I used to think I was alone in my frustration with the frenetic pace of modern animation. That was until I saw The Lego Movie, a film that seemed to promise a fresh take on the genre yet ultimately fell short for me. Despite its catchy theme song, “Everything is Awesome,” which snagged a nomination for Best Song, the movie itself was snubbed for an Oscar. So, why am I feeling so jaded about animated films lately? After countless viewings—both as a film critic and a mom—what once felt magical now often feels like a repetitive, headache-inducing mess.
Animation these days seems like one big Minion mosh pit—adorable yet utterly chaotic. I didn’t always feel this way. Growing up watching Disney classics, Fantasia was one of my all-time favorites alongside The Wizard of Oz. From a young age, I grasped the impact of beautifully drawn animation. Hippos didn’t just waddle; they danced elegantly to “Dance of the Hours,” and it was enchanting.
Television was my playground of cartoons. I had a delightful dilemma—was I Team Jetsons or Team Flintstones? Was I zooming through the future or living in a retro stone-age? When I became a mom, I eagerly shared my love for animation with my kids. We watched the classics together, and my perspective shifted. Dumbo’s story of separation hit hard during sleepless nights, and watching Snow White and Peter Pan with my daughter became treasured memories. The Lion King was a heartfelt lesson about loss and perseverance, a tough but necessary part of growing up—even in a kid’s movie.
As my children grew, new channels emerged—Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network made the ’90s a golden era for animation. We adored shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, and my husband and I couldn’t resist the edgy humor of South Park. But my recent discontent with animated movies can be traced back to insights from Gendy Tartakovsky, the genius behind Dexter. He noted that classic cartoons were made for adults and entertained on multiple levels—blending childlike humor with clever, relatable jokes.
So, what went wrong with The Lego Movie? I watched it with my teenage daughter while holed up in a hotel room, munching on snacks and trying to find common ground in our movie choice. While we both found enjoyment in the clever script and lively visuals, its hyperactive pacing (EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!) felt more like an assault on my senses than a treat for my soul. Is this really what we want for kids who already struggle to sit still?
It’s not all doom and gloom in animation, though. I can still name several recent films that I adore, such as The Stone Giant and Finding Nemo. There’s also the stunning artistry of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, the Oscar-winning The Triplets of Belleville, and the critically acclaimed Persepolis. Each of these has its own unique magic and brilliance.
However, the deluge of frenetic, hyper-caffeinated animation has dulled my enthusiasm for the craft, much like that tuna sandwich you regretted eating as a kid. When The Lego Movie was overlooked by the Academy, I thought we might have reached a turning point, but it seems unlikely. Just the other day, I found myself watching a Minion bouncing around on-screen—whether it was a teaser for Despicable Me 29 or some fast food commercial, who knows? While I might be taking a break from this genre (and nudging you to consider it too), Hollywood doesn’t appear ready to slow down anytime soon.
In conclusion, my love for animation has waned as the genre has evolved into a frenzied spectacle. With all the options available, it’s essential to seek out the gems that still capture the heart and imagination. If you’re interested in exploring home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination or visit Make A Mom for their expert advice. For those looking at donor insemination, American Pregnancy provides excellent resources.