Dreamworks was following the money in 2011 with a pair of franchise entries – one a sequel, the other a spinoff – that, while mildly diverting, quickly dissipated from memory. Kung Fu Panda 2 was merely a continuation of the action/comedy that we enjoyed in the first one, albeit with a more ambitious dramatic arc and more complex villain, but it still fell victim to its own childish humour. The more pleasantly surprising Puss in Boots proved that the feline Lothario could actually carry a film without the ogre and his jackass, but again, lacked staying power. If nothing else, both are beautifully animated.
The only oasis of originality in the desert of familiarity was Rango. I can't bring myself to cherish it as so many do, but you'll here no argument from me that this is hands-down the best of American animation this year. And while not all of its creative aim-taking felt on target to me, I really do wish more movies were willing to embrace such unabashed imagination. With Tintin shafted on account of its mo-cap format, Rango has little competition for that gold statuette.
But where homegrown toons fell short, some foreign oddities clearly managed to impress, resulting in nominations for the wonderful Chico & Rita and the stylishly animated A Cat in Paris. Exotic and visually arresting though they may be, I wouldn't count on either of them having the exposure necessary to defeat Rango.
Will win: Rango
Runner-up: Puss in Boots
Should win: Chico & Rita
Should've been nominated: The Adventures of Tintin
(I suppose now would be the best time to tell anyone who was hoping for videos this year is in for a disappointment. Time has just been too tight.)
