Synopsis:
"Set in a magical world of toys and knick-knacks stored in the attic of a
home in Prague, this award-winning stop-motion animated feature has
been called “An animation masterpiece” (Anima Basuari), and “a
diabolically inventive tale that is four parts Toy Story and one part
Tim Burton (New York International Children’s Film Festival).
The setting for the film was inspired by the cultural and political
contrast of the Cold War era and its impact on director Jiri Barta and
the Czech Republic. The world of the attic is divided into the land of
happy toys in the West and the Land of Evil in the East. The despotic
Head of State rules over the Land of Evil with a band of sinister
minions, insects and rotted vegetables. When the lovely Buttercup
(Vivian Schilling) is kidnapped and held prisoner by The Head (Jiri
Labus, with voice by Douglas Urbanski), it is up to her friends - a
teddy bear (Forest Whitaker), a mechanical mouse (Joan Cusack) and
marionette puppet (Cary Elwes) to cross the international boundary and
attempt their daring rescue.
“Toys in the Attic” is a
meticulously crafted visual feast, combining multiple forms of animation
into an enchanting and fantastic adventure for the entire family."
My Thoughts:
This is one movie my husband has been asking me to get a copy of so that we can watch and he can help me review -- which isn't that often -- so, I knew it must be a good movie. Have you heard about
Toys in the Attic? It had a limited run in theaters back in the fall of 2012, but recently came out on DVD. Many people, including my husband have compared this animated movie to Pixar's Toy Story, as it deals with toys coming alive and a rescue mission. In this dark, stop-motion film, Buttercup is stolen by the opposing side of toys, in the attic. And, it is up to her friends to rescue her and bring her safely back to their side of the attic.
The cover art of the DVD is eye appealing, and makes you want to see this movie. So, the other night, while the girls were sleeping, my husband and I ended up watching this movie. We had planned to wait until the weekend, but my husband was so eager to see it, he was willing to go to bed late just to watch this movie. As we settled in to watch this movie, I couldn't help but be amazed at the animation of this film. And, as the movie progressed, both my husband and I kept commenting about how this movie should have won tons of awards for the unique animation and storyline.
And, with popular voice overs including Forest Whitaker as the teddy bear, Joan Cusack as a mechanical Mouse and Cary Elwes as the marionette puppet, you can't help want fall in love with this unique movie. While younger children may not find this movie as entertaining as other animated movies featuring toys, and may even be frightened by the mechanical toys, adults will love it, with all it symbolism of the Cold War era and selection of toys and knick-knacks that are brought to life in the magical world found in an attic in Prague. This is one movie that may have fallen under the radar, but is worth checking out. We loved it the first time, and plan to watch it again soon. :-)
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
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