The Boxtrolls (2014)

Kermode praises the film as splendidly inventive and deliciously scrungy. He singles out its dazzling visuals and the expressive voice performances, as well as the end-credits celebration of animation’s painstaking craft.

Dowd finds the film a minor effort for Laika, though still far better than most animated competition. He praises its painstaking stop-motion craft and inventive, richly detailed world, while noting the hero feels underdeveloped.

The critic finds the film a uniquely entertaining, well-paced animated feature, despite a few plot holes. They single out its visual banquet and brilliant end-title gag for praise.

The critic finds the animation delightful and the story unusually rich in social themes. She singles out its intricate, comic stop-motion detail and clever adult-friendly commentary for praise.

Ebiri finds the film macabre, magical, and ultimately warm-hearted, despite its familiar allegory. He praises Laika’s outlandish designs and the film’s embrace of the dark, twisted curiosity of childhood.

The review finds the film funny, charming, and action-packed. It praises the slapstick and silliness, which should entertain children while adults follow the plot.

The page identifies this as a review of the 2014 film. The paywall hides the critic’s verdict and any specific praise or complaint.

The review finds the film fun and visually appealing. It praises the quirky creatures but says the young leads are somewhat wan.

The three-star rating indicates a mixed verdict on this animated adventure. The available description highlights its ooky, spooky tone.

Smith finds the film meticulously realised but difficult to warm to, criticizing its pleasure in revolting viewers. He praises the imaginative design of the Boxtrolls’ underground cavern and the spectacular walking-incinerator climax.

The review finds the film underdeveloped and derivative, despite its generally charming animation. It singles out the villain Snatcher as the most fascinating character, while criticizing the story’s shallow themes and character construction.

Sharkey finds the film visually inventive and charming but ultimately weighed down by an unwieldy story. She praises the stop-motion animation and detailed boxtroll designs, while faulting the film for neglecting character development.

The critic finds the film stubbornly unappealing, with muddled storytelling, weak humor, and a shortage of heart. He singles out the end-credits sequence and Richard Ayoade and Nick Frost’s performances as highlights.

Debruge finds the film disappointing, criticizing its unappealing concept and screenplay. He praises the meticulously crafted world and stop-motion visuals, but says they cannot make the setting or characters compelling.

The critic calls it one of the best animated films in recent history and praises the Blu-ray release. He singles out Laika’s detailed, fluid stop-motion animation and entertaining extras.

Hammond gives the film an enthusiastic verdict and predicts another Oscar nomination for Laika. He especially praises its hand-crafted stop-motion animation, which he says looks beautiful.

Titmarsh finds the film breathtaking, highly entertaining, and an ideal grown-up kids’ movie. She especially praises its dazzling production design and calls its ending one of the best she has seen.

Herren finds the film a near-peer to Laika’s earlier work and one of the year’s best animated movies. He especially praises its breathtaking animation and memorable, sympathetic boxtrolls.

The critic finds the film special and an easy recommendation, though its straightforward story is less memorable than its visuals. The stop-motion craft and richly realized world are singled out for praise.

The review finds the film charming but somewhat cobbled together from familiar parts. It praises its mix of Roald Dahl, Monty Python, and LucasArts adventure-game influences.

Reynolds finds the film a wonderfully eccentric and entertaining animation, though its audience may be too narrow for a major box-office success. He praises its gorgeous visual design, madcap Ben Kingsley performance, and lively voice cast, while criticizing the 3D for darkening the artwork without adding value.

The critic finds the film an entertaining but slight entry in Laika’s work, criticizing its rushed pace and lack of depth. They praise its inventive, meticulously detailed animation, especially its graceful dance sequence.

The critic finds the film disappointing, saying its intriguing grotesque setting collapses under a muddled plot. He praises the voice performances but complains that the 3-D is pointless and the characters lack charm.

The critic calls the film a charmless, aimless misfire that is likely to bore parents and disturb young viewers. They single out its unappealing character designs and ugly visuals as major flaws.