Kubo and the Two Strings Review - A Mystical and Immersive Adventure

Kubo and the Two Strings marks a shift in American stop motion animation studio Laika's style. Their previous films, such as Paranorman and The Boxtrolls, were known for their macabre themes and aesthetic, but the world of Kubo is thoroughly entrenched in the mystical and mythical.

I know very little about Japanese mythology, but even I can see the influence it has on this film. Every element feels like it has a rich backstory; whether it's Ralph Fiennes' Moon King or the eerily atmospheric 'Sisters', everything emanates an enigmatic depth. Kubo most reminds me of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda; the epic journey of a young hero fulfilling his destiny through exploration and monster battling is particularly evocative of the series.

All of this is brought to life by Laika's spectacular animation. Much has been said about the film's opening scene, and rightfully so; it is stunning. Aardman's stop motion work is undeniably charming, but they have never reached a level of spectacle this impressive. The design, from costumes to environments to creatures, reflects the film's mystical themes with intricate detail. Plus, the use of stop motion over CGI gives the film a tangible grittiness that is impossible to emulate otherwise.

The weakest element of Kubo is probably its story. Whilst it is often compelling, and the voice cast do a tremendous job with their characters, the plotting is occasionally clumsy. Like previous Laika films, the pacing isn't as tight as other animations from companies like Pixar. It's not as easily distracted as 2014's The Boxtrolls, but dialogue isn't always as smooth as it could be. Unnecessary jokes are awkwardly crammed in, disrupting the flow and failing to justify themselves by provoking only mild chuckles. There's also a predictable 'twist' in third act which doesn't add anything worthwhile to an otherwise perfectly decent plot.

Despite some occasional hiccups in the story department, Kubo and the Two Strings is brimming with fascinating mythology and enlivened by gorgeous animation and strong voice work, making it a worthwhile and engrossing experience. Animated films are in a fantastic position at the moment, and Laika's latest feature is a worthy addition to the genre.

8.2/10

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