The Best (And Worst) Of 2007 In Animation
- Thread starter Luqman K
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txnhsehntr
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Worst Cartoon To Live Action Movie Adaption: Alvin And The Chipmunks
Reason: The teaser trailer tells it all.
Reason: The teaser trailer tells it all.
loveeeme048
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Best animated movie is Ratatioulle. I can't find a single thing wrong with it. Its one of my favorite Pixar movies.
Best Animated Feature: Meet the Robinsons. I saw a lot of great animated films this year, but this one moved me the most: touching, exciting and hilarious. It may not even be nominated for an Oscar (Bee Movie, Ratatouille and The Simpsons Movie; there's the category, folks), but it was, to me, the best of the year.
Most Underappreciated Feature (based on an animated series): Underdog. Yes, there could've been more to this story. Yes, it could've been more like the series (more on this, later). Yes, Randy Edelman could've interpolated the theme into his score just once (this is a personal gripe; pay no mind). I think we've reached the point where we should stop expecting live-action adaptations of cartoons to be just like the cartoons. The studios, somehow, seem to know this; we could always seek out the cartoons if the films aren't going to deviate from them in any way. My point is, with its occasionally hilarious dialogue and the wonderful scenes with Peter Dinklage and Patrick Warburton, this was a harmless and mildly entertaining way to spend 80 minutes.
Most Underwhelming Feature (based on an animated series): Transformers. I honestly don't know what more to say than the following: How is it that a Speed Racer trailer is treated like a loaf pinched off by the Prince of Darkness, yet this film's grosses rival the GNPs of most countries?
Best New Show: "Back at the Barnyard". Let's see: no needless character humiliation. Toilet humor is kept to a blessed minimum. There isn't any forced shipping (and you know times are tough when a cartoon has to be judged on this kind of criteria). Yep. I like this show. It's pretty funny, to boot.
Worst New Show: [tie] "Dino-Squad" (the central idea is interesting, as are the transformation sequences, but the plotting is weak, the attempts at lessons are embarrassing and the voice acting is poor) and "Out of Jimmy's Head" (the photo-realistic animated characters - the Ned Bigby-lookalike, his father, his friends, the mentally deficient mad scientist - and the regularly animated characters seem to be in a constant battle as to who can be more uninteresting and the stories are dull and sitcommy in the worst way*).
Worst Moment: All of "The Cupid Effect" (Kim Possible). Here's the short version: Wade creates a device, that apparently runs on ruhypnol, to make Monique like him (and what's more romantic than mind control? Nothing!). The kind of intelligence-insulting pablum I'd hoped the staff had gotten out of their system with "Return to Wannaweep" and "Ron Millionaire", no piece of animation in 2007 made me angrier. (Well, there was the whole Cartman seeking oral satisfaction from Kyle in "ImaginationLand" and a handful of WTF moments in the finally-aired-in-the-states "Danny Phantom" episodes "Girls' Night Out" and "Forever Phantom"...Okay, it's not a short list, but whatever happened to the days when animation writers respected their audiences? 'Oh, we're just writing for kids. La-di-dah...' Even kids deserve better.)
Best Moment: "You wouldn't abandon an old friend, would you?" "An old friend, no. You, yes." If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. If not, I refuse to spoil it. Runners-up: several bits in "Graduation" (KP), like Ron's use of Mystical Monkey Power and the scenes in the last few minutes with Bonnie; 'bout flippin' time, I say.
Biggest Surprise: Cinderella III: a Twist in Time. It's easy to write this film off as just another cheapquel, and given the premise, you had every right. What a surprise it turned out to be; entertaining and cleverly handled.
Most Potential for a Guilty Pleasure: "Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot". It's a "Care Bears" show, so the expression 'guilty pleasure' is a given, but...it's pretty charming and interpolates its lessons well. Also, with the Ocean Group providing voice work and so many familiar names on the writing staff (Thomas Hart, Brian Swenlin, Dean Stefan...), I just can't hate it.
More to come...
* - Hey, this counts. It's on Cartoon Network, right, so, therefore, it's a cartoon.
Most Underappreciated Feature (based on an animated series): Underdog. Yes, there could've been more to this story. Yes, it could've been more like the series (more on this, later). Yes, Randy Edelman could've interpolated the theme into his score just once (this is a personal gripe; pay no mind). I think we've reached the point where we should stop expecting live-action adaptations of cartoons to be just like the cartoons. The studios, somehow, seem to know this; we could always seek out the cartoons if the films aren't going to deviate from them in any way. My point is, with its occasionally hilarious dialogue and the wonderful scenes with Peter Dinklage and Patrick Warburton, this was a harmless and mildly entertaining way to spend 80 minutes.
Most Underwhelming Feature (based on an animated series): Transformers. I honestly don't know what more to say than the following: How is it that a Speed Racer trailer is treated like a loaf pinched off by the Prince of Darkness, yet this film's grosses rival the GNPs of most countries?
Best New Show: "Back at the Barnyard". Let's see: no needless character humiliation. Toilet humor is kept to a blessed minimum. There isn't any forced shipping (and you know times are tough when a cartoon has to be judged on this kind of criteria). Yep. I like this show. It's pretty funny, to boot.
Worst New Show: [tie] "Dino-Squad" (the central idea is interesting, as are the transformation sequences, but the plotting is weak, the attempts at lessons are embarrassing and the voice acting is poor) and "Out of Jimmy's Head" (the photo-realistic animated characters - the Ned Bigby-lookalike, his father, his friends, the mentally deficient mad scientist - and the regularly animated characters seem to be in a constant battle as to who can be more uninteresting and the stories are dull and sitcommy in the worst way*).
Worst Moment: All of "The Cupid Effect" (Kim Possible). Here's the short version: Wade creates a device, that apparently runs on ruhypnol, to make Monique like him (and what's more romantic than mind control? Nothing!). The kind of intelligence-insulting pablum I'd hoped the staff had gotten out of their system with "Return to Wannaweep" and "Ron Millionaire", no piece of animation in 2007 made me angrier. (Well, there was the whole Cartman seeking oral satisfaction from Kyle in "ImaginationLand" and a handful of WTF moments in the finally-aired-in-the-states "Danny Phantom" episodes "Girls' Night Out" and "Forever Phantom"...Okay, it's not a short list, but whatever happened to the days when animation writers respected their audiences? 'Oh, we're just writing for kids. La-di-dah...' Even kids deserve better.)
Best Moment: "You wouldn't abandon an old friend, would you?" "An old friend, no. You, yes." If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. If not, I refuse to spoil it. Runners-up: several bits in "Graduation" (KP), like Ron's use of Mystical Monkey Power and the scenes in the last few minutes with Bonnie; 'bout flippin' time, I say.
Biggest Surprise: Cinderella III: a Twist in Time. It's easy to write this film off as just another cheapquel, and given the premise, you had every right. What a surprise it turned out to be; entertaining and cleverly handled.
Most Potential for a Guilty Pleasure: "Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot". It's a "Care Bears" show, so the expression 'guilty pleasure' is a given, but...it's pretty charming and interpolates its lessons well. Also, with the Ocean Group providing voice work and so many familiar names on the writing staff (Thomas Hart, Brian Swenlin, Dean Stefan...), I just can't hate it.
More to come...
* - Hey, this counts. It's on Cartoon Network, right, so, therefore, it's a cartoon.
As I have only seen a few theatrical/TV features this year (Shrek the Third, Paprika, Futurama: Bender's Big Score, Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrex), I will leave those to others (although I liked all the films I mentioned). Here's a few picks on the television side of the topic:
Best Series Finale - Actual series finales in animated series are really quite rare, but this year we here in the States were treated to at least three finales that, while not acknowleged by their networks as such, definately served to wrap up loose story lines and provide closure for loyal viewers:
Best Episode - To me, an episode can be considered a "best one" if it either uses its regular make up of characters and situations to go beyond where it has gone up to that point, or breaks away from past conventions and goes in another direction. Here's a few of the year's best to me:
Best Returning Series - Includes series that started a new seaon during the year.
Best Anime Acquistion for Television - While we may have seen a peak to the number of anime series shown on television, there were a few notable acquisitions this year. Here the best ones:
Best New Series - New shows that debuted during the year. Here's my picks:
Best Series Finale - Actual series finales in animated series are really quite rare, but this year we here in the States were treated to at least three finales that, while not acknowleged by their networks as such, definately served to wrap up loose story lines and provide closure for loyal viewers:
(tie) Kim Possible - Graduation (Pts 1 & 2)
(tie) Danny Phantom - Phantom Planet
I just couldn't rank one of these over the other as they both have good points (great writing and pacing, awesome character interactions) and bad points (somewhat rushed due to not making them feature length, various inconsistencies, missed plot opportunities). They both are highly enjoyable and are fitting conclusions (for now, at least) for these outstanding series. The television highlights of the year for me.
(tie) Danny Phantom - Phantom Planet
I just couldn't rank one of these over the other as they both have good points (great writing and pacing, awesome character interactions) and bad points (somewhat rushed due to not making them feature length, various inconsistencies, missed plot opportunities). They both are highly enjoyable and are fitting conclusions (for now, at least) for these outstanding series. The television highlights of the year for me.
Honorable Mention - American Dragon: Jake Long - Hong Kong Longs
The third series finale was marred by Disney's episode directives during Season Two that prevented the producers/writers from telling the story they really wanted to. This, plus having to attempt to tie up the story during a regular length episode, makes this a less than satisfying conclusion, but still pretty enjoyable. One can only guess how good this show could have been if it continued.
The third series finale was marred by Disney's episode directives during Season Two that prevented the producers/writers from telling the story they really wanted to. This, plus having to attempt to tie up the story during a regular length episode, makes this a less than satisfying conclusion, but still pretty enjoyable. One can only guess how good this show could have been if it continued.
Best Episode - To me, an episode can be considered a "best one" if it either uses its regular make up of characters and situations to go beyond where it has gone up to that point, or breaks away from past conventions and goes in another direction. Here's a few of the year's best to me:
1. American Dragon: Jake Long - Homecoming
Without a doubt, the most dramatic animated episode to ever air on Disney Channel. In fact, I don't think Disney has made such a dramatic animated episode since the days of Gargoyles. Despite the interference of Disney during this series second (and last) season, a true gem!
Without a doubt, the most dramatic animated episode to ever air on Disney Channel. In fact, I don't think Disney has made such a dramatic animated episode since the days of Gargoyles. Despite the interference of Disney during this series second (and last) season, a true gem!
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Day of Black Sun (Pts 1 & 2)
An epic two-part episode that chronicals the long awaited attack on the Fire Nation by Aang and his friends. Great action and emotion throughout, getting us ready for the second half of season 3.
An epic two-part episode that chronicals the long awaited attack on the Fire Nation by Aang and his friends. Great action and emotion throughout, getting us ready for the second half of season 3.
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender - Nightmares and Daydreams
Unusual images and offbeat situations highlight this amusing episode that served as a perfect counterpoint to the impending attack on the Fire Nation in the following eps. Highlights for me were Appa on two legs and the Usagi Yojimbo influenced fight between Appa and Momo.
Unusual images and offbeat situations highlight this amusing episode that served as a perfect counterpoint to the impending attack on the Fire Nation in the following eps. Highlights for me were Appa on two legs and the Usagi Yojimbo influenced fight between Appa and Momo.
4. Emperor's New School - Emperor's New Musical
A highly entertaining and amusing episode that pokes a bit of fun at Disney's current High School Musical overhype. Great music parodies and wonderful voice acting throughout. Kudos to Eartha Kitt, especially.
A highly entertaining and amusing episode that pokes a bit of fun at Disney's current High School Musical overhype. Great music parodies and wonderful voice acting throughout. Kudos to Eartha Kitt, especially.
Honorable Mention - Kim Possible - Clean Slate; American Dragon: Jake Long - Furious Jealousy; Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Puppetmaster
Three great episodes that feature excellent writing and voice acting, unexpected situations, and awesome emotional power. Had to include them.
Three great episodes that feature excellent writing and voice acting, unexpected situations, and awesome emotional power. Had to include them.
Best Returning Series - Includes series that started a new seaon during the year.
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender - No contest on this. This is currently the best animated show on television.
2. Ben 10 - A fairly engaging series with good action sequences and some humorous moments. More character development would be welcome for me.
2. Ben 10 - A fairly engaging series with good action sequences and some humorous moments. More character development would be welcome for me.
3. The Emperor's New School - Based on the Disney feature Emperor's New Groove, the series has seemed to hit its stride this season. The writing is good and the acting top notch.
Honorable Mention - Code Lyoko
Although Season 4 of this French animated series has been somewhat a disappointment for me (little character development), the show's action sequences (in both 2D cell and 3D CGI animation) are a delight to the eyes. A good show that deserved better treatment.
Although Season 4 of this French animated series has been somewhat a disappointment for me (little character development), the show's action sequences (in both 2D cell and 3D CGI animation) are a delight to the eyes. A good show that deserved better treatment.
Best Anime Acquistion for Television - While we may have seen a peak to the number of anime series shown on television, there were a few notable acquisitions this year. Here the best ones:
Blood +, Death Note - Cartoon Network
Two gripping series that should keep fans of violent and gritty shows that anime is noted for happy. Given its popularity, Death Note especially was a no-brainer.
Two gripping series that should keep fans of violent and gritty shows that anime is noted for happy. Given its popularity, Death Note especially was a no-brainer.
Basilisk - International Film Channel
Set in Japan's past, this story of war between two clans features bloody battles, betrayal, and a tragic love story. Get out your handkerchiefs for this one.
Noein - SciFi Channel
A group of normal teens in Japan get caught up in time/dimensional travel in this nicely animated short (26 eps) series. The fight scenes are especially interesting throughout. SciFi is currently re-airing it during AniMondays.
Set in Japan's past, this story of war between two clans features bloody battles, betrayal, and a tragic love story. Get out your handkerchiefs for this one.
Noein - SciFi Channel
A group of normal teens in Japan get caught up in time/dimensional travel in this nicely animated short (26 eps) series. The fight scenes are especially interesting throughout. SciFi is currently re-airing it during AniMondays.
Best New Series - New shows that debuted during the year. Here's my picks:
1. Magi-Nation - Kid's WB!
A really good 2D series that focuses on fantasy/magic. I like the character designs and the color pallette is appealing to me. The stories are good and the characters interesting. It's on really early on Saturdays (7:30 am) but well worth DVRing or taping. Check it out.
A really good 2D series that focuses on fantasy/magic. I like the character designs and the color pallette is appealing to me. The stories are good and the characters interesting. It's on really early on Saturdays (7:30 am) but well worth DVRing or taping. Check it out.
2. Eon Kid - Kid's WB!
A new CGI series that sort of reminds me of Megaman. Good action sequences and some potentially good character development make this show one to watch in the coming months.
A new CGI series that sort of reminds me of Megaman. Good action sequences and some potentially good character development make this show one to watch in the coming months.
3. Grossology - Discovery Kids
A Canadian toon based on books by Sylvia Branzei, this show features stories based on real-life science mixed with humourous stories and situations. The main characters are likable and there has been some character development in recent eps. See it weekends and weekday mornings with new eps premiering on Saturdays.
A Canadian toon based on books by Sylvia Branzei, this show features stories based on real-life science mixed with humourous stories and situations. The main characters are likable and there has been some character development in recent eps. See it weekends and weekday mornings with new eps premiering on Saturdays.
4. Chowder - Cartoon Network
A humorous new offering from CN, this show features some interesting artwork and funny anthropomorphic characters. It has potential if handled right.
A humorous new offering from CN, this show features some interesting artwork and funny anthropomorphic characters. It has potential if handled right.
Honorable Mention - The Future is Wild - Discovery Kids
Debuting this past fall, this new CGI series follows the adventures of CG, a girl from the future who is searching for a new homeland for the people of her time who are in the midst of a new ice age. She and her companions from present-day Earth (10,000 years in her past) attempt to find a suitable place and time while encountering many strange (and sometimes dangerous) lifeforms. Lots of humorous situations and nice voice acting are highlights. Only 6 or so episodes have aired so far, so catch it before many more show up. It's on DK on weekends with new eps on Saturdays.
Debuting this past fall, this new CGI series follows the adventures of CG, a girl from the future who is searching for a new homeland for the people of her time who are in the midst of a new ice age. She and her companions from present-day Earth (10,000 years in her past) attempt to find a suitable place and time while encountering many strange (and sometimes dangerous) lifeforms. Lots of humorous situations and nice voice acting are highlights. Only 6 or so episodes have aired so far, so catch it before many more show up. It's on DK on weekends with new eps on Saturdays.
If you mean the trailer spoiled everything... having just seen the movie, I can attest that it didn't.
Because people liked the Transformers movie? I don't see the contradiction.
Hm? Me? Contribute an actual ranking? Oh, alright...
Best Introduction to a Series: Me, to Avatar: The Last Airbender on Nick.com. Huzzah for legal online viewing. (Although now I've run out of Avatar. Er... this is a bit embarrassing, but could someone tell me when it's actually on?)
Because people liked the Transformers movie? I don't see the contradiction.
Hm? Me? Contribute an actual ranking? Oh, alright...
Best Introduction to a Series: Me, to Avatar: The Last Airbender on Nick.com. Huzzah for legal online viewing. (Although now I've run out of Avatar. Er... this is a bit embarrassing, but could someone tell me when it's actually on?)