This is one of my childhood movies. There is expressive character animation, unique character and world designs which all build the supernatural elements that make the story so captivating. I like how the tone of the movie can be both strange but also peaceful. The story's end is a bit bittersweet, but I personally like that.
Coraline is another childhood movie. The sets are incredibly detailed and I love noticing all the different elements the animators and artist put into the world every time I rewatch it. The concpet of the movie creates a sinster mood which is both thrilling and enjoyable to see unfold. Also, bonus that its a stop motion movie which is such a visually appealing medium.
This is another stop motion movie. The color palette is very warm throughout the film which brings about a children's story book feel. The story has a mix of heartwarming, but also heartwrenching family moments, as well as fun action sequences. I like that the story has a older main character (Mr. Fox) who wants to do something great in his life, and how it highlights the consequences of his actions.
This movie deals with heavy subject matter but it brings a comedic twist to it since its from a perspective of a child. This movie has themes of family as it shows Jojo's mothers struggles and joys of raising Jojo on her own. It also dicusses loss and the damage of war. While fun for the most part, this movie brings out a rollercoaster of emotions.
This movie one I can watch repeatly in a short amount of time without being bored. It is reminiscent of early 2000s movies like Mean Girls. The tone is very unserious and feels satricial in the same way Mean Girls is which makes the movie pretty funny. I also like how it centers around a queer romance because it is refreshing to see in this kind of film; it doesn't feel like the same 2000s movie are being remade over and over again.
Similar to Spirited Away, the visuals are very appealing with a great color palette and character animation. There are a lot of Ghibli films I like, but this one has a more grounded story. I like how it shows the dynamic of two high schoolers who are both about the same in school, but one is vastly more ahead in terms of future plans. I think this subject matter is important, and with the added fantasy elements, it adds to the delivery of the story.
This is a great Christmas movie. The visuals are very unique as it is 3D but they developed a lighting system which gives the feel of a 2D film. The story is an interesting spin on how Christmas was made with themes of family, and change. This is all nicely delivered with the heartwarming artstyle.
Shrek 2 is simply iconic. Some of the jokes are way ahead of its time, and all in all is a really fun sequel to the first movie. The action sequences are really enjoyable (like the factory escape), and the Fariy God Mother's musical number is truly iconic. The action leading up to that scene goes well with the song, and it brings out the Fairy God Mother's personality.
Yet another Christmas film I like. The director Satoshi Kon has a unique art style so this film has a very tender color palette to match the gentleness of the holiday spirit. This movie was made in the early 2000s, so I think its great it focuses on marginalized communities. The three main characters are homeless and it fleshes out each of their personalities which creates a found family between them. The movie does a good job in bringing the holiday spirit with its touching subject matter but also fun action packed sequences.
This is another childhood favorite. Similar to Shrek 2, it has some iconic moments which are still remembered today. The story's focus on Rodney's ambition and helping his family, specifically inspiring his dad to go for his dreams later in life is such a moving storyline. The story and fun chracters really bring it together.
So many great things about this moive - the subject matter is intriguing, the story beats are on point, and the cinematography elevates the film's subject. The story starts off slightly slow, but it picks up the pace towards the last act which makes it intense to watch. Moreover, the cinematography is really specific and it visually brings out the class dynamic in the movie. I like how this movie isn't a fantasy, so the ending is bittersweet (probably more bitter than sweet). Additonally, I like how the characters are morally gray for the most part and its hard to say if any of them were "good people."
I think this movie's topic is really important especially in this age of social media. Its a moving story to see a child slowly get to be a child. The main character was brought up in a strict academic household which made her life nothing but studying. Seeing her gradually gain a sense of imagination gives a wondrous feel that is both inspiring and a reminder to hold onto your childhood.