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Title: Me and My Moulton
Director: Torill Kove
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5
A Norwegian/Canadian production, Me and My Moulton is Kove's autobiographical account of growing up with her quirky family in Norway. Like all children, she finds her parents embarrassing - Dad is the only man in town with a mustache - but feels lucky, in the long run, to grow up in a loving home. The artwork is very simple, almost like a comic strip.
Title: Feast
Director: Patrick Osborne
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Disney's submission, Feast is a dog's perspective on his master's love life. We first saw it in theaters when it was distributed in conjunction with Big Hero 6 this past fall. This one was clearly the audience favorite at the Savoy as they laughed heartily throughout.
Title: The Bigger Picture
Director: Daisy Jacobs
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5
In terms of story, this British production was a bit of a downer. It tells the tale of two brothers coping with their aging and dying mother. The Bigger Picture has the most inventive animation of the five. While most objects are filmed in stop-action, people appear as if drawn on the wall in crayon. Depressing but interesting.
Title: A Single Life
Directors: Marieke Blaauw, Joris Oprins and Job Roggeveen
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5
The zaniest of the five, A Single Life is a Dutch film of a woman experiencing the sweep of her life as she goes forwards and backwards on a 45 rpm record. This one's short indeed, only two minutes long.
Title: The Dam Keeper
Directors: Robert Kondo and Daisuke Tsutsumi
Original Release: 2013
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5
An American production, The Dam Keeper is sort of a combination of Wonder and Hugo. The unnamed protagonist is an orphaned pig who maintains the town's dam. He is bullied at school. One day, a cool kid befriends him, then breaks his heart - or so he thinks.
My wife and daughter both liked Me and My Moulton the best. The Dam Keeper started very strong but lost me by the end. I don't care for heavy-handed depression metaphors. None of the movies blew me away but I'd probably pick Feast as the best. One senses it will win but it would be really cool if A Single Life won. It was the second-favorite for all of us.
For what it's worth, last year's crop was stronger.
When I lived in Southern California I was able to see so many of the Short Animation, and Documentary. Much over looked but wonderful films.
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky.
A good friend of mine was connected to the 2010 Oscar nominated War documentary "Restrepo" It should have won.
cheers, parsnip
There are screenings nationwide. I'm sure they're in AZ somewhere. Here's the website: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/dates-locations/
DeleteWe have The Loft here that shows many of the nominated films that the big chains don't.
DeleteBut in SC I could have my pick of several independent smaller places that had them showing. It was lovely.
That's something I miss about NYC - just about the only thing, actually: tiny independent movie theaters.
DeleteThat sounds like a great outing. I don't think any theater around here does such a screening.
ReplyDeleteYou never know. Have a look: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/dates-locations/
DeleteAfter reading the list, I think I would naturally gravitate towards Me and My Moulton. Sadly, I don't get to see many shorts - but I wish I did!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you are drawn to that one, too. I enjoyed it, just didn't see it as the standout.
DeleteSounds awesome, I'm making lists!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll check them out.
DeleteI'd like to see these. I haven't seen them advertised in the theaters I go to.
ReplyDeleteTry here: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/dates-locations/
DeleteWhat a fun new tradition! I didn't even know they showed these in the theater! Interesting to read your thoughts on each! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
This is the 10th anniversary year of the practice. One does wonder why they never thought to do it before that.
DeleteGreat tradition - I have not seen any of these little movies.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite short movie I ever saw (and possibly the only one? hehe) was the Lambert one that was screened before the Lion King. :)
The Age of the Internet has been a great boon for the short film medium.
DeleteYou lucky devil:) There is no way I have the ability to see these so I hope I can view some on Youtube. I love dogs so I can see liking this film. I am with you about downer animated shorts
ReplyDeleteIf the voters are dog lovers, Feast is a cinch to win.
DeleteI enjoy seeing film shorts, but I usually don't catch many of the Oscar nominees. I used to go see programs of shorts when I was in college since they would have programs of them and they were easily accessible--and free.
ReplyDeleteNow when I hear the nominees named off I have no idea what they're talking about.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
This is the 10th anniversary year of distributing them to theaters. I think an online pay-per-view option would be the next obvious step.
DeleteI love animated shorts, but don't get to see them much. Maybe I should start seeing if any of the small theaters in my area shows them. Too bad none of these moved you much. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThey didn't move me but I was still glad to see them. I feel all cultured and what not.
Delete