I have been going to the theater on a pilgrimage for quite a few years now each January-February to see the annual showings of the Best Animated and Best Live Action Shorts. I am lucky enough to live in one of the few places in the country that shows it each year. Now what I am about to say might offend some, but it seems that compared to most years, this year's crop of animated shorts is not as good as usual. While I liked a few films, I didn't love any of them--and no really memorable film was in the lot (such as a couple recent winners, "Logorama" or "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore"). Now this is not to say not to see them--but none bowled me over, that's for sure.
I liked "Paperman" quite a bit. Although a computer-generated cartoon, it has a great look--much like a traditionally inked cartoon. But it also had a nice distinctive style--mostly in black and white and with an interesting retro 1950s style. I also liked the story--it was sweet. But it also was just nice--and not much more. Would I give it the Oscar? No...but it's probably about as likely to take it as two other shorts--"Head Over Heels" and "Adam and Dog". The other two films seem like long-shots at best. We'll see when they pass out the statues later this month.
UPDATE: "Paperman" did win the Oscar. Still, take my advice and try these two other films as well--they are quite good.
I liked "Paperman" quite a bit. Although a computer-generated cartoon, it has a great look--much like a traditionally inked cartoon. But it also had a nice distinctive style--mostly in black and white and with an interesting retro 1950s style. I also liked the story--it was sweet. But it also was just nice--and not much more. Would I give it the Oscar? No...but it's probably about as likely to take it as two other shorts--"Head Over Heels" and "Adam and Dog". The other two films seem like long-shots at best. We'll see when they pass out the statues later this month.
UPDATE: "Paperman" did win the Oscar. Still, take my advice and try these two other films as well--they are quite good.