Animated Wonders

We discuss the latest entry in the Despicable Me film universe, Minions & Monsters. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS This movie is one of the more enjoyable entries in the series. The big bad of the movie was microphones. The third act fizzles out with a random resolution. The film creatively weaves Minions into cinema history. Illumination is committed to silly, ch...

We wrap up our discussion of all the Toy Story films from Pixar/Disney by discussing the themes of all the films, animation quality, and which ones affected us the most. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside. FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOS...

The Despicable Me series continues its run with the fourth film, featuring Gru and company attempting to be in hiding. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film is highly forgettable and lacks substance. The character dynamics between Gru and Gru Jr. are the highlights. The pacing of the movie is off, making it feel unbalanced. Mike White's writing for this film raises...

We discuss Toy Story 5, breaking down its themes, its focus on how it wants to address technology in our lives, and particularly, children's lives, and the overall quality of the film in comparison to the past four. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Toy Story 5 introduces new themes around technology and play. The film has emotional moments that resonate more with adults...

Minions: The Rise of Gru was not only delayed for several years because of COVID-19, but is also memorable for the 'gentle minions' trend. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film serves as both a sequel to 'Minions' and a prequel to 'Despicable Me'. Character dynamics between Gru and the Minions are central to the story. The film lacks the chaotic humour of the origin...

We discuss the spin-off film Lightyear, which may be the movie Andy watched to be introduced to the character in the Toy Story universe. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film aims to create a backstory for Buzz Lightyear. Themes of failure and teamwork are central to the story. The animation quality is praised, but the character designs are debated. Chris Evans' per...

Gru meets his twin brother in the third Despicable Me film, and we head off on another wild adventure. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Despicable Me 3 has a more sitcom-like feel compared to earlier films. The film explores themes of family expectations and hereditary traits. Dru, Gru's twin, is portrayed as less competent. The children play a diminished role in this i...

In this part of the Toy Story journey, we discuss several of the Toy Story Shorts. Lamp Life Hawaiian Vacation Small Fry Partysaurus Rex Toy Story of Terror! Toy Story That Time Forgot  YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The animated shorts provide a fun extension of the Toy Story universe. Each short has its unique charm and humour, appealing to both kids and adults. Cha...

The Minions get their own film that introduces their largest world and the origin story before they meet Gru. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film leans heavily into Minions ' humour, appealing to kids. Themes include finding one's place in the world and toxic relationships. Minonese is a unique language combining various languages. The film was a box office succes...

In Toy Story 4, the series takes a soft reset, sending Woody off on a nearly solo adventure and introducing a bunch of new characters. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Toy Story 4 explores themes of letting go and self-discovery. Forky serves as a deep character questioning his purpose. Woody's journey highlights the conflict between duty and personal fulfilment. The fi...

It's time to get happy with the second film in the Despicable Me series, now with Kristen Wiig's character joining the team. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film explores themes of parenting and dating later in life. Kristen Wiig's performance elevates the film significantly. The minions' subplot was an attempt to capitalise on their popularity. The song 'Happy' be...

In the third Toy Story film, things get a little darker, and we discuss how it is a thematically rich film with a lot for kids and adults to take in. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Toy Story 3 explores themes of growing up and letting go. The film resonates deeply with those who grew up with the franchise. Animation technology has significantly advanced since the firs...

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...