The Boxtrolls
Dir: Graham Annable, Anthony Stacchi
2014
****
A good story is one thing and great animation is another, what I believe animated films of this ilk really need to have in order to really compete is charm, lots of it, and luckily Boxtrolls is full of little else. There isn't so much a story here but rather a premise. There is no real explanation as to what a Boxtroll is, where they come from and what they're all about - it is not important, the way they come to life is. The animation is remarkable, uniquely stylized and completely irresistible. The moral of the story isn't too preachy, it seems that every kids film has to have an important life lesson attached to it but it's fine here, it gives the film a structure as apposed to spoiling it. The voice work is also impressive with a great collection of lovable actors and most notably Ben Kingsley whose voice is barely recognisable at first. A real one off gem.