2012 Oscar Predictions: Instant Animated Shorts Reaction

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, directors (Moonbot Studios LA, LLC)



Inspired in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation), award-winning author/illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a hybrid style of animation that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals.”Morris Lessmore” is old-fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.

You can buy this short on iTunes.

La Luna
Enrico Casarosa, director (Pixar Animation Studios)



La Luna is the timeless fable of a young boy who is coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family’s most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa, or his Grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?

Dimanche (Sunday)
Patrick Doyon, director (National Film Board of Canada)



On a gray afternoon, a young boy creates his own form of entertainment when the family makes its weekly trek to visit to the grandparents.

A Morning Stroll
Grant Orchard, director and Sue Goffe, producer (Studio AKA)



When a New Yorker walks past a chicken on his morning stroll, we’re left to wonder which one is the real city slicker…

Wild Life
Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby, directors (National Film Board of Canada)

In 1909, a dapper young remittance man is sent from England to Alberta to attempt ranching. However, his affection for badminton, bird watching and liquor leaves him little time for wrangling cattle. It soon becomes clear that nothing in his refined upbringing has prepared him for the harsh conditions of the New World. This animated short is about the beauty of the prairie, the pang of being homesick and the folly of living dangerously out of context.

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