cel from Prologue
This year's animated short program, always a fun little excursion despite the quality of its content, runs the gamut from baffling, unspectacular, intricate, amiable, and finally extraordinary (along with four additional non-nominated films which are likewise a mixed bag). Here's a brief rundown of each of the nine shorts shown in the program: Sanjay's Super TeamDisney flick tolded in bulgy eyed Pixar style uses someimpressive animation to tell a story of father/son generational disconnect.
*** out of ****
World of Tomorrow
High concept story, simplistic, crude, techno-mation about a young girl being visited by her future consciousness.
** out of ****
Bear Story
complex, workmanlike animation about a city bear being taken from his family.
*** 1/2 out of ****
We Can't Live Without Cosmos
offbeat, amusing friendship tale and Right Stuff riff.
*** out of ****
Prologue
brilliant, violent pencil drawn tale of four warriors fighting The Spartan War. My favorite of the lot. (it was also pretty cool seeing the PSA asking children to be removed from the audience)
*** 1/2 out of ****
CONSIDERED, NOT NOMINATED:
If I was God
So so Canadian short about a kid restoring a frog back to life on dissection day
** 1/2 out of ****
The Short Story of a Fox and a Mouse
Gorgeous, naturalistic animation. Probably the most accomplished in the series.
*** 1/2 out of ****
The Loneliest Stoplight
Somewhat uninspired short features Patton Oswalt.
*** out of ****
Catch It
Amusing short, the type of thing that would usually precede a kiddie feature.
*** out of ****
