Now Playing: Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

As an avid fan of everything Laika Entertainment has done, I was very much anticipating their latest film Kubo and the Two Strings. It did not disappoint. This film is about Kubo, a boy with one eye who can create magic using a traditional Japanese instrument called a shamisen. He sets off on a quest with some strange companions to collect three pieces of armor that will protect him from his evil grandfather and two aunts who wish to steal his other eye. Along the way, he learns more about the incredible past of his parents. Kubo was directed by Laika CEO Travis Knight and includes the voice talents of Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, and George Takei. The film also features a creepy and cool rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by Regina Spektor, which plays over the end credits.

I am always impressed by original content in Hollywood right now. I am even more impressed by a smart kid's movie coming out today. Kubo had both of these things. The writing and the twists and turns of the story along with the stunning visuals can keep both children and adults entertained. The film was also funnier than I expected. Based on the trailers, I didn't think it would be in the same vein as ParaNorman but it had a lot of humorous moments. I think my favorite part of the movie was the Sisters, the aunts of Kubo. Man, I haven't seen such cool villains in a kid's movie for a while! They were scary, powerful, and pure evil. And as soon as I got out of the theater, my sister and I were talking about how amazing they would be as Halloween costumes.

I love stop-motion animation. I find it fascinating and you cannot talk about Kubo without talking about the beautiful animation. This film used CGI, animatronics, and stop-motion. In fact, one monster in Kubo, which was basically a giant skeleton, is 16 feet tall with a 20 foot reach -.the largest animatronic figure ever built.  Most main characters were stop-motion figures, but in large crowd scenes, the people in the background are CGI. Laika is also known for using 3D printing to create a wide range of faces for characters, something that is different from stop-motion pictures of the past. While doing some research I was also surprised to learn that the hair on human characters is actual hair styled with silicone and the capes used by the evil Sisters are created by hand-made feathers (about 183 for each cape!) The amount of work put into the costumes for these figures, as well as the sets and Kubo's origami creations is almost unfathomable. But it really pays off in the end, as this movie is visually stunning. The animation goes above and beyond and stands out amongst the Minions and Madagascars. 

Kubo does not skimp on story. This isn't a series. It's not a franchise. And yet the lore is rich. Not everything is explained in great detail and at times I found it frustrating. But after thinking about it for a day or two, I really appreciated it. Because it meant you had to just believe in the magic of this world. Not everything has a logical explanation to it. Kubo draws inspiration from the classic fairy tales and mythologies we all know. There's King Arthur and Harry Potter and even a bit of Avatar: The Last Airbender. But it is still an original fantasy. There is a Moon King who has magical daughters. There are brave warriors wearing magic armor, talking animals, and ghosts. Special robes can make you fly. Eyes are the things that make you human and contain memories. The dead can still be with you through spirit. All these magical elements come together to make a really fascinating story. I also love that Kubo combines inspirations from stories around the world into an ancient Japanese setting. There are storytellers making origami and playing  the shamisens. There are samurais wielding katana. I felt like I was learning something new and the story still had familiarity in it. The magic of Kubo was quite literally the magic.

Kubo and the Two Strings is a children's movie that should not be overlooked. In a sea of brands and franchises and Pixar sequels, it should not be lost. Laika needs all the support it can get - they have yet to disappoint and it is the only studio making movies like this. This is a movie I really encourage everyone to see. It's funny and unique and beautiful. It will make you fall in love with movies again.