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2014 Animated Feature Oscar Analysis

The 2014 slate for Animated Feature was one of the better in this category’s history. There are three CGI US features here, but also two pleasantly traditional films with a stunningly artistic hand-drawn style. There weren’t too many snubs this year as the nominees were mostly very strong, but the wrong winner was crowned, and that remains very confounding given the strength of this incredible slate.

My Ranking of the Nominees:

5. The Boxtrolls

The Boxtrolls is undeniably endearing in its titular characters and an old-fashioned approach to storytelling. The villain is delightfully over-the-top and memorable, but the voice performances aren’t great. The stop-motion animation here is so wonderful and endearing. But the movie is slim thematically speaking and it’s such a disappointment from the usually much more sophisticated and confident Laika studio.

4. Big Hero 6

Forgettable is the name of the game with this Disney movie that ranks among the worst of the Revival era unfortunately. While the animation is excellent and the world building is quite strong, the characterization is weak for the supporting players, though the main ones are very good. The movie is fun and cool, but hardly ever original as the plot is very been there, done that. The twists and turns also were unoriginal. Big Hero 6 winning this year when there were three better movies remains one of the Academy’s worst choices in this particular category.

3. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Artistic and simply gorgeous to look at, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is quite idiosyncratic among the Studio Ghibli oeuvre due to its distinctly watercolor look and fairy tale qualities. The story is simple, but flawlessly realized. The characters are also terrific and the ending is imbued with a lot of genuine emotion. Kaguya is one of those films that prove animation can be a genuine work of art, and I was so glad when it got nominated for an Oscar.

2. Song of the Sea

Literally everything that I have said about Kaguya applies to Song of the Sea – simple plot, artistic animation, fairy tale qualities, an emotional finale and a gorgeous score. All of it stands here as well. However, I give it the edge over the aforementioned great movie due to this film’s more engaging pacing that makes it perfect for both kids and adults. It’s by far Tomm Moore’s best film so far, the one where everything clicked into its place immaculately.

1. How to Train Your Dragon 2

The second entry in this trilogy that is in my opinion one of the best of all time, Dragon 2 is an even darker take on the franchise than the original that was dark in the beginning only, but this one is mature throughout. Gone is some of the original’s heart and simplicity, but introduced are sophistication, more intricate themes and story as well as grander world building. Everything is bigger here, but it all still works due to the core that is the amazing characterization, emotional investment and excellent dialogue. It’s one truly incredible sequel that was robbed of its Oscar in an even worse steal than the Dragon 1 scenario.

Films That Should Have Been Nominated:

Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants – This indie flick is actually rarely seen, but that needs to change because the film is worth it due to its incredibly polished animation and a wonderfully intricate take on the insect world with excellent imagery and a wonderful silent approach to storytelling.

The Book of Life – ‘Coco’ would do it probably more famously later down the line, but not that much better as The Book of Life remains an underrated, very solid take on the Day of the Dead holiday with charming animation, solid characters and a pretty good plot as well. This one definitely needs more attention too.

Mr. Peabody and Sherman – Mr. Peabody and Sherman has its flaws including a rushed and too fast paced nature, a convoluted storyline and it should have been smarter, but this is still a very fun film that benefits from a pretty good humor, enjoyable characters, beautiful animation and an engaging time travel plot filled with a couple of wonderfully explored time periods.