Just got a chance to see the Klein/Newton Annie Award Nominee Boys Night Out and can say that I wholeheartedly agree with Animation Blast’s Amid Amidi’s appraisal that it is a “cartoonist’s cartoon.” The feature is a dark comedy about a stepfather who has to reluctantly watch his stepson while his wife enjoys a little time away from the homestead. Not wanting to let a kid’s interests take control, the stepfather shows his stepson a night on the town to expose him to the activities that men often engage in and it turns out to be an eye-opening experience for Junior. The animation showcases the heights of visual expression that can be achieved when pen and ink find themselves in the hands of worthy animators. One thing that struck me is that it was clear that if this had been done in fancy schmancy 3D computer animation it may have fallen flat on its face. This is a story best told with all the lines and curves that come from the heart and hand of an animator who knows how to translate ideas and meaning into simple yet vivid, flowing imagery. There is still a place for hand-drawn animation and Boys Night Out goes a long way in proving it.

Check out Barley Films for screening information.