Movies
Seven animated films like Trolls Band Together for your watchlist
Mumbai: Animated content holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s the timeless charm of classic cartoons or the magic of iconic movies like The Lion King and The Jungle Book, our love for animations endures. Even today, we find joy in immersing ourselves in animated worlds, using them as a delightful escape. These films not only captivate us with visually stunning aesthetics and heartwarming storylines, but they also provide a therapeutic way to unwind after a long day. While the old classics maintain their charm, contemporary animations dazzle us with glorious vibrancy and hyper-realistic artistry. The new DreamWorks Animation film, ‘Trolls Band Together’, promises all the above and much more. If you are looking for endless relaxing entertainment, here are the top seven films worthy of a captivating movie marathon as per IMDb ratings.
1. Spider-man: Across The Spider Verse (8.7/10)
Kicking off our list is the visually stunning and critically acclaimed ‘Spider-man: Across The Spider Verse’. The film’s kaleidoscopic visuals and groundbreaking animation techniques make it a standout in the genre. Miles Morales’ adventure through multiple dimensions not only captivates with its superhero spectacle but also serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in animation.
2. Spirited Away (8.6/10)
Next up is the timeless masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, ‘Spirited Away’. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this film whisks viewers away to a magical world filled with spirits, witches, and unforgettable characters. Even after almost two decades since its release, the film continues to be one of the most widely watched animated films and remains a testament to the brilliance of Japanese animation.
3. A Grave of Fireflies (8.5/10)
Yet another iconic Studio Ghibli film in this list, ‘A Grave of Fireflies’ is a poignant exploration of the human spirit amid the ravages of war. This gem of a cinema combines hauntingly beautiful animation with a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, true testament to the emotional depth that cinema can achieve.
4. Coco (8.4/10)
The Disney Pixar film ‘Coco’ is a captivating and heartfelt celebration of Mexican culture. Centered around the festival ‘Day of Dead’ or ‘DÃa de Muertos’, the film’s richly detailed animation, coupled with its powerful exploration of family and legacy, makes it a standout in the world of animated cinema. Get ready to explore the vibrant and enthralling Land of the Dead with our protagonist Miguel.
5. Your Name (8.4/10)
While not a Studio Ghibli film, the Japanese animated movie ‘Your Name’ took the world by a storm during its release. It is a breathtaking anime that transcends the boundaries of time and space. This emotionally charged film not only captivates with its magnificent visuals but also delves into the intricacies of love and destiny. Truly a tale that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
6. Up (8.3/10)
‘Up’ is a Pixar classic that takes audiences on a whimsical adventure. Beyond its colorful animation and memorable characters, the film’s opening sequence is a masterclass in storytelling, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions. The film is widely enjoyed by old and young alike for its wholesome narrative of a marital bond. Prepare for an uplifting journey that defies gravity with Up.
7. Trolls Band Together (6/10)
‘Trolls Band Together’ generated quite a buzz even before its release and the audience is loving it. With a humorous plot, intriguing characters and brilliantly vibrant animation, the film promises a harmonious blend of music, humor, and entertainment. Since its release this weekend, the film has already received good ratings on IMDb and is expected to go higher. One could say, it’s the one to watch out for on the charts.
Did we get you excited for some animated masterpieces? Lucky for you, Trolls Band Together is playing on the big screens. Grab your tickets to watch the film at your nearest PVR INOX theaters!
Hollywood
Did the ballet and opera controversy cost Timothée Chalamet his Oscar? Â
The actor’s ‘dying art forms’ comments may have danced away his Oscar chances.
LOS ANGELES: Last night, the 98th Academy Awards delivered a performance that wasn’t in the script, as Michael B. Jordan clinched the Best Actor statue, leaving Timothée Chalamet’s widely predicted win to pirouette away into the night. While Chalamet was long considered the frontrunner for his starring turn in Marty Supreme, many are whispering that a singular, ill-timed performance, not on screen but on the campaign trail, may have rewritten the finale.
For months, the narrative surrounding the race had a singular star, Chalamet, the critics’ darling and the bookies’ bet. However, the closing numbers saw a dramatic plot twist. Chalamet found himself upstaged not just by his fellow nominees but by the ghost of public opinion, following remarks he made during a Variety and CNN actor-on-actor conversation in February.
What started as a breezy discussion turned distinctly frosty when Chalamet, the conversation’s designated trendsetter, took aim at some classical institutions. “I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera, where no one is interested anymore,” he said, before branding them “dying art forms.”
The backlash was swift and, unfortunately for Chalamet’s campaign, star-studded. For the film industry, an establishment that often fancies itself as the glamorous custodian of the high arts, the actor’s comments didn’t just strike a bum note. They sounded like a discordant symphony. Academy heavyweights, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Whoopi Goldberg and Steven Spielberg, publicly voiced their disapproval. Spielberg himself countered that the “cinematic experience” and classical performance are bound by a similar dedication to audience engagement, effectively suggesting that Chalamet’s view was perhaps a bit too modern for its own good.
The conversation quickly became a media maelstrom. In a masterstroke of high-culture clapback, renowned ballerina Misty Copeland didn’t just issue a statement. The Academy even choreographed a surprise performance by her for the ceremony itself, a powerful, wordless rebuttal that many saw as a direct riposte to Chalamet’s dismissive claims. Even regional arts institutions joined the choreography. The Seattle Opera offered a cheeky “TIMOTHEE” discount, granting a 14 percent markdown to prove that people do, in fact, care.
Did this cultural counterpoint truly cost Chalamet his win? While some industry insiders argue that Michael B. Jordan’s complex dual performance in Sinners, a performance that also swept the SAG Awards, had simply built up too much momentum, the timing of Chalamet’s comments was undeniably poor. Coming as final Oscar voting began, they arguably soured his narrative and made a vote for him feel, to some, like a vote against artistic unity.
Even the ceremony itself wasn’t finished with the narrative. Host Conan O’Brien, whose sharp tongue is a celebrated feature of these galas, didn’t miss a beat. “Security is extremely tight tonight,” O’Brien jibed during his opening monologue, glancing toward the front row. “I’m told there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities. They’re just mad you left out jazz!”
The laughter that followed was pointed, a final public curtain call for a controversy that Chalamet likely wished had closed weeks ago. Whether it was a case of genuine peer disapproval, a sudden surge in support for Jordan’s powerhouse performance, or simply a case of poor footwork on the campaign stage, the ballet and opera debacle has now cemented its place in Oscar history. Chalamet’s experience serves as a clear memo to future contenders. Even when you are the headline act, a solo performance can still fall flat if you forget to play to the entire house.
