Toy Masters (2012) d. Lay, Jr., Roger (USA)
A documentary that nails the nostalgic sweet spot of any kid who grew up in the '80s, a sweet remembrance to Mattel’s line of toys, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, as well as the television shows, ill-fated feature film and paraphernalia spawned in its wake. The behind-the-scenes drama over who actually created the musclebound plastic hero is engaging at first, but as the same ground gets traveled over and over, it becomes a little tedious. This being the world premiere (Fantasia 2012), I suspect/hope that future iterations will be trimmed somewhat; considering that the filmmakers reportedly have an interview scheduled with Dolph Lundgren (star of the 1987 feature), this is clearly not the final cut. With a little tightening, this will likely prove a hit on the doc circuit.
Letter to Momo, A (2011) d. Okiura, Hiroyuki (Japan)
Following an argument, a young girl loses her father to a boating accident, later finding a letter that contains only the words, “Dear Momo…” Shattered by guilt, she and her mother relocate to the family’s island fishing village to make a fresh start, but mysterious otherworldly forces are at work and Momo soon finds herself the unwitting companion of three oafish companions…a trio of benign goblins assigned to watch over her from “Above.” Fantasy and the everyday combine in utterly endearing fashion is this exquisite animated film written and directed by Okiura, reportedly seven years in the making with every frame hand-drawn. The technical care and craftsmanship are well complemented by a sincere and touching coming-of-age story, one whose two-hour runtime flies by with ease. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Animated Feature at the 2012 Fantasia Film Festival.
Asura (2012) d. Sato, Keiichi (Japan)
A breathtaking big screen realization of the 1970 manga by George Akiyama about an abandoned feral child roaming the wastelands of feudal Japan, armed with a mouthful of fangs, big freaking axe and a superhuman will to survive. When kindness is finally shown to him, first by a stoic monk and later a tender-hearted adolescent girl, the beast within abates, but the harsh existence they face presents many antagonists to peaceful living. With CG characters existing within hand-illustrated environments, the film looks especially gorgeous on the big screen; ditto the sound design that gives Asura full agitated voice to his frustrations and rage. An animated film with more on its mind than simple diversion or entertainment, a worthy tribute to its once-banned source material. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Animated Feature at the 2012 Fantasia Film Festival.
