‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ is another stop motion animated feature from the underrated Laika studios. Who of which are responsible for the overlooked ‘Paranorman’ and ‘Coraline’. In a summer chalked full of disappointing messes, ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ ends the summer on the highest note imaginable with some of the year’s best work. Boasted by incredible voice talent, beautiful animation, thrilling action, majestic sound, bone chilling antagonists, and sharp storytelling, ‘Kubo’ has instantly become one of my all-time favorite animated films. I can’t express enough how badly this film needs your support. The creative team behind all this magic give it their all and they deserve the return. Claymation, stop motion animated features tend to be looked down upon when discussing the best animated films from each year. Pixar usually dishes out the cream of the crop, but Laika is surely but slowly making their presence known across the animated film landscape. Never have I ever imagined a day when I seriously pondered the thought of if an animated film could be nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars. ‘Kubo’ is without a doubt, the most beautiful animated film I have ever seen and one of 2016’s best shot films. Every frame feels crisp and full of meaning, wonder, and adventure. The set pieces are rich and crafted by the most gentle of hands. What really immerses you more in the world of ‘Kubo’ is the sound. The way that director Travis Knight integrates sound into this tale is flawless and it sort of becomes a character within the story. Bringing these animated clay characters to life is Art Parkinson as Kubo, Charlize Theron as Monkey, and Matthew McConaughey as Beetle. All three of these voice talents do a miraculous job with their characters as they each have a unique sensibility to them. Whether it’s the fierce, careful nature of Monkey, the charismatic, charming likability of Beetle, or the raw innocence of Kubo. Each character is beautifully detailed and naturally pieced together to provide for a fun adventure with this trio. I could talk about this film forever but ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ is one of those animated films that gets talked about as being a potential nominee in the Best Picture category. Even if ‘Kubo’ doesn’t get the nomination for Best Picture it is already the frontrunner for Best Animated feature. ‘Kubo’ does beg the question of whether or not an animated film can be nominated for Best Cinematography. ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ does everything right and virtually nothing wrong, it is a feast for the eyes and ears and one of 2016’s best achievements in filmmaking. ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ gets a 9/10