THE SECRET OF KELLS — ★★★ — Animated feature starring the voices of Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson and others; rated PG (violence, slurs); Broadway Centre
There's nothing wrong with digitally rendered animation, especially when it's done as well as it is in things like the current box-office hit "How to Train Your Dragon" and the works of the Disney-Pixar geniuses.
But there's also something to be said for the more "artisan," traditional styles of animation and cartooning as well. Which is something that a film like "The Secret of Kells" only re-emphasizes.
The independently released animated fantasy from Ireland — which was an unexpected Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee (the film lost to Pixar's "Up") — blends various 2-D styles in breathtaking, colorful fashion.
There is some digital manipulation of the images (likely done to cut costs and reduce production time). But most of the artwork is hand-drawn and is very imaginative.
The film is not without its problems, though. It's a little scary and intense for young viewers, and it desperately needs a sense of humor.
"Kells" is loosely based on Irish legends and follows a young boy, Brendan (the voice of Evan McGuire).
Brendan has been raised in a well-defensed, stone-walled city by monks and by Abbot Cellach (the voice of Brendan Gleeson).
The good abbot and the others are doing what they can to keep the boy safe and to keep the city safe from Viking invaders.
Unfortunately, Brendan has been sneaking out at night to investigate the surrounding lands with a mysterious young girl, who is actually a forest spirit named Aisling (Christen Mooney). He's also been charged by another monk with guarding and contributing to a mysterious tome, the Book of Kells.
Those familiar with the story already know that the book is an early Gaelic translation of the Old Testament, though these elements aren't really played up and aren't too overt here.
And as mentioned, this is a feast for the eyes. Characters look like expressive, paper cut figures, Celtic knots provide "frames" for the images and there are lush, watercolor-like backgrounds.
"Kells" has a good voice cast, as well, which includes Irish character actor Gleeson — always a welcome presence.
"The Secret of Kells" is rated PG and features some strong, occasionally upsetting violent imagery (creature attacks and child-in-peril elements), and derogatory language and slurs (some based on country of origin). Running time: 78 minutes.
e-mail: jeff@desnews.com