Title: Kubo and the Two Strings
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Travis Knight
Starring: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey
Runtime: 1 hr 42 mins

What It Is: Based on Japanese lore this is the story of a little boy named Kubo (Parkinson) who tells magical stories with paper dolls. He tells these stories of his father Hanzo and his battles against his grandfather the Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) including how the young lad lost his eye. From under the moonlight, he gets found by his twin Aunts (Rooney Mara) and now the Moon King is dead set on capturing Kubo’s only remaining eye, all this in spite of the fact that he’s the reason for Kubo missing one (an eye) in the first place.

What We Think: Without a doubt one of the most emotionally satisfying and narratively satiating films of the year. Not only has Laika (Coraline, Paranorman) produced yet another brilliant film but I’m of the belief that they may just be in store for their first Oscar win. With only one (from what I’m told) great animated film from Disney in its way Laika may be in for some hardware. Theron and McConaughey are doing good work here and young Art Parkinson really brings Kubo to life.

Our Grade: A+, One of 2016’s best for sure. There can be no doubt that Laika’s output continues to impress. This film was directed by the studio’s CEO (and son of Nike president) Travis Knight. Certainly, there was no nepotism, at the least, not any that affected this in a negative way. I implore you to watch this film! I cannot recommend this more highly. The beauty and excellence of this stop-motion masterpiece are wonderful to see. It’s artistry in the highest form. Give me more of things like this and less like Norm of the North or even the mediocre The Secret Life of Pets.