There are times when family entertainment truly lives up to the promise of imaginative storytelling and visually impressive scope. This is certainly true of the stimulating yet thoughtful Japanese animated fantasy-adventure, **Kubo and the Two Strings**. Undeniably vibrant and philosophical at its core, **Kubo and the Two Strings** stands as a majestic work that presents a colorful blend of ancient Far East folklore, anime aesthetics, and the intricate art of origami. While recent years have seen remarkable animation, **Kubo** distinguishes itself above the rest. It’s hard to deny the skillful filmmaking demonstrated by director Travis Knight in this glossy, whimsical medieval story. As with many adventurous narratives that aim for a thoughtful exploration, **Kubo and the Two Strings** centers on the coming-of-age journey of a young boy and the captivating encounters he experiences along the way. Knight and screenwriters Marc Haimes and Chris Butler deliver a profound and visually striking production featuring notable voice actors like Academy Award winners Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey, stylish animation, and an enchanting experience for viewers of all ages. The film benefits from its association with Laika, the Oregon-based studio known for their exceptional stop-motion animation. Their previous films include 2009’s _Coraline_, the criminally underrated _ParaNorman_ in 2011, and 2014’s _The Boxtrolls_, so Knight's extraordinary **Kubo and the Two Strings** is certainly among their best work. The imagery in **Kubo** is incredibly rich, and Laika’s artistic touches only enhance Knight’s captivating animated story set during Japan’s Edo period mythology. The film clearly intends to maintain its mystical tone, particularly evident from the opening sequence's memorable line: “If you must blink, do it now,” followed by “if you look away, even for an instant, our hero will surely perish.” The story unfolds in ancient Japan, where the gifted 11-year-old Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of "Game of Thrones") lives with his ailing mother on the outskirts of a village. Kubo possesses the talent to entertain through storytelling and origami, enjoying sharing this gift with the villagers. However, his mother cautions him to be home before nightfall—a warning he doesn't always heed, not out of defiance but due to circumstances beyond his control. These circumstances involve Kubo’s grandfather, Moon Father (Ralph Fiennes), who has a questionable agenda. Instructing his daughters to find their nephew, Moon Father raises the stakes, especially considering his role in the death of Kubo’s samurai father. Thus, Kubo must locate his father's magical armor and reclaim his honor. He is joined by the woolly Monkey (Theron) and the strong warrior Beetle (McConaughey). Together, they face dangerous creatures and supernatural forces on their way to confronting Moon Father. Armed with courage and determination, Kubo and his companions face challenges that are difficult to imagine. **Kubo and the Two Strings** is an impressive film that blends intensity with a gentle touch, making it suitable for younger viewers who will find Kubo's journey exciting and surreal in its pursuit of his father’s destiny. Parkinson portrays Kubo as idealistic and questioning the world around him, a combination that appeals to audiences. Theron’s Monkey provides inspired comic relief, while McConaughey’s Beetle offers an odd but well-intentioned sense of humor. Fiennes is a perfect adversary as Moon Father, mirroring Darth Vader's role in the Luke Skywalker story. Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara also shines as Kubo’s mother’s scheming aunts. The cast includes Asian actors such as George Takei ("TV Star Trek’s original Sulu"), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Minae Noji, who add depth to Knight’s dazzling display of a Japanese-flavored fairy tale. The true strength of **Kubo and the Two Strings** lies in its innovative computer-generated technology and combination of animation styles, which give it a polished feel. Knight, whose background as Laika's primary animator is evident in the studio’s first three films, demonstrates his exceptional craft through precise stop-motion techniques that define the film’s unique visual landscape. Overall, **Kubo and the Two Strings** radiates charm, boldness, curiosity, and depth, representing a truly remarkable animated feature. The blend of humor, thrills, drama, and tragedy is ultimately successful, allowing **Kubo and the Two Strings** to explore its mysterious themes with a pulsing energy. **Kubo and the Two Strings** (2016) Focus Features 1 hr. 41 mins. Starring: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro Directed by: Travis Knight MPAA Rating: PG Genre: Fantasy & Sci-Fi/ Action & Adventure/Animation Critic’s rating: **** stars (out of 4) (c) Frank Ochieng 2016

Source on TMDB