Oscar Nominated Shorts (Animation)

I have seen all the nominated shorts in the three categories, and shall review each and break down the categories in a few days. First up, animation.

Feral

The striking animation, with washed out colors and mostly shadows of white and gray, is both the biggest asset and limitation of this short. While the look catches the eye and gives the short a dream-like feel, the emotion connection to the short is a bit missing. But the animation alone makes the short a deserving nominee. Grade: A-

Get a Horse!

This is the one everyone has seen. The short in front of Frozen in theaters, this is a film that offers an amazing simulation of an early sound Disney short to start, but then steps it up when Mickey is knocked out of the screen and into a 2013 theater. The film has almost non-stop gags both in the 30s style and todays. A pure enjoyment, and I haven't even started into what a technical achievement it is. Grade: A+

Mr. Hublot

This short essentially takes a basic man and his dog story and transports it to a robot world. That doesn't describe how sweet the Mr. Hublot character is drawn, and how genuinely funny it is. This is definitely at a slower speed than many studio shorts, which makes the comedy land so much more. Grade: A

Possessions

Here is a Japanese short in the Japanese animation style with a Japanese theme. A traveler takes shelter in an enchanted house where he is confronted with enchanted older object. His response is one of respect and care rather than confrontation. It's a unique take on the Japanese culture's respect for elders. Grade:A

Room on the Broom

A story of a nice witch and the animals who want to stay with her. From the same studio who made The Gruffalo, this has the same charm of a bedtime story for children with just enough humor for the adults around the edges (mostly from the cat's frustrations) that make it pure fun for the whole family, Grade: A

It's a good list. I am disappointed that Pixar's The Blue Umbrella did not make the list, but all five of the above deserve the nominations.

As for the prospects, I believe love and respect for the Disney tradition will win here. The only possibility I see for "Get a Horse!" to be upset is if the heart of "Mr. Hublot" wins over the voters.