Review of The Secret of Kells (2009) by Michael T — 21 Sep 2010

So much to say... I watched this because it was nominated for best animated picture at this year's Oscars. The animation style is an odd mix, where the scenery looks like pseudo-modern irish themed paintings, and the people look like they're from Nickelodeon's "Fairly Odd Parents".

First, the good things: There were... several times when I looked at the screen and thought, "I could hand that on a wall in my house". Also, the intricate Irish score by Bruno Coulais (Coraline) was magical.

I'll be seeking that out shortly. The bad things: A very self-serious script with no sense of humor. The characters were not only painfully two dimensional, (pun intended) but the movie was woefully short for the story they were trying to tell.

(72 minutes) When it was over, all of us said at the same time, "Is that it?" Overall, I'm glad I saw it but I'm not sure I'll watch it again. I'd be far more interested in getting my hands on some of the original cels.

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