Although this year’s list of animated feature films isn’t as impressive as last year (“Moana”, “Finding Dory”, “Zootopia”, and “The Angry Birds Movie”, just to name a few), we’re still anticipating some good ones ahead.
“The Lego Batman Movie” and “The Boss Baby” have been thoroughly enjoyable so far. Coming up ahead, moviegoers can look forward to several long-awaited sequels (2 of which are threequels), fresh adaptations, and thrill-seeking emojis.
1. “Despicable Me 3”
- Release Date: 15th June 2017 (Currently showing)
- Voice Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate, Julie Andrews
Gru is about to come face to face with a twin brother he never realised existed. His twin named Dru is not only more successful and has better fashion sense, but he also has a full head of flowing blonde hair. Together, the duo must team up and set aside their sibling rivalry if they hope to defeat the new supervillain in town – Balthazar Bratt. If you thought the Minions were annoying, wait till you meet Dru.
2. “The Emoji Movie”
- Release Date: 17th August 2017
- Voice Cast: T.J. Miller, James Corden, Ilana Glazer, Steven Wright, Jennifer Coolidge, Maya Rudolph, Jake T. Austin, Patrick Stewart
Ready to be introduced to a never-before-seen secret world? Hidden within the messaging app in your smartphone is the city of Textopolis. All the emojis who live there are only able to project 1 facial expression – except for Gene, who happens to have multiple expressions. When Gene and his friends, Hi-5 and Jailbreak, embark on an epic “app-venture” through a teenager’s phone, the fate of all emojis suddenly depends on the trio when a dangerous threat surface.
3. “Cars 3”
- Release Date: 24th August 2017
- Voice Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Lea DeLaria, Armie Hammer
Disney Pixar’s “Cars” franchise may not be well-loved by critics but that hasn’t stopped the studio from churning out a 2nd sequel. In the automotive threequel, the red hot Lightning McQueen is striving to prove to a new generation of racers that he’s still the best race car in the world. In doing so, he will require the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez. It is believed that “Cars 3” will be more emotional, while centring on “acceptance” and “moving on”.
4. “The LEGO Ninjago Movie”
- Release Date: 21st September 2017
- Voice Cast: Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux, Dave Franco, Olivia Munn, Fred Armisen, Abbi Jacobson, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Pena, Zach Woods
“I’ve taken a solemn oath to form a secret ninja force. Are you ready to risk your life for Ninjago?”
Set in Ninjago City, the story follows young Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, and his secret warrior friends. Led by the wise Master Wu, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. As these modern-day ninjas take on the villain, they must put their egos in check and band together to unleash their true power.
5. “My Little Pony: The Movie”
- Release Date: 12th October 2017
- Voice Cast: Kristin Chenoweth, Emily Blunt, Zoe Saldana, Taye Diggs, Liev Schreiber, Sia Furler, Uzo Aduba, Michael Pena
When a dark force threatens Ponyville, the Mane 6 – Twilight, Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity – must transform into sea ponies and journey under the sea where they’ll meet new friends and face obstacles on a special quest. Instead of attempting a live-action, the animated film will stay true to the television series.
6. “Coco”
- Release Date: 23rd November 2017
- Voice Cast: Gael García Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía
Directed by Mexican animator Lee Unkrich, “Coco” (previously titled “Dia de los Muertos”) is described “as an authentic love letter to one of Mexico’s most iconic celebrations” – the Día de los Muertos aka Day of the Dead, an annual Mexican holiday.
Although his family has banned music from their household for generations, Miguel harbours a secret desire to follow in the footsteps of his music idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. In his quest to prove his talent, Miguel enters the colourful Land of the Dead and sets off on the journey to discover the real story behind his family’s history.
7. “Paddington 2”
- Release Date: 30th November 2017
- Movie Cast: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Brendan Gleeson, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Waltersk
Guess who’s back guys? It is Peru’s most loveable bear, Paddington, and he’s taking us on a new adventure with the Brown family in London. In celebration of Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop and thinks it’ll be the perfect gift for her. He then takes on a series of odd jobs to purchase it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Brown family to catch the culprit.
8. “Ferdinand”
- Release Date: 15th December 2017
- Voice Cast: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Daveed Diggs, Gabriel Iglesias, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, Flula Borg, Sally Phillips
Set in Spain, “Ferdinand” tells the story of a giant peaceful bull with a big heart. As a child, the little bull “would rather sit in the shade of his favourite cork tree and smell the flowers”, instead of butting heads with other bulls.
As Ferdinand grows into adulthood, his temperament remains mellow. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and sent to Madrid to compete in bullfights. Determined to return home to his loved ones, he gathers a team of misfits for the ultimate adventure.
Here’s a compilation of some of the trailers:
Of all the cartoons and animated films listed above, which ones are y’all personally looking forward to watch? Let us know in the comments 🙂
Sources: Deadline, Movie Web, The Hollywood Reporter, /Film.
