Laika

comPOSERS Episode 126: Paranorman

This week we venture into the weird world of stop-motion animation with special guest Elspeth "LP" McRobb of the Felons on Film podcast, as we discuss Paranorman and its delightful score by Jon Brion.

Parental Guidance: Missing Link Review

The newest gorgeously animated feature from groundbreaking Laika (BoxTrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings) arrives in theatres this weekend, to tell a tall tale about a lonely sasquatch and the intrepid explorer who befriends him. But should you take your kids to see it?

The Boxtrolls Review

While it isn't the best film from LAIKA, The Boxtrolls still excellently showcases the animation studio's love for creativity.

Focus on TIFF Kids 2014

Now that the teens and adults have had their run of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, we take a look at some of this year's best bets and special events happening at the 2014 TIFF Kids International Film Festival, which kicks off today.

This Week in DVD: 11/27/12

This week at the video store we look at the winning animated adventure ParaNorman, the action blockbuster The Expendables 2, the dance-stravaganza Step Up Revolution, the crap-stravaganza The Apparition, and a pair of films that missed theatrical releases despite being directed by Joe Dante and Amy Heckerling.

ParaNorman Review

From top to bottom, ParaNorman is a little genre gem for longtime fans and pint-sized newcomers. This is an animated film that refuses to talk down to children, packs in more entertainment value than should be legally allowed, and actually has something to say to the impressionable viewers.

Interview: ParaNorman’s Chris Butler & Sam Fell
Part Two

In the age of the omnipresent CG animated film and vapid big budget spectacle, it’s incredibly refreshing to see a lovingly handcrafted stop-motion animated movie like ParaNorman come along. We had a chance to speak with directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell earlier this year, and talked about the talented young cast of the film, the directors' own experiences with bullying, ParaNorman's relationship to the horror genre, the importance of zombies, and much more.

Interview: ParaNorman’s Chris Butler & Sam Fell
Part One

In the age of the omnipresent CG animated film and vapid big budget spectacle, it's incredibly refreshing to see a lovingly handcrafted stop-motion animated movie like ParaNorman come along. We had a chance to speak with directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell earlier this year, and talked about the "John Carpenter meets John Hughes" origins of the film, how technology has helped make stop-frame animation more practical, and much more.