Kubo and the Two Strings

Laika Studios has been kicking major goals in the stop-motion animation field in the last couple of years - between "Coraline", "Paranorman" and "The Boxtrolls", they've delivered state of the art stop-motion in stories that are a little bit creepy, a little bit odd, but also a little bit heartwarming. "Kubo" is their latest, using the milleau of feudal Japan in a story of loss, family, adventure and reconciliation.

The production design is, as usual, gorgeous, featuring strange and wonderful sights and beasts in the course of an adventure that roams through a strange world of magic with powerful enemies hunting a young boy, defended only by a Monkey (voiced by Charlize Theron) animated by the dying wish of Kubo's mother and a samurai warrior (McConaghey) who has been converted into a beetle. The story has a few secrets and surprises to unroll, along with several dangerous creatures, but there's an essential charming simplicity about this that keeps it rolling forward. There's a slightly melancholic tone that allows the sorrows and dangers to land solidly while never bogging down into self-induiglence. 

In short this is recommended for anyone who enjoys a tale well told - while it features mortality and loss, it ultimately reveals a generous spirit in transcending the sadness of your past while holding onto its values.