For a long time, I believed I was alone in my frustration with the current trend of frenetic animation—until The Lego Movie emerged as a supposed front-runner for the Best Animated Feature Oscar, only to be snubbed entirely. While its exuberant theme song “Everything is Awesome” did earn a nomination for Best Song, the film itself failed to secure a nod. So why have I grown weary of animated films? After years of watching countless titles as a film critic and a parent, I’ve found this genre increasingly monotonous and overwhelmingly chaotic.
Today’s animation feels like a chaotic Minion frenzy—entertaining yet utterly overwhelming. I didn’t always feel this way. As a child, I grew up in an era where Walt Disney was synonymous with animation. Fantasia (in its classic 2D form) was among my favorites, along with the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz. Before I even knew how to spell “animation,” I was captivated by the power of visual storytelling through meticulously crafted cartoons. Hippos weren’t just clumsy creatures in nature documentaries; they elegantly twirled in tutus to the enchanting music of “Dance of the Hours.”
Television was no different; cartoons were my escape. If I had to choose between being a Jetsons kid or a Flintstones enthusiast, I was torn. Was I part of a quirky nuclear family in a futuristic world or stuck in the prehistoric past? As a mom, I passed on my love for animation to my kids, indulging in classic films that resonated with deeper themes. Dumbo’s poignant tale of separation struck a chord during sleepless nights and daycare drop-offs, while Snow White and Peter Pan became fixtures in our household. The Lion King’s heartbreaking lessons about loss and betrayal helped my children grapple with the complexities of life, even through the lens of animation.
As my kids grew, new channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network ushered in a golden era of animated programming in the ’90s. We delighted in shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, where my husband still affectionately goes by Dexter. However, my disillusionment with animated movies began to surface after speaking with industry experts like the talented Genddy Tartakovsky. He noted that classic cartoons, like Bugs Bunny, were crafted for adults yet remained accessible to children, balancing humor on multiple levels—something that seems lost today.
My issue with The Lego Movie is multifaceted. I experienced it with my teenage daughter while stuck in a hotel room, navigating our film choices together. The clever script and shared enjoyment felt great, but the frenetic pacing—EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!—was jarring. Is this truly what we want for a generation of kids who struggle to concentrate?
I don’t despise all animation; there are contemporary films that I cherish, such as The Stone Giant, Finding Nemo, and the breathtaking works of Hayao Miyazaki. However, the overwhelming surge of high-energy, hyperactive animation has dulled my appreciation for the art itself, much like the childhood experience of overindulging in a tunafish sandwich. The snubbing of The Lego Movie may mark a significant moment, but it seems Hollywood isn’t ready to retreat from this hyper-stimulating trend anytime soon. Just the other day, I caught sight of a Minion bouncing across the screen—whether it was a trailer for the latest installment of Despicable Me or a new McDonald’s promotion, who can tell? While I might be taking a break from this genre, it appears the industry is not.
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In summary, my experience with The Lego Movie reflects a broader concern about the state of animation today. While there are still gems in the genre, much of the contemporary animated landscape feels overwhelmingly frenetic, leaving me yearning for the thoughtful, multi-layered storytelling of the past.