Fulfilling Emotion & Sumptuous Animation Awaits in ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionE-mail page to friendE-mail page to friendPDF versionPDF version
Average: 5 (1 vote)
HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.5/5.0
Rating: 4.5/5.0

CHICAGO – In our short lives, what do we most need? It’s a hard question to answer sometimes, but the new animated film “Kubo and the Two Strings” does a memorable job of answering the query. The journey of Kubo, like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” leads to a place where he needs to go.

I don’t want to compare “Kubo” to anything else, although it was done by the same animation house (Laika Entertainment) that gave us “Coraline,” “ParaNorman” and “The Boxtrolls,” and succeeds by having a simple story akin to “Finding Dory.” But where it excels beyond all those examples is in a cumulative glory – it uses the simplicity of origami, Kabuki theater, the Samurai tradition and Japanese prints to establish a atmosphere that is sometimes stunning in its grace. While the character Kubo does have a typical good versus evil conundrum, the use of the atmosphere is what gives the whole film a value beyond just black and white, and within the grayer subtlety lies its power.

Told as a folktale that might have been around for a 1000 years – although the story was newly formulated by Marc Haimes and Shannon Tindle – the scenario begins with a boy and his mother (voice of Charlize Theron) washing ashore after escaping a great battle. The boy Kubo has lost his eye, but lives. The pair make their home near the shore, and the mother is in a catatonic state most days.

Kubo 2
The Japanese Samurai Tradition Lives in ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’
Photo credit: Focus Features

To make ends meet, the now grown boy Kubo (Art Parkinson) goes to the village and tells legendary stories with a magic box guitar. As he weaves the tales, the characters come to life via origami, the paper folding art. His magic doesn’t go unnoticed, and a battle for his soul emerges, represented by the good (a protective Monkey and Beetle, who Kubo must accept) and evil (Two Sisters, his aunts). How the journey ends will determine his fate. 


The look of the film is absolutely staggering. The Japanese environment and heritage, combined with Laika Entertainment’s unique use of the “stop motion” technique, brings a life to the animation that breaks new ground. The elements – fire, water, air and earth – play into the story so effectively because of the way they are presented. The characters become delightful, and might even remind the generations of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and other stop motion classics. The whole of Laika’s animation in this film is all highlights, in a debut directorial effort from Laika animator Travis Knight.

The voice actors were sincere, despite the use of Anglo voices instead of the more native Asian tone. Theron does some amazing emoting with two characters, and Matthew McCounaughey is almost unrecognizable in his interpretation of Beetle. Sharp ears will detect the “oh my” happiness of George “Sulu” Takei, and the throaty Brenda Vaccaro emerges as Kubo’s best friend Kaymeyo.

The story is a sincere and likely folktale, one that will become beloved in future years. Kubo is a reluctant sorcerer, which makes his journey in experimenting with his mastery all the more vital. And who doesn’t want to be reminded of the bond that friendship and family make in a life, and how that importance emits a heavenly light, like candle lanterns flowing down a river.

Kubo 1
Beetle, Kubo and Monkey Take a Journey in ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’
Photo credit: Focus Features

Laika reminds us that the story is the ultimate king in any creation, but the expansiveness of animation can take a solid narrative and make it flourish and dance. That is how “Kubo” creates its magic, by sticking to what is best for the main character and capturing what he needs to do – with a conjured illusion that packs both an emotional punch and a luxurious state of awe.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” has moved the excellence meter on what is possible, as we continue through the new Golden Age of Animation. In the realm of monkeys, beetles and box guitars, it is the happiest of times when the simplest dreams come true.

CLICK HERE for the HollywoodChicago.com interview with Travis Knight, the director of “Kubo and the Two Strings.”

”Kubo and the Two Strings” opens everywhere in 3D, IMAX 3D and regular screenings on August 19th. See local listings for 3D/IMAX theaters and show times. Featuring the voices of Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, George Takei, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, Art Parkinson and Brenda Vaccaro. Screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler. Story by Marc Haimes and Shannon Tindle. Directed by Travis Knight. Rated “PG

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Writer, Editorial Coordinator
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2016 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
tracker