I initially assumed I was alone in my frustration with the increasingly frenetic pace of modern animation—until I encountered what was touted as a leading contender for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, The Lego Movie, which ultimately did not even receive a nomination. While its upbeat anthem “Everything is Awesome” made it to the Best Song category, the film’s exclusion from the Best Animated Feature list left me pondering my growing disillusionment with animated cinema.
Having viewed countless animated films as both a film critic and a parent, I find the genre to have devolved into a monotonous, overly stimulating experience. Animation seems to have turned into a chaotic Minion frenzy—adorable, yet undeniably overwhelming.
This wasn’t always my perspective. As a child of the Disney era, I cherished films like Fantasia, which captivated me with its artistry and storytelling. I appreciated the power of animation long before I could articulate it. The dancing hippos in tutus, for instance, elegantly performed to “Dance of the Hours”—a far cry from today’s frenetic output.
Television was my refuge, with cartoons shaping my childhood. I oscillated between the futuristic Jetsons and the prehistoric Flintstones, reveling in both worlds. As a parent, I eagerly introduced my children to classic animations. My favorites evolved as I navigated motherhood. Films like Dumbo, with its poignant themes of separation, resonated deeply during my sleepless nights. I repeatedly watched Snow White and accompanied my daughter through endless viewings of Peter Pan, enjoying the lessons of resilience and friendship depicted in The Lion King despite their challenging themes.
As my children matured, networks like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network emerged, heralding a golden age of animation throughout the ‘90s. Shows like Dexter’s Laboratory became family favorites, and my husband and I indulged in South Park’s edgy humor. My admiration for Gendy Tartakovsky, the creative mind behind Dexter, further underscores my current disappointment with animated films. He noted that earlier cartoons, like Bugs Bunny, were crafted for adult audiences yet retained a childlike appeal through multifaceted humor.
My experience with The Lego Movie, however, left me unsettled. Watching it with my teenage daughter in a hotel room, we shared laughs and junk food while engaging with our devices. The script had its clever moments, but the overwhelming pace and incessant energy felt jarring. Is this really beneficial for a generation of children who already struggle with attention?
While I don’t dismiss all contemporary animation, I have found a number of recent titles that I genuinely admire. Films like The Stone Giant, Finding Nemo, and the breathtaking work of Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki in Spirited Away showcase the artistry I crave. However, the avalanche of hyperactive animations has dulled my appreciation for the medium, much like a childhood experience with an overly rich tuna sandwich that leaves a lasting aversion.
The Academy’s decision to overlook The Lego Movie may represent a turning point, but it’s unlikely to alter the broader landscape. Just the other day, I witnessed a Minion bouncing across my screen—whether from a new Despicable Me installment or a fast-food promotion, it was hard to tell. I may be taking a break from this genre, and I encourage others to reconsider their consumption as well, but Hollywood seems unlikely to slow down its frenetic output anytime soon.
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In summary, while my appreciation for animation has shifted dramatically due to contemporary trends, there are still gems within the genre. As parents, it’s crucial to curate the content we expose our children to, balancing entertainment with meaningful storytelling.
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