Animation Reviews and Features | Little White Lies

Genre Animation

A large, dark silhouette of a panther-like creature confronting a human figure in a lush, green forest.
Review

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

by Adam Woodward

Andy Serkis and an all-star cast fail to breathe new life into Rudyard Kipling’s cherished adventure.

2
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Animated characters: Large, muscular man in red costume; smaller woman in green outfit
Review

Ralph Breaks the Internet

by Hannah Strong

There’s charm to spare in Disney’s follow-up to Wreck-It Ralph, but it still feels like a cynical cash-grab.

2
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Anime scene with two young boys, one in white clothes falling through the sky, the other reaching up towards him against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Review

Mirai

by Michael Leader

Mamoru Hosoda returns with a charming time-bending tale about two siblings.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Two cartoon characters: a skeletal figure in white and a large-eyed, black figure in red shirt, both standing in a shop with various merchandise visible.
Review

MFKZ

by Gus Edgar-Chan

This French-Japanese animé from directors Guillaume Renard and Shoujirou Nishimi is a twisted joyride.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Stylised portrait of a woman in a red headscarf, with bold makeup and striking features.
Review

Tehran Taboo

by Finley Crebolder

Director Ali Soozandeh surveys a range of contemporary Iranian issues in this impressive rotoscoped animation.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Man in black suit sitting in lavender field with large teddy bear.
Review

Christopher Robin

by Ella Kemp

Piglet, Pooh and Tigger too are brought back to life in this big-hearted Disney live-action animation.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Figure in red costume jumping over gap on motorcycle against fiery sky
Review

Incredibles 2

by Hannah Strong

Family remains very much at the heart of Brad Bird and Pixar’s animated superhero sequel.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Animated illustration depicting a group of people gathered around a table, sharing a meal. Warm tones of brown and orange dominate the colour palette, with a focus on the central figure wearing traditional Middle Eastern attire.
Review

The Breadwinner

by David Jenkins

The animation house behind Song of the Sea return with a timely takedown of religious fundamentalism.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Animated girl with red hair and surprised expression, casting glowing energy from outstretched hands, set against a mysterious green background.
Review

Mary and the Witch’s Flower

by Trevor Johnston

There’s shades of Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service in this charming animation from Studio Ponoc.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Anime character with blonde spiky hair wearing a red scarf in a snowy outdoor scene.
Review

Big Fish & Begonia

by Michael Leader

This stunning animated fantasy from Chinese pair Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun rivals Studio Ghibli.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect