Review of Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) by Leon B — 10 Aug 2018

Kubo And The Two Strings.

(2016).

Plot:

From the acclaimed animation studio, Laika (Coraline, The Boxtrolls) comes an epic original action adventure featuring the voice talents of Academy Award winners Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey. Kubo mesmerises the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai lather and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.

Review:

Although this movie is pretty old now, I decided to watch it again recently, and I still think that it is a great film. The animation is top class, and the storyline is entertaining and enjoyable throughout. It didn't really smash the box office, after not getting a huge release but it's one of those films that is definitely worth a watch. It follows a young boy, Kubo (Art Parkinson), who looks after his mum in a cave after she suffers brain damage when she hits her head on a rock whilst travelling across the ocean. He lives a normal life in a quiet village, until a spirit returns from the past, which turns his life upside down. Having to escape from the village, to save his life, his mother recruits a little Snow Monkey, voiced by Charlize Theron, and a Beetle, voiced by Matthew McConaughey to look after him while he searches for a special magical suit of armour once worn by his father, who was a legendary Samurai Warrior. While Kubo is on his quest, he is attacked by his mother's evil sister sand his grandfather who stole his left eye. With the odds stacked up against him, the 12-year-old Kubo manages to get to the suit before his evil grandfather, the Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) comes face to face with him but the traumatic journey leaves Kubo all alone to fight against the magical warrior. There are some touching moments throughout the movie, and it quite funny in parts, so there really is something for everyone. It's a bit difficult for the kiddies to follow but the monkey and the beetle will keep them entertained. Although there are some big names in the cast, it seems like it got the low budget treatment, which is a shame because it is much better than the bigger movies that weren't that great. Anyway, I really enjoyed this film and I highly recommend it for the whole family.

Round-Up:

This movie was directed by Travis Knight, who also produced ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls. Although his previous movies were primarily for a young audience, this movie really does tug at the heartstrings, and the various cast members, all contributed something fresh to this original movie. The profit margin wasn't that great, which basically means that there won't be a sequel anytime soon but I hope that it's one of those movies that people will give a chance in the future.

Budget: $60million.

Worldwide Gross: $70million.

Genre: Family, Adventure and Animation.

Cast: Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Brenda Vaccaro, Cary-Hiroyuki, George Takei, Rooney Mara, Matthew McConaughey and Art Parkinson as Kubo. 8/10.