Thank goodness for animation!
In a world beset an apocalyptic level set of events from the COVID pandemic to war to climate change to, likely somewhere on the planet, zombie uprisings and aliens (over the top, true, but their existence would certainly fit the dark and dismal spirit of the moment), it’s wonderful to know we have animated treasures to escape into.
Joining them in the next few months will be the following shows or movies, and while the jury is understandably out on their staying power, and whether they will ever, in fact, reach treasured status, they will delightful escapist diversions from a real world which has little to recommend it at the moment.
Watch the following trailers, and get ready to lose yourself in animated un-reality …
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Ice Age: Scrat Tales is a series of six all-new animated shorts starring Scrat, the hapless saber-toothed squirrel of the Ice Age adventures, who experiences the ups and downs of fatherhood, as he and the adorable, mischievous Baby Scrat, alternately bond with each other and battle for ownership of the highly treasured Acorn. Featuring the vocal talents of Chris Wedge (Scrat) and Kari Wahlgren (Baby Scrat), the series is produced by Anthony Nisi, with Robert L. Baird and Andrew Millstein serving as executive producers. (synopsis courtesy Bleeding Cool)
Ice Age: Scrat Tales debuts on Disney+ on 13 April.
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The Sea Beast follows famed monster hunter Jacob Holland, who’s often called upon to go seek out the terrifying beasts at the edge of the world. When he discovers a stowaway, Maisie Brumble, has stashed herself away on his ship, he finds that he’s got to work together with the young girl in order to survive the sea serpent-infested seas. (synopsis courtesy Gizmodo)
The Sea Beast drops on Netflix on 8 July 2022.
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Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement.It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends. (synopsis courtesy Live For Films)
Minions: The Rise of Gru premieres on 16 June 2022 in Australia, 1 July in UK & USA.