James R Whitson Author Archive
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Latest Aladdin teaser reveals Will Smith’s Genie

“A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, Aladdin is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port […]

The Lego Movie 2 opens

Warner Animation’s The Lego Movie 2 opens today in 4,303 theatres according to Box Office Mojo. The film is a hit with the critics, earning a Certified Fresh 84% at Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus: “While it isn’t quite as much fun as its predecessor, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part fits neatly into an […]

The Simpsons renewed for seasons 31 and 32 at Fox
Spider-Verse big winner at Annie Awards

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was the big winner at the 46th Annual Annie Awards, winning Best Animated Feature and all the other categories is was nominated in for a seven trophy haul. Incredibles 2 came into the night with eleven nominations and left with two awards. Mary Poppins Returns also won twice. Ralph Breaks the […]

Fate of Simpsons up in air due to Disney acquisition of Fox
Oscar noms for 2018 movies announced

Nominations for the the 91st Academy Awards were announced today. The nominees for Best Animated Film are: Incredibles 2, Isle of Dogs, Mirai, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The Best Animated Short Film nominees are: Animal Behaviour, Bao, Late Afternoon, One Small Step, and Weekends The Best Visual Effects nominees are: […]

Johnny Depp nominated for two Razzies for Sherlock Gnomes
Brad Bird talks Incredibles and Lasseter’s redemption
Why original Lion King writers are losing out with the remake
Universal names Margie Cohn head of DreamWorks Animation
The 2018 AV Readers’ Choice Poll

Critics, the Academy, Hollywood guilds, and even the Animated Views staff will tell you what they think. But now it’s your turn to be the critic! What was the the best animated film of 2018?

Into the Spider-Verse wins Animated Feature Golden Globe
Netflix finds Carmen Sandiego reboot trailer
Sony releases Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse script online
The Grinch

If you have a family tradition of going to the movies at Christmastime, you have several good options available. But if you’re looking for something that perhaps means a little bit more, your best bet might be Illumination’s The Grinch.

First look at Guy Ritchie’s live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin
Oscar shortlist finalists for animated shorts, visual effects, and music announced

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the films shortlisted in several categories for consideration at the upcoming 91st Oscars. The ten films still in the running for Best Visual Effects are: Ant-Man and the Wasp Avengers: Infinity War Black Panther Christopher Robin First Man Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Mary Poppins Returns […]

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse opens

Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse opens today in 3,813 theatres according to Box Office Mojo. The film is a huge hit with the critics, earning an impressive 97% from Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero […]

Sony seeks patents on Spider-verse animation tech
2018 Golden Globe nominees revealed

The nominees for the 76th Golden Globe Awards have been announced. The fully animated entries were relegated to the Best Animated Film category this year. Those nominees are: Incredibles 2, Isle of Dogs, Mirai, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. In addition, Mary Poppins Returns (which features some animated sequences) was nominated […]

AFI names Mary Poppins Returns to Best Picture list
Bringing a 2D touch to DreamWorks Animation’s short Bird Karma
First look at BBC’s Christmas animation Zog
46th Annual Annie Awards nominations announced

ASIFA Hollywood has announced the nominees for the 46th Annual Annie Awards. Besides movies, the awards also recognize animated achievements in television, live actions films, video games, advertising, shorts, and student films. The nominees for Animated Feature are: Early Man, Incredibles 2, Isle Of Dogs, Ralph Breaks The Internet, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Incredibles […]

Butch Hartman’s tribute to Stephen Hillenburg

Fairly Odd Parents creator Butch Hartman has posted a tribute video to SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg. The two worked at Nickelodeon at the same time during the late 1990s to early 2000s.

Bao director Domee Shi en route to first feature
Ralph Breaks the Internet

tl;dr Not as good as the original. Very funny. Weird ending. Worth seeing.

Ralph 2 helps fuel record Thanksgiving weekend box office