The new year is fully in swing and it should come to nobody's surprise that the new year brings along some interesting films. Specifically, 2019 is offering up an interesting selection of animated films to keep an eye out for as the months pass.
1. Toy Story 4
It's safe to say that the theaters are going to be packed when this one comes out. "Toy Story" as a franchise has been a staple not only of computer animation, but of many childhoods. I personally grew up watching and re-watching the first two films and loved the third one when it hit the big screen as well. Now, it is too early to say whether Toy Story should have stuck with its heartfelt ending in "Toy Story 3", but I personally am curious to see where the movie franchise decides to go from here. With a talented animation team and a talented voice crew, I am sure this film will be one to remember as 2019 comes and goes.
2. Detective Pikachu
I have been a Pokémon fan since I received my very first Gameboy at the age of six. It has been a staple of my video game experience and of my childhood. So, I personally am really excited to see Pokémon come to life on the big screen. Some say that they find the animation style to be a bit odd for the Pokémon world and I can see where they are coming from in the end. However, I think that this movie will open up a world of interesting character designs and visual effects. Plus, we get Ryan Reynolds voicing Pikachu. What's not to look forward to with this movie? I definitely am going to choose this movie experience when it comes to theaters.
3. Frozen 2
Now this movie is interesting because the "Frozen" franchise as a whole has received some heat over the years. At its release, it was praised for being a return to Disney form with wonderful characters, songs, and visuals. Personally, I really do like this movie. However, others criticized it as time passed for being too overblown and over-hyped. I can see both sides of the argument, but in the end there is something magical about this movie series. The world it is set in is just so comfortable to be in and the characters are just so nice to watch on screen. It's really funny because every time I step away from Frozen I expect to find Olaf's character to be annoying. However, each time I come back I am pleasantly surprised to find he is actually quite charming and funny. So, due to my love for the world, the characters, and my passion for musicals, I am looking forward to this movie.
4. Sonic the Hedgehog
Now, Sonic is an interesting beast in itself. By far, the Sonic franchise has to be one of the more controversial videogame franchises to exist. It seems to stand on both sides of the extreme with people who take it extremely seriously and with others who treat it as a complete joke. It is an odd amalgamation of opinions and thus has garnered both positive feedback and notoriety. Thus, it is interesting that they are deciding to make an animated movie starring the blue hedgehog. Personally, I am curious to see where this movie goes in terms of story and visual effects. I don't know whether it is going to be a great film or not, but I can certainly say it is going to be interesting.
5. The Lion King
The Lion King MADE my childhood. That is all. The songs, the animation, the characters, the story influenced my creative thinking and played a role in shaping my future. The original animated movie stole my heart again and again (the worn out VHS tape in my closet will speak of that) and I will admit that I am a bit apprehensive to see this movie when it releases. It is following the trend of remaking Disney classics which, I will say, I am not the biggest fan of in theory. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn't going to go see this movie. I am just so curious to see how they will adapt the story and characters based on this different form of animation and new production staff. As soon as Disney dropped that they were making this movie, I mentally bought my ticket.
6. How to Train Your Dragon 3
The "How to Train Your Dragon" series is one that I look back on fondly. The first movie provided a lovely story with a breathtaking 3D animation experience. The second advanced the concept of what the story could be and even upped the game when it comes to the visuals. So, it is safe to say that I am really pumped to see this final movie. This franchise really hit all the highpoints for me with its fantasy land and dragons. Who doesn't love dragons? Plus, the character designs and development have always been completely on point. Whoever came up for the design for Toothless was ingenious for mixing together the perfect amounts of deadly and cute. Can't wait to fly to the theater to catch this film when it hits the big screen.
7. The Lego Movie 2
I have been looking forward to this film ever since its announcement. The first one has to be one of my favorite animated comedies with its brilliant strategy of mixing branding and humor. Plus, the animation was just lovely to look at when it comes to movement and textures. The entire experience really expanded what a movie centered around children's toys could really become. The jokes hit homeruns and the characters were just way too fun, even gaining their own movies and television shows. Everything will be awesome as soon as this film comes out and I am able to go and buy a ticket.
8. The Addams Family
How could people not be hyped for this film? With such a blast from the past hitting the big screen, it is safe to say that theaters will be full. Who could resist seeing such beloved characters like the Addams Family grace the silver screen? I know I personally counting down the days until I can go buy a ticket. Just from the concept art alone, I am fully convinced that this is going to be a wonderful film to watch. A perfect mix of visual creepy and kooky, it an Addam's Family movie to remember!
9. Spies in Disguise
Now, Blue Sky Studios has had an interesting array of movies over the years from Rio, to Peanuts, to Ice Age. However, I don't think I have ever been so excited for one of their films. Just from the trailer alone, I can tell that the animation has gone to the next level. The footage from the trailer showcases some of the most fluid animation I have seen in a little while. Not to mention, it is absolutely beautiful. When you combine this with the voice talents of Will Smith and Tom Holland, you are sure to have, at the very least, an interesting movie experience.
10. Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus
"Invader Zim" was an interesting spark of creativity that a lot of young artists experienced. For me, the creative designs of the characters and the world provided me the perfect mix of whimsy and darkness. This combined with a talented animation team, a hilarious group of screenwriters, and an amazing voice-talent crew made for one of my favorite childhood shows. Hearing that Nick is bringing back the show's creator for a full film experience felt like a dream. Though some may consider the show to be a bit overblown in nature, I personally have a lot of praise and love for this cartoon series. I suspect, with all this talent back in action, I will have a lot of love and praise for this movie as well.
Whether the viewing experience will turn out to be pleasant or awkward, these are definitely some of the films to keep an eye out for as 2019 passes.
