SPECIAL: The 25 Greatest Computer-Animated Movies

Image: Buena Vista Pictures

Image: Buena Vista Pictures

Chris Luckett

In the late ‘90s, it was hard to discern why exactly the golden renaissance of Disney, going so strong in 1994 with The Lion King, dissipated so suddenly. With the benefit of hindsight, the biggest reason was the release of the first feature-length computer-animated movie in 1995, Pixar’s Toy Story.

In less than a decade, computer-animated movies had become so advanced and such a box office draw, even Disney shuttered their hand-drawn animation studio down in 2004 and switched to 100% computer-animated fare.

As the cost of computer animation has decreased, more and more computer-animated movies have flooded movie theatres, with fewer being any good, but great ones still exist. Some even outshine that first Pixar feature from 21 years ago. These are the best examples of what modern animation can achieve.

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OSCARS 2014: Final Predictions

Artwork: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Artwork: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Chris Luckett

The biggest night  of the year for movies is almost upon us. It’s the time of year to gather with friends, grab a ballot, and fight to the death over whether you think Leonardo DiCaprio could beat Matthew McConaughey in votes or if American Hustle stands a chance of taking the top award from 12 Years a Slave or Gravity.

If you feel lost as to what to fill in for your Oscar predictions at your office pool or a friend’s Oscar party, don’t fret. Here’s my helpful guide to what to mark down this year for each category.

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SPECIAL: The Best Movies of 2013

Photo: A24

Photo: A24

Chris Luckett

2013 was a weak year for movies. Not since 2008 have there been so few great ones. That’s not to say there haven’t been any – as there definitely have been – but it was slim pickings this year. In any event, there were still 25 great ones. From animation and documentaries to period pieces and science-fiction, these were the best movies of 2013.

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OSCARS 2014: The State of the Race (So Far)

Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Chris Luckett

The 86th Academy Awards are just four weeks away, but it’s often in the last month before the Oscars that the tide can turn and upsets come about. (This time last year, Lincoln was expected to win Best Picture, not Argo. Two years before that, the same thing happened between The Social Network and The King’s Speech.) Much can change between now and March 2. For now, though, here’s how 2014’s Oscar race is shaping up. 

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REVIEW: Frozen (2013)

Artwork: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Artwork: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Chris Luckett

From 1989 to 1994, Disney animation was at the top of its game. Starting with The Little Mermaid and continuing through Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, Disney found critical and commercial success that rivalled anything they’d earned before. The arrival of Pixar in 1995 knocked Disney off their throne, which they’ve only recently reclaimed with Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph. Frozen, though, is the best animated movie Disney themselves have made in almost 20 years.

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