Movie Review: Kubo and the Two Strings

“If you must blink, do it now,” Kubo warns the audience in the first seconds of Kubo and the Two Strings. One of the truest lines to ever open an animated movie as the latest offering from Laika (the stop-motion studio behind Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls) is by far their most stunningly beautiful and rewarding effort yet. Reminiscent of classic Pixar films, Kubo and the Two Strings is that rare animated film that tells an entertaining story and has deeper meanings behind it every time you peel off a layer. Kids will understand the surface level story, but adults will be moved by the themes of family and the importance of memories. Sure, this year’s Zootopia and Finding Dory were fine animated films that had important messages, but nothing in those movies hold a candle to how powerful Kubo and the Two Strings gets. Plus, this film boasts unique and truly remarkable stop-motion animation, which is also improved by the immersive 3D. I rarely say that a movie is worth checking out in 3D, but definitely see this in 3D, it is the best use of the technology this year.

The story follows Kubo, a young boy who lost his eye at a young age and spends his days telling fantastical stories to his small village. Everything changes when Kubo is spotted by spirits who are hunting him and his mother and force Kubo to go on the run. With the aid of two new allies, Kubo must find the pieces of his father’s armor in order to protect himself from the evil forces trying to capture him. This is just the surface level of the film’s story as it gets deeper and more thematic as the story unfolds. There is a second act hiccup where the film becomes a little too much like a road trip comedy and things get a bit predictable, but everything smooths out for a powerful and satisfying third act that is both thrilling and rewarding.

The gorgeous animation and powerful story are complimented by the terrific cast that breathes life and heart into the characters. Art Parkinson, known for Game of Thrones, does a great job of making Kubo both innocent and emotionally complex when certain scenes call for it. Kubo is not the typical animated child, he has many layers that could be difficult to portray, but Parkinson does a great job with it. Charlize Theoron is excellent as Monkey and brings many of the films’ heartfelt moments, while Matthew McCounaughey does take some time to get used to, he is a great choice for many of the film’s comic relief moments.

In a summer full of big budget disappointments, leave it to the folks at Laika to not only deliver the best film of the summer, or the year’s best animated film, but the year’s best film period. Endlessly beautiful to look at, incredibly deep to think about, and enough heart to spread across multiple Pixar films, this is a landmark film by Laika. There is enough action and humor to entertain the young ones, but this movie will be treasured by adults. This feels like a classic Pixar film with the way it tells a unique and engaging story, while using animation to break the barriers that live action movies are restrained by. It is a beauty to behold and absolutely must be seen in theaters. Kubo and the Two Strings is the best surprise of 2016 and the best film of the year so far.

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Scott Davis

Scott Davis is a recent graduate of Oakland University where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for the student newspaper on campus, The Oakland Post, where he became the paper's managing editor. He also earned a minor in Cinema Studies at OU. Scott enjoys all things film and TV related, especially the blockbuster kind. He might be the biggest Christopher Nolan fan you know.

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