James R Whitson Author Archive
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Rescue Rangers begins filming
First teaser trailer for Spirit Untamed unleashed

From DreamWorks: “An epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong who discovers a kindred spirit when her life intersects with a wild horse, Spirit Untamed is the next chapter in the beloved story from DreamWorks Animation. Lucky Prescott (Isabela Merced, Dora and the Lost City of Gold) never really knew […]

Acclaimed animator Yasuo Otsuka passes away at 89
Nominations for the 93rd Oscars announced

After a weird year for movies, cinema in 2020 has finally almost reached its end with the nominees for the 93rd Academy Awards being revealed. Leading the animated entries is Soul, with three nominations. The full list follows. The Oscars will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC […]

Raya And The Last Dragon

Raya and The Last Dragon had potential. A unique setting, an interesting foundation, amazing animation. Squandered because they thought we wanted a princess with a totally outrageous paradigm rather than a hero on the regular.

Nickelodeon greenlights The Patrick Star Show

Nickelodeon has given the official greenlight to The Patrick Star Show (13 episodes), the second spinoff of the number-one animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, The Patrick Star Show is a family sitcom starring Patrick and the rest of his family as they are constantly disrupted by Patrick’s wild whims and surreal […]

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run

Sponge On The Run, has a few of the not-so-secret ingredients that made the franchise so popular. But over twenty years removed from its launch, this outing has gone stale.

Is Pepe Le Pew next in line for cancellation?
DuckTales to air 90 minute series finale in March

PRESS RELEASE Disney’s critically acclaimed DuckTales will solve some mysteries and rewrite history with an epic 90-minute series finale special Monday, March 15, (7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney XD and ungated in DisneyNOW. Executive produced by Matt Youngberg and co-executive produced by Francisco Angones, the Emmy® Award-nominated DuckTales team wrapped production after 75 episodes and […]

Official trailer for Disney’s Cruella
Read Pixar’s Onward script
Disney drops new trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon

Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon hits theaters and Disney+ Premier Access on March 5th. Synopsis: “Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same […]

MeTV generates nostalgia with Toon In With Me and Saturday Morning Cartoons

“Cartoon Curator” Bill Leff talks about a new show for those who remember the good old days of TV before 24-hour networks and streaming.

The 2020 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 2020?

New image and details from Pixar’s upcoming feature Luca
Demon Slayer movie still aiming for U.S. theatrical release
R-Rated Deadpool 3 confirmed, will be part of MCU
Soul

Soul has lofty aspirations and it hits the high notes almost every time, with incredible animation, captivating music, and an engrossing plot. While it’ll make you think a lot more than laugh, the end result is a virtuoso performance.

Soul filmmakers discuss alternate endings