The Boxtrolls (2014) – Film Review

Directors: Graham Annable, Anthony Stacchi
Voice Cast: Ben Kingsley, Jared Harris, Nick Frost
Certificate: PG
By Roger Crow
For the past decade, this charming stop-motion fantasy adventure from the Laika stable has entertained millions. Upon release in 2014, The Boxtrolls attracted rave reviews and cineastes revelled in the painstaking animation. But for whatever reason, I swerved it. Maybe I was exhausted from all the hype. But finally, thanks to a shiny re-release version, I finally sit down and soak up all that brilliant hard work, which includes an often-hilarious script.
The vocal cast is also incredible, including the ever-brilliant Jared Harris, and typically deadpan Richard Ayoade. Less obvious is Isaac Hempstead Wright, Elle Fanning and Ben Kingsley, who all do a good job lending their skills to the production.
The plot centres on the folks of a small town who are terrified of underground trolls. (They’re actually harmless, but of course the masses don’t know that).
“Magic”
Eggs, a lad raised by the creatures, must convince the humans there is nothing to fear when pest exterminators are hired to wipe out the likeable creatures.
Bursting with stunning visual gags and magic, and a brilliantly witty closing scene, which gives you some idea how much hard work went into the movie, it’s one to savour, and then watch again just to see how many clever ideas went into every frame. Chances are you already have, but if, like me, you’ve missed the magic for a decade, now is the time to play catch up. You’ll be so glad you did.
As a side note, if you want to see how the Laika company came into existence, do not miss Claydream, a fascinating 2021 documentary about animation legend Will Vinton, who was accidentally instrumental in the company’s creation. (It’s basically a true-life drama desperate to be dramatised).