Five underrated stop motion films to watch before ‘Isle of Dogs’

Wes Anderson’s newest stop-motion feature film, “Isle of Dogs,” has been met with great early reviews and considerable hype from the animation community. However, due to limited promotion and its small initial release in only 27 theatres nationwide, the majority will go on unaware of its existence.

This is not the first time that stop-motion films have been shunned from the public eye. While most audiences are familiar with “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Chicken Run,” “Coraline” and “Kubo and the Two Strings,” there are plenty of other stop-motion flicks that deserve attention. Here’s a list of five stop-motion films worth seeing in preparation for “Isle of Dogs.”

5. “Mad Monster Party” (1967)

From Rankin Bass, the studio that brought us holiday television classics “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964) and “Frosty the Snowman” (1969), comes this bizarre little tale that, while different in tone from their tv works, has the studio’s unmistakable stamp all over it. The film tells the tale of Baron Von Frankenstein who, after creating a formula that could destroy all matter, invites all his monster friends to his island home to celebrate his retirement. The plot thickens once his friends discover that Frankenstein hopes to give his secrets to his wimpy nephew Felix Flanken, and the creatures team up to get rid of the twerpy intruder.

Though flawed due to the dreadfully slow pacing and lackluster musical numbers, the entertaining characters, solid voice performances, ambitious animation and atmospheric production design prove there is still fun to be had with this goofy little treat that puts you in the mood for the Halloween season successfully.

4. “Tale of the Fox” (1937)

This quality film is noteworthy for being the first entirely stop-motion puppet-animated feature film. The story, set in a medieval world of talking animals, focuses on Renard, a wily fox who enjoys tricking the inhabitants of the kingdom. Once the other animals begin complaining to King Lion, it becomes a high octane race as Renard pulls out all the stops to outwit the others and save his life.

In addition to being historically significant to the medium, “Tale of the Fox” is also a wickedly fun movie. The animation is top notch for a film made in the 1930s due to its staggering attention to detail in both the subtle character performances and grand-scaled action scenes. The story, though a bit repetitive, is energetically paced and supported by great music and humorous characters. “Tale of the Fox” is a must watch for animation fans.

3. “The Adventures of Mark Twain” (1985)

This stop-motion gem from the 1980s comes from one of the industry’s most beloved innovators, Will Vinton. Vinton coined the term “claymation.” This film shows him at very the pinnacle of his craft. “The Adventures of Mark Twain,” tells the story of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher, who accidentally stow away on a hot air balloon being piloted by Mark Twain, who hopes to collide with Halley’s Comet. While the trio tries to escape, they discover the heartbreaking reason why Twain is planning to find the comet.

This comedic tale has plenty to offer. The animation is nothing short of groundbreaking, as it’s the only film to be entirely made of clay. Everything, from the characters to the sets, the props and the sky, is all constructed out of clay. The level of craftsmanship and detail given to the visuals is mind-blowing.

The film doesn’t slouch in the narrative department either, as the colorful cast of characters, great voice acting and variety of stories keep the film afloat. While Vinton is better known for his commercials and television specials, this is, in my opinion, his best work and strongly recommended.

2. “Anomalisa” (2015)

Despite receiving massive acclaim at festivals and award ceremonies after its release, the masterful “Anomalisa” has eluded the public eye, which is a shame given its compelling content. Focusing on a successful, yet troubled, customer service expert named Michael, the story details his unexpected, whirlwind romance with Lisa, whom he meets in a hotel while on the road promoting his new book.

This powerful piece by famed screenwriter and director Charlie Kaufman may not be a mainstream attractor, but is a must for those looking for a thought-provoking experience. The film is beautifully raw and realistic, in large part due to the highly-detailed animation which shows design and movement in a way never before seen in stop motion. The story style complements the animation, thoroughly entrancing the audience to be absorbed in this self-analyzing work of art. “Anomalisa” is a winning effort with some beautifully haunting results.

1. “Mary and Max” (2009)

In the animation boom of 2009, with such hits as Pixar’s “Up,” LAIKA’s debut “Coraline,” Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” and more, one little film deserving of just as much, if not more, praise was “Mary and Max.” “Mary and Max” tells the story of Mary, an eight-year-old Australian girl with low self-esteem and neglectful parents, and Max, a 44-year old obese New Yorker with Asperger’s Syndrome. The two become pen pals, developing a long distance friendship that spans many years.

Director Adam Elliott elevates this film with his trademark quirky animation style and masterful balance of light and dark elements within the narrative. Dealing with themes regarding loneliness, depression, mental disorders, obesity and love, “Mary and Max” is surprisingly upbeat, with neither tone outweighing the other. The titular characters work tremendously well. Their struggles feel very relatable, and it’s easy to put ourselves in their shoes. Top it off with a cast of entertaining side characters, some detailed production design and a beautiful musical score, “Mary and Max” is a masterpiece of heart-beating cinema that must be seen to be believed.