You can judge a good kids movie by the writing. That is, if there are jokes ones moms and dads would get or that are of their generation.
Of course, there are exceptions. We rented UP, along with a couple others for the Thanksgiving weekend. While it has some good humor — SQUIRREL! — my wife and I nearly bawled during two parts (when Ellie dies within the first 15 minutes, and when Carl looks through Ellie’s adventure book when he’s sitting in the house, right next to Paradise Falls, and realizes she had no regrets about never getting there). UP includes too many adult themes for kids. And, I don’t like crying during a cartoon.
So, here are my top five computer-animated, children’s movies (in no particular order). Have a look and let me know — what are your favorites?
Any list of the best compute-animated cartoons has to start with Toy Story — the original. Pretty original (enough) plot, some big names like Tim Allen, Tom Hanks & Don Rickles, great toys (i.e., Mr. Potato Head) and good references designed for parents, like the red Binford tool box in Sid’s room.
Shrek is another Top 5′er. The original one is great for kids and parents. Shrek the Third is okay for kids but seemed more geared for parents in the gags. Of all the computer-animated movies, Shrek — more than any of the movies — has the best soundtrack. We just watched Shrek this weekend after not seeing it for a bit. I had forgotten about the use of “damn” but can overlook it enough. The comedy of Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy definitely shine through with some great lines, and the Duloc Information Booth is funny every time.
I like Surf’s Up because of the way the story was told — Q&A/interview style with Cody and other characters. To me, Chicken Joe stole the show.
Monsters’ Inc. is also in my Top 5. Again, it’s an original plot, and the continued references to Toy Story and other Pixar films is great. I think references to Toy Story and other Pixar films show up all Pixar films. That, and the fact that John Ratzenberger has a role in everyone is neat.
Combined, Madagascar and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa round out my Top 5. The running animosity between the old lady and Alex is funny, as is the Hogan’s Heroes-like mindset of the penguins from the first one, and the dialogue aboard Air Penguin in Escape 2 Africa. It’s writing and action that gets a laugh from children and parents alike.
Kowalski: Only two passengers unaccounted for, Skipper.
Skipper: That’s a number I can live with! Good landing, boys! Who says a penguin can’t fly?
While all “top” lists leave out some near-misses, let me toss out several other movies that could easily make a good argument for being in my Top 5:
- Finding Nemo — Classic, and Crush makes me look at sea turtles in a whole new way.
- Over the Hedge – Dwayne and Gladys are great supporting characters
- Incredibles – Answers the question of what really goes on in a super-hero family when they’re not saving the world.
So, there are my favorite computer-animated movies. What’s your Top 5?
The Shrek movies are fantastic. My personal favorites is the Toy Story movies. You also forgot Cars…the animation in that movie is fantastic.
Don,
Definitely agree about Shrek. I liked Cars but it seemed to run a bit long.
What I think is really cool about the movies is when you can't tell if a scene or setting is computer-generated or real. There's some in Toy Story 2, and even the Tinker Bell movies.
-Mike
Vote for “The Incredibles”
The Shrek movies are fantastic. My personal favorites is the Toy Story movies. You also forgot Cars…the animation in that movie is fantastic.
Don,
Definitely agree about Shrek. I liked Cars but it seemed to run a bit long.
What I think is really cool about the movies is when you can't tell if a scene or setting is computer-generated or real. There's some in Toy Story 2, and even the Tinker Bell movies.
-Mike
Vote for “The Incredibles”