Kubo and the Two Strings

Score: 9/10

Recommendation: Full Price Ticket

Summary:
A visual treat that is more lighthearted than other Laika films which will make it more appealing to a wider audience.

Review:
Kubo and the Two Strings follows a boy who must collect the 3 pieces of magical armor that will protect him from the evil Moon King. Aided by his magical lute and origami paper, Kubo sets out to find the armor that once gave his father strength and now will protect him. He is accompanied by his stern yet protective friend named Monkey and absent minded friend named Beetle, he must defeat the moon king.

There aren't many stop motion studios that don't rely on computer assistance making films like Kubo and the Two Strings such a treat. Sure there are computer effects throughout the film but most of it was made using the puppets or dolls. Visually, this film is dazzling. I would even say it is the prettiest stop-motion film I have seen. From the characters to their environments, Kubo is gorgeous. This is what makes a film like Kubo stand out from other animated films. Let's face it, we live in a time where lots of animated films are being released, but there aren't a lot of studios that are really able to stand out. Disney has history on its side so most people recognize their films on name alone. Pixar has a strong reputation built from several excellent films. Beyond those, studios like DreamWorks, Blue Sky, Sony, and Illumination seem to blend together. I appreciate the creativity that studios like Laika or Cartoon Saloon have demonstrated by creating films that stand out visually without sacrificing quality storytelling.

The characters are well acted (or rather voice acted) by Charlize Theron as Monkey and Matthew McConaughey as Beetle and especially Art Parkinson as Kubo. I haven't seen anything with Art Parkinson yet (even though he has already been in some high budget films) but he lends a perfect performance for the film. Matthew McConaughey is fine as the typical comic relief even though his jokes are often predictable and often Charlize Theron's Monkey character is given more amusing dialogue and is overall much more likeable.

My biggest complaint is the villain. His story is pretty underdeveloped and the final arc seems a little too abrupt. Especially how characters present for the finale of the film other than Kubo react to how his story ends. I don't want to spoil anything so I will leave it at that. His story is important to the overarching themes of family and seeing the good in people. These are weaved into the story well to give adults an interesting deeper meaning while watching the film.

Overall, Kubo and the Two Strings is a fun adventurous film for children with enough depth for the parents. Don't miss seeing this film on the big screen, and please for the love of everything holy, don't watch this on your phone.