Oscars 2012: Best Animated Film Nominees

Animation is not just for children. Some of the best films this year were Academy Award nominated cartoons. Just like any movie these productions gave audiences storytelling at its finest. The following are the top five contenders for Best Animated Film in 2012:

A Cat in Paris: Set against a illustration that looks like watercolor, a cat named Dino and his owner, a Paris crook, rob Parisians throughout the night. If a cat has nine lives in reincarnation this Dino has a double identity in the same life. During the day he is the pet of a seven-year-old girl named Zoe and her mother Jeanne. Dino provides Zoe the affection she needs as the young girl refuses to speak. There are plenty of twists and turns in this animated tale about a cat who serves two masters and saves both from doom.

Chico and Rita: Pre-Castro Cuba in 1948 brings us a sexy and sultry cartoon about the aspirations of two people in Havana. Chico plays the piano while Rita sings in a lounge. The pair of young lovers are caught up in a tango of heartbreak in a land soon to be changed forever. It’s a story that takes them around the world as their ballad grows only more tragic.

Kung Fu Panda 2: A continuation of Po’s journey as he tries to save China and discovers his own warrior’s journey dealing with his origins. This sequel picks up where the original ended but has some original plots of its own.

Rango: A computer animated movie about a chameleon named Rango who finds himself dealing with Old West justice in the desert. When Rango the family pet finds himself the new Sheriff his old habit of just blending in no longer works as he becomes the lawman lizard.

Puss in Boots: The old children’s fable gets new life with Antonio Banderas reprising his Shrek character. Puss teams with Jack and Jill in a sword fighting duel that acts as a prequel to his encounter with Shrek and Fiona. Combined with the naughty Puss this 3-D cartoon makes this film too fun for just kids.