Review of The Secret of Kells (2009) by Darryl K — 24 Nov 2010

You know those heavily stylized animated sequences in films used for flashbacks and condensed histories? Imagine an entire animated feature done in that fashion. That is what Secret of Kells is like. The style is amazing and unlike anything out there (the only reason I gave it 3 stars).

However a great deal of that animation is flat (due to the stylization), containing almost no perspective (I don't think there is one shot with a character coming towards camera). And since the style is so stylized it may not appeal to a large audience.

Unfortunately I'm one who doesn't like that overly simplistic style looking if done with flash and after effects (reminiscent of Cartoon Network animations like Powerpuff girls and Samurai Jack, which I also don't like).

Also, underneath all the pretty paint, is a pretty lackluster story which is not entirely focused. This is very much an instance of style over substance. If you are animation fan, take a look. If not, maybe try something else.