One Category at a Time: Animated Feature

I've already sounded off on how I perceive the state of animation this year, but allow me to reiterate: weak sauce. Not that any of these nominees are particularly bad, but I have a hard time mustering up much enthusiasm for most of them.

My Award nominations: Animated Feature

I'm gonna be straight up: this was a weak year for animation. Despite enough releases to expand the Animated Feature category to a maximum five for the Oscars, I can barely find three that I feel can justify earning the nomination. Anyway, here they are:

The Adventures of Tintin (Steven Spielberg):

If the Academy is willing to qualify it as animation, then so am I (although I do acknowledge the grey area it falls into). Regardless, this is one of the most enjoyable adventures in years, signalling the start of a promising franchise.

A Cat in Paris (Alain Gagnol, Jean-Loup Felicioli):

This stylishly animated (and sparingly brisk) family thriller is a delightful diversion to take in when you've got an hour to kill. The story may be formulaic, but visuals are consistently engaging, like the pages of a picture book come to life.

Chico & Rita
(Tonno Errando, Javier Mariscal, Fernando Trueba):

A sensual romance between a jazz pianist and his female singing star that spans decades and continents; It's a lovely little movie spiced with vibrant colours and sultry latin rhythms (courtesy Cuban bandleader Bebo Valdes).

Puss in Boots (Chris Miller):

As much as I despair the relative lack of originality emanating from Dreamworks these days, it's at least a bit refreshing to see Puss carry his own story without the interference of other Shrek characters. This stand-alone adventure/comedy is enjoyable enough, and beautifully animated, as one would expect of the studio.

Rango (Gore Verbinski):

Assuming the traditional definition of "animation", Gore Verbinski's surreal Western homage is the best domestic animated production of the year. It's hard not to respond affectionately to the unbridled imagination with which the film brims.