While they may not pump out films at the rate of their contemporaries at Pixar or DreamWorks Animation, Laika sets itself apart by developing truly unique films, with an emphasis on stop-motion animation. This means the production process can be lengthy, but it results in films like "Coraline," "ParaNorman," and "The Boxtrolls." And it speaks to their growing reputation that a pretty star-studded cast has hopped on provide the voices for their next effort.
"Kubo And The Two Strings" features Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Brenda Vaccaro giving voice to the characters in this story about mythical beasts, samurais, and more. Here’s the official synopsis:
An epic action-adventure from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling fantastical stories to the people of his seaside town. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a mythical spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen — a magical musical instrument — Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and his heroic destiny.
Directed by Travis Knight, the film opens on August 19, 2016.
