It was a busy year for animated movie releases in America. Pixar and DreamWorks returned with sequels, Aardman Animations returned with its first feature length movie in five years, and a classic cartoon character made his triumphant return to the big screen. With all the animated movies to choose from, a few rose to the top as the creme of the crop. Here is a look at the best animated movies of 2011.
"Winnie the Pooh"
In a year when all the animated movies seemed bigger, all in glorious 3D, one of the best animated films in the batch was a small movie about a group of woodland friends. "Winnie the Pooh" debuted in 1926 and holds a special place in the hearts of an entire generation of movie fans. In 2011, Disney reintroduced Pooh to today's children in an all new adventure.
The new adventure has Pooh and his friends all searching for a monster they believe kidnapped Christopher Robin. Meanwhile, Pooh is very hungry for honey and can't find the time to stop for a bite to eat.
It is all very low-key and there is not much to the story, but that is the beauty of "Winnie the Pooh." This is not a movie about car chases and kung fu fighting. It is a movie about friendship, and is a wonderful story for both young kids as well as those who remain a kid inside. One of the surprise hits of 2011 is a small animated film about a lovable yet very hungry bear.
"Kung Fu Panda 2"
It is not as rare in animated movies to see sequels turn out better than the first efforts. "Toy Story" improved with each effort, and while some people may discount it, "Cars 2" improved upon the first "Cars." In the same manner, "Kung Fu Panda 2" outshines the original movie and succeeds in building on the mythology. The movie also ends with a twist that sets up a third in the series.
In this sequel, Po, the Dragon Warrior panda, finally learns about his real family and where he came from. We also learn why there are no other pandas around except Po.
One of the best additions to the sequel is the bad guy, a peacock named Lord Shen, voiced wonderfully by Gary Oldman. The main theme of the movie is the supposed death of kung fu as it gives way to weapons of mass destruction. It is easy to dismiss an animated movie starring Jack Black but "Kung Fu Panda 2" avoids the pratfalls and remains a highlight of 2011.
"Arthur Christmas"
Almost overlooked thanks to the arrival of "The Muppets" was the return to cinemas for Aardman Animations with "Arthur Christmas." The studio, best known for the stop-motion claymation of "Wallace & Gromit," returns here with its second CGI movie, following "Flushed Away." "Arthur Christmas" features Santa Claus and his sons and answers the question of how Santa really delivers all those presents in one night.
What makes "Arthur Christmas" a special animated movie is the heart and creativity involved, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed Aardman over the years. The movie is about the meaning of Christmas -- not the consumerism or the hokey mysticism, but about the actual belief that faith in the holiday will solve all problems. It has more heart than most movies released in 2011, and finishes the year of animation off on a high note.
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