Classics: A Review of The Land Before Time By Lauren Ennis

 For nearly a century Wald Disney Studios has dominated Western animation. The mighty Disney was nearly toppled from its throne, however, when one of its own animators went rogue and opened his own studio. Between 1982 and 2000 Don Bluth and his team of animators released a series of films that rivalled even the best of Disney and defined family entertainment for a generation. One of his most beloved films is 1988's The Land Before Time. At once a harrowing hero's journey and a heartfelt ode to the power of friendship The Land Before Time remains a timeless classic that the whole family will enjoy.

"Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely"

The story begins in the age of the dinosaurs . When a famine strikes the land the dinosaur herds are forced to journey in search of food. Along the way an earthquake occurs which scatters the herds across the landscape. In the ensuing chaos Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petri, and Spike are separated from their families. The five unlikely friends then band together and set off in search of the fabled Great Valley, where there is enough food to sustain all of the herds. The quintet's journey proves to be one of tragedy, friendship, and triumph the likes of which animation was made for.

Over thirty years after its release The Land Before Time remains classic family entertainment. The film takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey into the distant past while exploring universal themes. The dinosaur diaspora depicted in the film recalls mass migrations throughout history and aptly conveys the harrowing struggles of the refugee experience. The film's unflinching depiction of loss earns particular note as it portrays the various stages of Littlefoot's grief with aching accuracy. Even in the midst of its weighty themes the film maintains an optimistic outlook as its characters carry on even in the face of daunting obstacles. The film also offers lessons in friendship that will resonate with children and adults alike. The script additionally offers vital messages against prejudice without becoming heavy-handed or resorting to lecturing. Even as it contemplates larger issues the film never forgets that it is at its core an adventure story as it takes viewers on an epic journey for the whole family. Discover the timelessness of The Land Before Time.

The animation transports viewers to the beauty and danger of the prehistoric world while the vocal performances bring the characters to vibrant life. The scenery captures the awe inspiring of majesty of a land lost to time. The character designs aptly depict various dinosaur species while still infusing each individual character with personality and expression. The film's young actors turn in some of the most memorable performances in modern animation. Helen Shaver is certain to soften even the hardest of hearts in her by turns heart-warming and heartbreaking portrayal of Littlefoot's mother. Will Ryan lends apt comedic relief as neurotic but loveable Petrie. Candace Huston perfectly balances Cera's proud exterior with inner vulnerability. Judith Barsi steals each scene in which she appears as Duckie, leaving viewers wondering what her career could have been had it not been tragically cut short. Gabriel Dunn effectively leads the cast as he portrays Littlefoot's journey with a nuance and raw emotion rarely found in child performances.

In just seventy minutes The Land Before Time makes the case for the magic of Don Bluth's animation. the script combines the classic hero's journey with vital lessons in resilience and friendship to relate a compelling drama for all ages. The vibrant vocal performances and dazzling animation transport viewers to the majesty of the prehistoric world. For a truly timeless adventure explore The Land Before Time.

"We'll be okay as long as we stick together"

Classics: A Review of Klaus By Lauren Ennis

 "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!" Charlie Brown famously asked in his 1965 television special. In an era dominated by cynicism and consumerism it can be all too easy to become swept up in the holiday hustle and forget what the celebration is all about. Thankfully even in our increasingly commercialized culture thee are still a few stories to remind us. One of those films is 2019's animated adventure Klaus. At once a boldly original take on the legend of Santa Claus and a return to the artistry of classic animation Klaus is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. This year have yourself a merry little Christmas with the magic and wonder of Klaus.

The story begins in nineteenth century Norway with the Royal Postmaster General enrolling his wayward son, Jesper, into the Postman Academy. When the academy proves no match the antics of spoiled, entitled, and lazy Jesper he is soon punished with being reassigned to the distant town of Smeerensberg. He is given one year to establish a post office and post six-thousand letters or else be disinherited from his family's fortune. If the town's isolated location and frigid climate weren't discouraging enough he is soon dismayed to learn that Smeerensburg has fallen into domestic chaos. The town is dominated by a a feud between two warring clans, the Ellingboes and the Krums. The feud has so consumed the local population that they have neglected their economy, infrastructure, and children, leaving the town as little more than a wasteland. The prospect of posting six thousand letters in the largely illiterate hamlet seems nothing short of impossible. After a chance meeting with a reclusive yin the nearby forest, however, Jesper concocts a scheme to post the letters that just might change the lives of the children of Smeerensburg and the world forever.

In its brief run time Klaus manages to do the impossible; invigorate the tired holiday film genre with new life. Rather than retreading familiar tropes the film inverts audience expectations while still remaining true to the spirit of Santa. For example, Klaus begins the film more closely resembling Boo Radley than Kris Kringle. Even as this depiction diverges from popular depictions of Santa, however, Klaus' journey from wounded recluse to selfless good Samaritan perfectly encapsulates the meaning of Christmas. Similarly, entitled, sarcastic, and selfish Jesper is perhaps the most unlikely of holiday heroes. As he becomes part of the community of Smeerensburg and forges an surprising friendship with Klaus, however, he grows into as good a man and as good a friend as Smeerensburg knew. Through its wildly different protagonists the film takes viewers on a fresh adventure while still serving as an apt reminder of the spirit of the season. This approach extends beyond the film's central duo to such beloved aspects of Santa's legend as flying reindeer, chimney travels, and naughty lists. The film wisely includes these classic tropes but presents them with just enough of a twist to keep viewers what awaits next. The film expertly blends holiday fantasy with real life lessons in friendship, loss and selflessness to create a compelling story that will resonate throughout the year.

The film brings Smeerensburg and all of its colorful residents to hilarious and heartfelt life thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Joan Cusack and Will Sasso expertly balance slapstick and sinister as the heads of the Krum and Ellingboe clans. Neda Margrette Labba proves that an endearing performance can cross even language barriers as Margu, the Sami girl who befriends Jesper. Norm MacDonald shows off his signature dry wit as sarcastic ferryman Mogens. Rashida Jones infuses Jesper's unlikely love interest teacher turned fish-monger Alva with sass and charm. Even in the midst of apt supporting performances the film belongs to Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons a unlikely duo Jesper and Klaus. Schwartzman imbues Jesper with a snark worthy of David Space with just enough roguish charm to ensure that viewers still root for him. Simmons portrays Klaus' evolution from grief stricken recluse to the unlikely pillar of the community with a depth and nuance rarely seen in modern dramas, let alone family entertainment. Together, the pair form what is truly beautiful friendship. The film brings its adventure to enchanting life through traditional 2D animation that is nothing short of stunning. The designs infuse each of the characters with unique flair while the backgrounds transport viewers to a winter wonderland. Together, the cast and animation weave a modern fairytale guaranteed to delight the young and young at heart. 

Blending the classic and the contemporary Klaus proves to be one of the most original and memorable films in family entertainment. the superb script expertly balances sly humor with sincere emotion for viewing that will warm your heart on even the coldest of winter nights. The combination of vocal performances and animation casts a spell that is nothing short of movie magic. This Christmas rediscover the wonder, warmth, and true meaning of the holidays with Klaus.