Henry Selick’s “Wendell & Wild” could maybe build up an overdue narrative for the maestro — its positive reviews are a plus, albeit they are not entirely glowing and even ardent Selick fans will tell you this is far from being his best work. Meanwhile, the lukewarm reception for “Lightyear” does have me wondering if it’ll even get in (probably not). Maybe the “same-sex kiss” controversy in many countries could have it benefitting from a political angle, but there have been far worthier animated films released. It’s actually the other Pixar, “Turning Red,” that garnered far better reviews this year, but was very much a Disney Plus entity. It still qualified with its one-week theatrical release and will surely get nominated. Then there’s “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.” Del Toro’s stop motion adaptation might not be for the very little kiddies, but its dark story will surely win over the Animation branch. It’s the current frontrunner and it will be surprising to see any other film in this category dethrone it come Oscar night. The last Pixar movie to not be nominated for the Animated Feature Oscar was “Cars 3” in 2017. “Lightyear” will likely be another. “Turning Red” is almost certain to get in and will be Del Toro’s biggest competition. Other critical darlings that might sneak in: Jenny Slate’s highly likeable “Marcel the Shell With the Shoes On,” which is a mix of stop-motion and live action, although it still managed to qualify in the category. Also, my favourite, Richard Linklater’s “Apollo 10 1/2” a personal statement from the Texas-born auteur that will have Netflix’s full backing via a campaign that has already started. Veering on the edge of a nomination is Disney’s just-released “Strange World,” which has garnered mixed reviews and is set to disappoint at the box-office, if we go by its lame-duck Tuesday previews. Disney had a lot riding on this one, but the reception has so far been disappointing. (1) Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2) Turning Red (3) Marcel The Shell With the Shoes On (4) Wendell & Wild (5) Apollo 10 1/2 (6) The Bob’s Burgers Movie (7) Strange World (8) The Bad Guys (9) Lightyear(10) My Father’s Dragon Contribute Hire me
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