I agree 100% about the challenge for animated films to avoid “superficial” elements. Some animated flicks created were definitely “just for kids” and not entertaining for adults at all. (Some weren’t good for kids either!) Good animation isn’t enough to hold up a movie; it needs strong characters and quality story-telling too. Otherwise it’s just icing without a cake. Anyone can attack a can of Duncan Hines chocolate frosting with a spoon. It takes a team of talented people to create a masterpiece like “The Lion King”, “Spirited Away”, or “The Prince of Egypt”.

I presume since the creation of Pixar there’s been a demand for other studios to also step up their game by entertaining adults as well as children–and no complaints here! Dreamworks has had its flops but also some hits like “Kung Fu Panda” and “How to Train Your Dragon”. More people are hearing about the Miyazaki films too.

I mean, nobody’s denying that animation (or at least the majority of western animation) is designed for a family audience – it has to be if it wants to be profitable. But the point I always come out with to people is “Toy Story or Lion King or whatever are rated U [UK ratings, I know, but bear with me], as in ‘universal’, as in everyone can enjoy it.” As you say, that’s something you come across in live-action far less often.

And the caption on the Brad Bird photo made me laugh. Good show, sir!