Animation Reviews

An Oscar-caliber animation classic that ... oh who are we kidding? If you saw the first "Chipmunk" movie you've seen this one, too. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)

"The Princess and the Frog" is a skillful, enjoyable picture, helped along by a superb voice cast and a sustained explosion of color. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

Graciously hilarious and superbly acted,"Fantastic Mr. Fox" also offers monumental, brilliantly raw animation. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)

The latest version of "A Christmas Carol" takes a bold technological leap forward, with dazzling results. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)

"Astro Boy" boasts glossy visuals, red-hot action, and a sparkling cast of voices, but is too bizarre and cartoony to leave a lasting impression. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)

Energetic and dripping with cutting-edge humor, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" makes for a hilarious mouth-watering sit. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)

"9" is stuck between astounding visual accomplishment and storytelling inertia. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)

Heartwarming and graciously surreal, "Ponyo" is an elevating fantasy that swims enthusiastically in delightfully unexpected directions. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)

"G-Force" is a halfway interesting movie that doesn’t trust itself enough to enjoy the wacky premise. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" is a charming film with a relaxed mood and a playful cast. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

"Tale" is a sprawling story of honor and forgiveness compacted poorly by filmmakers who can't pin down a point of view. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)

"Bolt" gets by on a heady froth of charisma and a few surprises. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)

Pixar's latest is a misguided, preach-fest that suffers from storytelling lethargy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)

Kung Fu Panda is a charming, enormously entertaining film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)

An askew pop sensibility gives "Horton Hears a Who" ample charm. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

Disney pays homage to past princesses with it's latest endeavor aimed at tweens. Review by Connie Wang. (Grade: C+)

Amy Adams brings wonder and heart to Disney's latest princess movie. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

Seinfeld's first foray into feature films lacks comedic sting. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)

"Ratatouille" maintains Pixar's high standards, but it overstays its welcome with a bloated running time. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

Past success lets the third installment of the "Shrek" franchise settle into a welcome groove. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

ATHF fans will love this glorified TV episode and the uninitiated may find flecks of fun amidst the absurdity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

It took seven writers to create this animated mess? Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)

Rotoscoping blends well with this hallucinogenic tale, but untethered acting sends the core story into a tailspin. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)

Pixar's superb animation is a sight to behold, but the "Cars" storyline lacks creativity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)

Inspired anarchy highlights "Hedge's" best moments, but a by-the-numbers plot limits the film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)

Once you get past the similarities to "Madagascar," this animated animal romp actually entertains. (Grade: B-)