Animated Wonders

We start our Despicable Me series re-watch in the lead-up to the newest Minions movie. The first film introduces all the elements that the series will be known for. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Despicable Me is a kids' film with a simple storyline. The film explores themes of found family and personal growth. Minions have become a cultural phenomenon since their int...

Is Toy Story 2 one of the best sequels ever? That's just one of our discussion points as we talk about the next film in the Toy Story series. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Toy Story 2 is often considered better than the first film. The film amplifies the scope and stakes of the original story. Themes of mortality and relationships are central to the narrative. Cultur...

We start our re-watch and discussion of the Toy Story films with the classic that sparked an animation revolution in cinema. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Toy Story is a nostalgic classic for many. The film explores themes of friendship and jealousy. Woody's character arc reflects personal change and acceptance. The animation quality was groundbreaking for its time....

In the final episode of this season, we wrap up by discussing Mamoru Hosoda’s films, his filmmaking style, themes, and rank all seven of his films. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Hosoda often revisits similar themes in his films. His ability to tell emotional stories is noteworthy. The presence of whales in his films is a recurring motif. Belle's appreciation grew upo...

We discuss the latest Netflix animated film, which is agreed to be a bit of a forgettable surface-level story. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film 'Swapped' features a surface-level story with interesting ideas. Character development is rushed, leading to forgettable moments. The animation quality varies, with some standout visuals. Themes of coexistence are prese...

We discuss the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda, Scarlet, and break down its surface-level themes. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS It's visually impressive, but it has the weakest story. The film's core theme revolves around revenge versus forgiveness. The narrative feels dull and lacks depth in character development. The adaptation of Hamlet in a Japanese context raises...

We discuss Belle and its themes around social media, trauma, and healing, while also delving into the film's cultural context and animation style. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film 'Bell' is dense with themes and ideas. Social media's impact on identity is a central theme. Trauma and healing are explored through the protagonist's journey. The film draws inspirat...

Exploring Mirai, we discuss its themes of family dynamics, growing up, and the emotional impact of sibling relationships. They delve into the film's animation style, its cultural significance, and its resonance with audiences of all ages. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Mirai blends slice-of-life with time-travel elements. The film explores sibling dynamics and jealous...

We explore The Boy and the Beast’s themes of found family, personal growth, and the destructive nature of hate and lies YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film explores the theme of found family over blood relations. The relationship between the master and apprentice is central to the story. Japanese mythology plays a significant role in the film's narrative. The film...

We explore Wolf Children's themes of parenthood, particularly focusing on the challenges of single motherhood, the choices children make as they grow, and the balance between conformity and embracing one's identity YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film beautifully portrays the struggles of single motherhood. Parenthood is depicted as a journey filled with choices an...

We review the newly released Super Mario Galaxy Movie, discussing its animation quality, character development (or lack thereof), numerous references, and overall quality. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Release year: 2026 Country / Origin: United States/Japan Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic Writer(s): Matthew Fogel, based on Mario & Star Fox by Nintendo Studio/Distributor: Illumination,...

We discuss Summer Wars, exploring its themes of artificial intelligence, family dynamics, and the relevance of its story in today's digital age. Summer Wars Film title: Summer Wars Release year: 2009 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Satoko Okudera Studio/Distributor: Madhouse // Warner Bros Pictures Main cast:  Ryunosuke Kamiki, Nanami Sakuraba, Mitsuki Tanimura, Sumiko F...

We discuss the first animated Mario film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, ahead of the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.  YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Release year: 2023 Country / Origin: United States Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic Writer(s): Matthew Fogel Studio/Distributor: Illumination, Nintendo // Universal P...

In the debut episode of a brand new Explosion Network podcast, we discuss the first film from Mamoru Hosoda, titled The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Release year: 2006 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Satoko Okudera, based on The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui  Studio/Distributor: Madhouse // Kadokawa Herald Pictures Main c...