North Atlantic

After you see this short you can understand why it’s spent three years amid the film festivals official selections, the BFI London Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival both played host in 2010 and 11 to the North Atlantic short. The film also won the Audience Award several times over including at the Milan International Film Festival in 2011. It is a wonderful, haunting short film, with extreme potential to be made into a feature.

To rave reviews and great public response North Atlantic is a gripping short film; which lasts just 15 minutes but leaves you begging for more. The story is based on true events and sees a young air-traffic controller discover a lost plane giving off a transatlantic emergency signal. As the situation worsens and help does not seem like it will come, the pilot is aware his chances of survival are low and so is the air-traffic controller. A comforting friendship grows between the two however you soon come to realise it will not last throughout the night.

The style, quality and cinematography were all perfect, and really captured the emotion of the event that took place; director Bernardo Nascimento chose a faultless cast to balance the severity of the situation and yet the compassionate and emphatic emotion humans can express when called upon.

Finding anything in North Atlantic to criticise was hard, the only thing that disappointed me was the films length, but being a short – I’m not really allowed to complain!

Head Over Heels

When the alarm clock goes off in the morning, Walter and Madge wake up in separate beds, despite (or perhaps because of) being married for many undisclosed number of years. The aging couple go on about their day without communication and seem to have lost some of their old romance, which is represented with a picture of the couple on their wedding day that resides on their wall. They have grown so far apart over the years that their lives are completely upside down from one another; he lives on the floor while she lives on the ceiling.

One day Walter stumbles upon an old pair of shoes that were worn by his wife on their wedding day. These shoes are in rough shape, hanging on by just a thread, much like their relationship. Thus by fixing up the pair of shoes to look like new again, he is simultaneously aiming to fix their broken relationship.

The visual representation of a relationship in turmoil makes this short stop-motion film so brilliant. Head Over Heels literally shows that sometimes in relationships the other person sees things completely different from you. Love is all about finding the correct equilibrium and that takes work. Head Over Heels is funny, it is whimsical, it is endearing, and it makes the most of its ten minute runtime.

Grow Up Already

Grow Up Already is a charming “coming of age” story which stars a number of familiar faces, including Johnny Simmons (Perks of Being a Wallflower), Jim O’Heir (Parks and Rec) and Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl).

The film is first introduced with a brilliant animation accompanied by acoustic music which sets the tone instantly. Andy (Johnny Simmons) is unfortunately being dumped by his girlfriend Winnie (Odette Annable) for being “a big baby”, to which Andy protests, however due to his appearance we have to side with Winnie! When reflecting their break-up sat on his mothers’ lap being tickled he finally realises he is “a big baby” and decides to move out and live with his “play mate” Bunky (Ethan Suplee). The two decide to shape Andy up so that he doesn’t lose the woman he loves. The scenarios that follow are both delightfully comedic and deliver the story well.

This stunning short film is a pleasure to watch and is extremely pleasing to the eye. Director Richard Keith hits the nail on the head when it comes to quality in filmmaking and storytelling.

If you’re a filmmaker with a short you’d like us to consider for a review in our feature, you can submit your film here. Be sure to include a synopsis, promotional materials (preferably a photo or poster) and a link to your short film

Oscar Nominated Animation Shorts Reviews

Adam and Dog
Adam and Dog tells the story of the blossoming relationship between a dog and a Neanderthal that hits a speed bump when the Neanderthal gets a girlfriend. This was probably the most ambitious of the shorts and while beautifully designed, the story fell flat and at 16 minutes long, felt too slow at times.

Adam and Dog

Fresh Guacamole
Fresh Guacamole offers intriguing insight into the lost innocence of a generation disillusioned with a callous society the defines success with capitalistic ideals…just kidding. This two minute short involved a man making guacamole using ingredients that morphed into quirky toys and objects. It was fun and thoroughly entertaining and the animation was incredibly life-like.

Fresh Guacamole

Head Over Heels
Head Over Heels is about an aging the couple that live in a strange house. The relationship has fallen apart so drastically that the husband now lives on the ceiling, while the wife remains on the floor, and they barely interact. Short story short, it is about the rediscovery of their love, back when they were “head over heels” for each other. I felt this was the best concept of all the animated shorts, and it was very funny as the old couples routines were very cute (think Up but add a woman). This was my second favorite of the shorts, and if Paperman hadn’t been so good, this would have been my pick for the Oscar.

Head Over Heels

The Longest Daycare
The Longest Daycare shows Maggie Simpson being dropped off at an Objectivist daycare, and then spending the rest of her day trying to save her new pet caterpillar. The Simpsons, as usual, seamlessly blend intelligent jokes with simple cartoon comedy and create a fast paced, entertaining, but largely forgettable short film.

The Longest Daycare

Paperman
Paperman tells the tale of a chance encounter at a train station that leaves a man desperately trying to reconnect with the women who caught his eye. When his attempts flounder, fate itself decides to ensure they meet again. It’s truly amazing how Disney can create instantly charming characters, the guy and girl seem relatable and you truly root for them to meet throughout the film. This animated short executes on all levels, it was funny, endearing, and whimsical.

Paperman

What will win

Paperman is the clear front-runner this year and for good reason. The other nominates such as Head Over Heels had more depth and stronger concepts, but Paperman plays it mostly safe with excellent execution.

What should win

Paperman