James R Whitson Author Archive
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The Lego Batman Movie

Despite a thin story The Lego Batman Movie is an extremely fun ride with great animation, music, and acting. Though maybe next time leave the more dreary plotlines to that other Dark Knight.

The Lego Batman Movie opens

The Lego Batman Movie opens today in 4,088 theatres according to Box Office Mojo. The film is a hit with the critics, earning an impressive 91% at Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus: “The Lego Batman Movie continues its blockbuster franchise’s winning streak with another round of dizzyingly funny — and beautifully animated — family-friendly mayhem”. BOM […]

At Lego Batman Movie premiere Will Arnett says he’s the “absurd Batman”
Fifty Shades Darker to be no match for The Lego Batman Movie
Lego Batman star Will Arnett talks Ben Affleck’s Batman
A rare trip inside Disney’s secret animation vault
Cartoon Saloon, Mercury Filmworks partner for new animation studio
Why do cartoon characters wear gloves?
The Lego Batman Movie voices include fun surprises
Lego Batman filmmakers discuss the movie’s humor
Animated Views’ 2017 Oscar Contest

Animated Views is giving away $50 worth of movies — your choice of either an Amazon gift card or a Fandango gift card — during our 13th Annual Oscar Event! Enter today for your chance to win!

Zootopia wins animated prize at Producers Guild Awards
The decidedly different role of an editor in animated films
Marvel teases future Spider-Man animation projects for TV
Oscar nominations for 2016 films announced

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced nominations for the 89th Academy Awards today. Categories featuring animated films include: Best Animated Film • Kubo and the Two Strings • Moana • My Life as a Zucchini • The Red Turtle • Zootopia

Why Regular Show is the Seinfeld of cartoons
Regular Show finale; creator and actors say goodbye
Details and first look at Pixar’s Coco
The AV Readers’ Choice Poll – Best Animated Feature Film of 2016

Critics, the Academy, Hollywood guilds, and even the Animated Views staff are rendering their judgment on the top films of the year. But now it’s your turn – vote now!

Sing opens

Illumination’s Sing opens today in 4,022 theatres according to Box Office Mojo. The critics are mostly happy with the film, giving it a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus: “Sing delivers colorfully animated, cheerfully undemanding entertainment with a solid voice cast and a warm-hearted – albeit familiar – storyline that lives up to its […]

Sing’s five-year journey to the big screen
Animation roundtable discusses inspirations and breaking the mold
Oscar hopeful Bilal is first CG-animated feature from the Middle East
Rogue One soundtrack online for free at Disney Music’s Vevo page
Six animated films nominated for Golden Globes; Moana and Sing lead with two each

Six animated films were nominated for Golden Globe Awards today, according to The Hollywood Reporter, including three of the five nominees for Best Original Song. Best Animated Film: • Kubo and the Two Strings • Moana • My Life as a Zucchini • Sing • Zootopia Best Original Song: • Can’t Stop the Feeling – […]

New details about Despicable Me 3 villain revealed
Why Sing will get a sequel