“Coraline” Henry Selick – this was my favourite film of the year, so I am slightly biased toward its possible win. Suffice to say, this film combines stupendous 3-d graphic (nearly equal to “Avatar”, and if “Avatar” had not been released, “Coraline” would be the best 3-D film so far), wonderful story with complex and evocative characters, extraordinary visual effects, and tight direction (from long time great Selick). In fact, “Coraline” might just win simply because Selick has been such a long time contributor (director, writer, etc) in animation. Downside, it is not CG, rather it is stop motion, and that point may harm “Coraline’s” chances.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” Wes Anderson – a wonderful adaptation of a lesser known beloved children’s story, Anderson created one of the most interesting, emotionally touching, and fun films of the year. Downside, the film could be considered too adult, and the fact that it is also stop-motion could harm the films chance to win.
“The Princess and the Frog” John Musker and Ron Clements – The best Disney film in well over a decade, not to mention the first major 2-d animated project from Disney in years, as well as the introduction of Disney’s first African-American princess could be just the push that sees Disney finally win the Best Animated Award (technically, when a Pixar film wins, so too does Disney). Downside, not many actually went to see this revival, and some of the Randy Newman songs were really quite stupid.
“The Secret of Kells” Tomm Moore – this wonderful 2-d animated film (probably the best I have seen in several years), tells the story of a young man growing up in an Abbey in the 9th century (A.D.) Ireland. There, the young man, who studies under his Uncle (an Abbot who is working to fortify their Abbey in case of a Viking attack), meets a fleeing priest who is attempting to finish the illustrations for one of the Books of the Bible. The young boy, so entranced and amazed by the Priests illustrations decides to follow in his footsteps and illustrate the Gospels. Thus begins the story of the creation of the Book of Kells. This is a remarkable film with jawdropingly beautiful animation and a wonderful story. Downside, no one in the US has seen this film, hell the only reason I have seen it is because a friend literally forced me to see the film (while I was in Europe last year). Added to that, there is a mixture of Christianity and Paganism that might be too off-putting to an American audience.
“Up” Pete Docter – it’s Pixar’s recent entry into their long line of quickly emerging classic films. Great acting, decent story, good visuals, and good directing all add together to create a very touching, if a little passé, film. Downside, for years now, there has been a predicted backlash against Pixar constantly winning this award, but so far such a backlash has not occurred. Ultimately, the film is only good compared to many of the other Pixar films, and with such great films as “Coraline”, “Mr. Fox” and “Kells” also up for nominations, this could be the year that Pixar finally loses…
Bottom Line -
Who Will Win: Probably “Up”. It’s Pixar, the home-away-from-home animation company; it’s like Mom’s homemade cooking, there is a an almost built in nostilgia factor to the studio and its releases…
Who should win: “Coraline” or “The Secret of Kells”. Powerful and beautiful films that are not afraid to tell complex and compelling stories that both children and adults can enjoy.