Kubo and the Two Strings

"Laika Entertainment is an animation studio to be adored. From Coraline to ParaNorman to 2014’s stupendous The Boxtrolls, they are continually pushing themselves as well as cinematic stop motion art in general. This trend hasn’t changed; Kubo and the Two Strings is the most beautiful film Laika has created."

"With its staggering visuals and genuine heart, Laika chief Travis Knight's fantastical samurai adventure puts the emotion in stop-motion."

"Despite the occasionally laboured writing (with attempts at humour that are dry and distancing), Kubo and the Two Strings is swoonworthy in its vibrant visuals that span across unruly seas, lush landscapes and vivid seasonal colors."

"Knight has put together a picture that hits a lot of all-ages-entertainment sweet spots while avoiding hackneyed conventions, and ends up delivering what feels like a sincere family-friendly message."

"I'm not inclined to give a pass to a family film that indoctrinates an irrational belief system just because it's novel."

"Tolerably thrilling for primary age children, the dark-tinged, dreamlike Kubo is a welcome antidote to the usual brash and sometimes brusque traditional Hollywood animated fare."

"Both Theron and McConaughey are excellent and, along with Game of Thrones' Art Parkinson, who voices Kubo, they're an endearing trio."

"An eye-popping delight that deftly blends colorful folklore with gorgeous, origami-informed visuals to immersive effect."

"Yet another success for stop-motion giants Laika, Kubo boasts big laughs and effective scares in a typically gorgeous animated tale."