Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical
Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by
Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling
stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei),
Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda
Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally
summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an
age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award
winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey),
and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of
his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With
the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle
gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph
Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to
unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic
destiny.
The director, Travis Knight, has put together a picture that hits a lot
of all-ages-entertainment sweet spots while avoiding hackneyed conventions, and
ends up delivering what feels like a sincere family-friendly message. The
movie’s blend of stop-motion animation for the main action with
computer-generated backgrounds is seamless, creating what is the most visually
intoxicating of all Laika’s movies. – The New York Times –
Glenn Kenny