning the respect of his packmates proves to be a challenge. If only he were more wolfish.

But when a wayward wish transforms him into a werewolf and deposits a mischievous moon spirit on earth, Freddy must restore the cosmic order before it’s too late.

With Batty and his dog pals along for the ride, Freddy must seek out a dangerous sorceress with a grudge against the wolf pack, before his new moon spirit friend runs out of life energy and fades away.

If the team can avoid being turned into were-toads and Freddy can resist the pull of forbidden earth-magic, maybe they can send the spirit home and save the world. One thing’s for sure Freddy will never question being a poodle again.

Cast: Ilai Swindells as Freddy, Samara Weaving as Batty, Akmal Saleh as Hamish, along with Jennifer Saunders, Elizabeth Nabben and Peter Mcallum.

Directed by Alexs Stadermann. Written by Fin Edquist. Based on the books by Jayne Lyons.

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Teaser Trailer, Release Date, Synopsis, Cast and Poster: Beyoncé, Donald Glover and Seth Rogen Return

April 29, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

Release date: December 20, 2024.

Directed by Barry Jenkins. Written by Jeff Nathanson. Original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Synopsis: Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick.

Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline.

The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

‘The Glassworker’ Trailer, Release Date, Synopsis, Cast and Poster: Pakistan’s First 2D-Animated Feature Is Ready for the Spotlight

April 26, 2024 / The Animation Blog / 0 Comments

US release date: September 5, 2025. Early screenings Aug. 14 (NYC) and Aug. 22 (LA).

Pakistan release date: July 26, 2024.

Synopsis: Young Vincent and his father, Tomas, run the finest glass workshop in the country and find their lives upended by an impending war in which they want no part.

The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his young, talented violinist daughter, Alliz, shakes their reality and tests the relationship between father and son.

Original story and directed by Usman Riaz.

Screenplay by Moya O’Shea.