THE SECRET OF KELLS [2009]

Directors Tomm Moore & Nora Twomey conjure up their own story about the creation of The Book of Kells in the stunningly animated The Secret Of Kells.
It tells the story of a young boy who lives within a medieval fortress, under siege from Vikings, all while attempting to retrieve magical ink to complete an important manuscript.  The classical animation is illuminated with mostly pleasant shades of green and a style that looks like it was lifted from a late 60's animated short, all of which never ceases to be a magnificent feast for the eyes.  The storytelling and characters however fall a little flat and don't quite equal the magic of it's astonishing appearances or beautiful music courtesy of French composer Bruno Coulais and Irish folk act Kíla.  However, if you're a lover of traditional animation than this is must-see taking no matter of it's burdensome flaws.

3½  acorns out of 5

SONG OF THE SEA [2014]

Inspired the Celtic Selkie legend, director Tomm Moore's second classically animated feature length, Song Of The Sea proves that Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon is a quality force to be recognized.
This quiet, yet vibrantly beautiful designed film, tells the tale of a young mute girl who transforms into a seal when she enters the sea, while living with a family in mourning of her mother.  Unlike most character & plot driven animated films of today, this one allows it's emotions and subtle poetic depths tell the story and it makes for a deeply powerful experience.  It's a great deal darker than Moore's previous film, The Secret of Kells but it's far more superior in storytelling fluency, instantly lovable characters and memorable visuals.  A real gem of a film that will leave even the strongest of folk with a bit of something in their eye by the end.

5 trick or treaters out of 5