Set in the Dickensian city of Cheesebridge, the grotesque, somewhat convoluted story of this animated film revolves around an orphaned 11-year-old (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) who was lovingly raised by tiny, timid creatures called Boxtrolls, which dwell beneath the cobblestone streets, speak unintelligibly, and wear cardboard boxes that double as hiding places. The boy wears a box labeled Eggs that also gives him his name. The Boxtrolls are terrified of an aspiring aristocrat, Archibald Snatcher (Ben Kingsley), who is determined to capture every single one of them so that he can qualify for a coveted White Hat. Envious, socially ambitious Snatcher has convinced Cheesebridge's gullible citizens that Boxtrolls are dangerous, which is obviously not true. And then one day Eggs ventures out and is spotted by snobbish Lord Portley-Rind's daughter, Winnie (Elle Fanning), who is curious about who he is and where he comes from. Adapted from Alan Snow's novel Here Be Monsters!, the film features inventive, imaginative visuals coupled with surprisingly sophisticated humor. The impressive voice cast also includes Simon Pegg, Jared Harris, Toni Collette, Tracy Morgan, and Nick Frost. A spooky, surreal, emotionally resonant steampunk fantasy that will appeal to kids and adults, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi, a “Dare to Be Square” behind-the-scenes featurette (33 min.), and five production segments (13 min. total). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are “Preliminary Animatic Sequences” (17 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this engaging Oscar nominee.] (S. Granger)
The Boxtrolls
Universal, 97 min., PG, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.98, Jan. 20 Volume 30, Issue 1
The Boxtrolls
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