James R Whitson Author Archive
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Minions and Monsters opens

Illumination’s Minions and Monsters opens in around 4,000 theatres according to Deadline. The film has a surprising 89% at Rotten Tomatoes, easily the best of any film in the Despicable Me franchise. [READ MORE…]

Live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 to be directed by Chris Sanders
Predator director Dan Trachtenberg tackling Freddy the 13th animated movie
Minions fan George Lucas has role in upcoming film
Toy Story 5 opens

Pixar’s Toy Story 5 opens today in 4,425 theatres according to The Numbers. The film is a hit with critics, scoring a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus: “Proving that old toys can learn new tricks while reckoning with an era of endless screen time, Toy Story 5 largely sidesteps franchise fatigue by reaffirming that […]

It’s really happening as Shrek 5 teaser trailer released

Shrek and Donkey (and the family) are off on another big city whirlwind adventure in the first teaser trailer for DreamWorks’ Shrek 5. The film hits theatres in summer 2027. From DreamWorks: Next summer, DreamWorks Animation invites audiences on a thrilling, magical new comedy adventure from one of the most beloved global animated franchises of […]

Pixar’s Gatto teaser trailer and poster released

The teaser trailer and poster for Pixar’s Gatto are now online. The film hits theaters March 5, 2027. From Pixar: Mark Ruffalo has joined the voice cast as the scrappy black cat Nero, and Laurence Fishburne will voice the ruthless mob boss cat Rocco. The teaser trailer introduces Nero and Rocco as they question another […]

Taylor Swift and Randy Newman duet at Toy Story 5 premiere
Animal Farm opens

Angels’ Animal Farm opens today in 2,600 theatres according to The Numbers. The critics don’t seen to be supporting the revolution, giving the film a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus: “All Animal Farm adaptations are equal, but some Animal Farm adaptations are more watchable than others”. BoxOfficeReport projects a 6th place weekend take […]

Hazbin Hotel getting fifth and final season on Prime Video
Minions & Monsters to open Annecy Animation Film Festival
The 2025 AV Readers’ Choice Poll Results

The Academy had their say earlier this week. But now it’s your turn. As we have done every year since 2012, we asked you, our readers, to turn critic and choose the best animated films of 2025.

Firefly animated series in development with original stars set to reprise roles

Firefly star Nathan Fillion has shiny news for fans of the cult favorite space western from the early 2000s that was cancelled before its time in the form of an animated sequel. Fillion’s company and 20th Television Animation are partnering on the project.

KPop Demon Hunters, The Girl Who Cried Pearls, Avatar: Fire and Ash win Oscars

KPop Demon Hunters earns two trophies for Animated Feature and Song, The Girl Who Cried Pearls wins for Animated Short, and Avatar: Fire and Ash is the Visual Effects winner.

Oscar Night 2026

Tonight’s the night. The 98th Academy Awards are announced this evening and we’ll be here covering it as part of our annual Oscar event, now in its 22nd year! Join us for a live chat during the show!