Animation Reviews and Features | Little White Lies

Genre Animation

A woman with braided hair speaking to a white snowman in a wintry setting.
Review

Frozen 2

by David Jenkins

The siren call of two beloved, showtune-singing Disney princesses leads to a sequel lacking in ideas, emotion and drama.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Wintry forest with silhouetted figure, bare trees, snow-covered ground, and subtle lighting.
Review

Klaus

by Kambole Campbell

Netflix’s first animated feature production is a gorgeous looking festive heart-warmer.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Animated characters of sheep and dog standing on snowy ground at night surrounded by sparkling effects.
Review

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

by Trevor Johnston

Aardman’s woolly hero has an unexpected visitor in this warm-hearted stop-motion sequel.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A close-up of a lion cub in the darkness, with its piercing eyes and textured fur visible.
Review

The Lion King

by Adam Woodward

Jon Favreau’s update of Disney’s animated epic shows the studio’s remake philosophy is not so problem free.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Colourful toys and characters from the Toy Story film, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and assorted plush toys on a cluttered shelf.
Review

Toy Story 4

by Hannah Strong

Woody, Buzz and co team up for one last time (probably) in a largely enjoyable sequel that sees Pixar retread old ground.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Close-up of Pikachu wearing a black cap, with a yellow taxi cab in the background.
Review

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

by Hannah Strong

Ryan Reynolds voices everyone’s favourite electric yellow rodent in this fun, fast-paced murder mystery.

2
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Three animated characters: a man with blue skin, a large hairy creature with a red nose and teeth, and a woman with black hair and a red dress. They are set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a waterfall.
Review

Missing Link

by Adam Woodward

Hugh Jackman’s intrepid explorer makes a startling discovery in Laika’s latest stop-motion treasure.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two people gazing at a dystopian city skyline with industrial chimneys and smoke.
Review

Love, Death & Robots

by Charles Bramesco

This NSFW animated anthology sees Tim Miller and David Fincher team up to disastrous effect.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
Two animated characters, a young woman with blonde hair and a young man with dark hair, look at the camera against a backdrop of fiery, colourful explosions.
Review

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

by Beth Webb

Dean DeBlois’ beloved animated franchise arrives at a dazzling, emotional farewell.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A young Black man with curly hair wearing a red jacket and a green shirt, set against a vibrant red and blue background with distorted patterns.
Review

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

by Kambole Campbell

Multiple Spider-Mans makes for outrageous fun in Marvel’s slick, constantly surprising multiverse animation.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect