**A boy, a monkey and a giant beetle team up for a quest.** This is not an old fashioned stop-motion animation. This is a very modern, a hybrid of multiple techniques that includes 3D printing and digital special effects. The directional debut for the producer of 'ParaNorman' and 'The Boxtrolls'. The tale is about a one eyed boy named Kubo, who has been hiding in a seaside mountain cave near a small village from his grandfather, the moon king, ever since his birth, protected by his mother. He grew up listening the stories of a legendary samurai warrior Hanzo. But one day after he himself exposed to the moonlight, the troubles follow. Now his only chance to survive is to find his father's armours and so the quest begins where he teams up with other two. This is a Japanese story, takes place somewhere in a fictional ancient Japan. Technically, this film was so good, very pleasant for viewing, especially the framerate was higher than normal stop-motion animation. The character models, music, the length of the film, the pace of the narration, all were so brilliant, but not the story. It was average, I mean very, very simple and familiar. Still, it is a very likable film, particularly the children would love it. I'm going to repeat again like I always say while reviewing stop-motion animation films that this kind of films are rare, so when they make one, that automatically goes to a must see list. Whether you're going to like it or not, I hope you won't miss it. _7/10_

Great, creative story. <em>'Kubo and the Two Strings'</em> is a fun film, I enjoyed it all. I love the animation style that Laika use, they also tend to get the vibe of their stories pretty bang on. This is my favourite work of the studio's so far, at least before I watch <em>'Missing Link'</em>. The casting could've been more appropriate, though I'm a believer of anyone playing anyone when it comes to voice roles. Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey make for an undeniably strong trio. Parkinson and Theron do particularly good jobs, though McConaughey is my standout. Elsewhere, Ralph Fiennes and George Takei are, minorly, involved. The lovely story and top animation are the biggest takeaways from this. Recommended.

Every now and again there is an unexpected advantage in having a cinema membership. This was billed yesterday at our local Cineworld and so, to avoid the biblical torrents outside, I thought - why not? Well I am really glad I did. This is a really enjoyable story about a young, one-eyed, lad "Kubo" who lives with his mother in a cave high above their village where he regularly regales the townsfolk's with his magical stories, augmented by some wizardry with origami characters. His only rule is that he must return to his mother by sundown. She is a curiously detached character, whose dreams provide the substance for the young man's engaging and characterful stories. It is festival time and his elderly friend suggests that he stay a while later and light a lantern so that he may try to chat with his later father. The sun sets and suddenly he is being sought by his two evil, shape-shifting, aunties. His mother manages to stave them off but at considerable sacrifice, and soon young "Kudo" and his friends monkey and beetle must race to find an unbreakable sword and some armour that may offer his some protection from his pursuing grandfather who, it turns out, wants his other eye too! The animation is delicate and charming. From the origami samurai through to the leaf-built boat, this young man uses his powers to stay one step ahead of his nemeses and the whole story is really quite engaging. There are a few combat scenes, but they are short, sharp and sweet. This is really about the relationship between him and his two friends, and as it progresses we soon discover that they are far more than just his travelling companions. Dario Marianelli has provided a good score that mixes the jollity and the menacing and the script delivers some humour to mix well with the adventure. This looks great on a big screen - the animation is vidid and colourful and I was really pleasantly surprised here. Well worth a watch.