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2012 Animated Feature Oscar Analysis

While the previous year was quite diverse in the countries being represented, 2012 was quite the opposite as all five animated features in the category’s slate were American. With that being said, the record three of these movies were done in the stop-motion style, and it was wonderful to see the love for this form showcased here. But at the end of the day, this was all about Disney and Pixar fighting it out for the win.

My Ranking of the Nominees:

5. The Pirates! Band of Misfits

The Pirates! Band of Misfits is quite flawed owing to an excessive use of action, some questionable score choices and a disappointing second half, but the film is still such a solid, fun and charming flick with a great adventurous tone to it and such good humor as well. The characters aren’t particularly memorable, but are still so likable and the animation is the standout with some gorgeous imagery and a great attention to detail. It’s perfectly fine, but it gets the last spot for being one Aardman’s most forgettable offerings.

4. Frankenweenie

Frankenweenie is technically marvelous. The black-and-white animation is artistic and different from all other nominees this year while the various homages to the classic horror features of the thirties and forties were wonderful. The movie is charming and also quite moving, serving as a beautiful boy and his dog tale that can appeal to children in particular. The problem here is that the pace is too slow and the flick obviously stretched its very simple and short narrative too much to accommodate the feature-length requirements.

3. Brave

Brave gets a lot of hate these days. But that strong emotion isn’t warranted as the movie is very good overall, just not great. It did not deserve its Oscar clearly as there was one obvious best animated film this year. Still, with that being said, the central relationship between Merida and Queen Elinore is so moving and the animation is so beautiful that the movie definitely triumphed over its problematic tone and humor. It is Pixar emulating Disney, but doing it right as the fantasy and emotion both work while the Scottish setting led to some great authenticity.

2. ParaNorman

As is the case with most of the movies on this list for some reason, ParaNorman was also quite muddled in pacing and the overall tone. However, this is still one of Laika’s greatest offerings as this very authentic zombie flick fueled by the theme of bullying very well explored. The animation and character design are different and unique while the third act is the heart of the story as it is quite touching. The film is also wildly entertaining and funny with especially well written and colorful characters.

1. Wreck-It Ralph

The best modern Disney animated film that shamelessly lost an Oscar, Wreck-It Ralph is also the greatest video game movie made so far. It’s not based on any game, but it truly gets the joy of gaming through the intricately detailed storyline and grandiose world building as its highlights. The relationship between Ralph and Venellope remains one of the most moving and best Disney buddy relationships. The CGI animation is one of the best out there and the score is incredible. This film simply fired on all cylinders unlike its sequel and it is in my opinion one of the most underrated and one of the best Disney films ever made.

Films That Should Have Been Nominated:

A Letter to Momo – Anime movies never get the attention they deserve, and especially is that the case with the ignorant Academy. A Letter to Momo was snubbed this year, but it’s such a gorgeous little family tale that is beautifully animated and very memorable in its fantastical elements.

It’s Such a Beautiful Day – Don Hertzfeldt does get the recognition in the short form, but this is the time when he should have been recognized in the feature category, though the movie is basically an anthology. All three chapters worked and the film remains artistic and widely imaginative.

Wolf Children – Though one of the weaker Mamoru Hosoda flicks, Wolf Children was still quite an endearing movie that was epic in tone and very well crafted in terms of animation and world building. It isn’t great, but it does benefit from Hosoda’s knack at authentic and carefully crafted worlds and narratives.