We at GST are ever the fan of Laika‘s animated films. If you’ve seen ParaNorman and Boxtrolls you know they have such a distinct look – one as odd as it is captivating. In a world where CG has dominated so much of the entertainment world, it’s amazing to see the work that this company still does with practical tools, models, and effects. They share a lot in common with digital animators (this is stop-frame after all) but the tangible element, gritty and wonky though it may be, adds so much depth and character to each Laika feature. If you haven’t been keeping up with Kubo, enjoy this amazing looking trailer.
Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta.
Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Kubo and the Two Stings is directed by Travis Knight, who the lead animator on both ParaNorman and Boxtrolls. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, George Takei, and Brenda Vaccaro. Laika’s film will be released this Summer on August 19, 2016.
