Ralph Breaks the Internet

Arcade world explodes outward, but moral message narrows for a cautionary tale about over-controlling friendships, in sharp contrast to the out of control online universe. Brilliant allusions to reality, a perfect peppering of product placements and an exemplary exploitation of Disney’s dynasty effectively fix up a wreck of a plot.

Moana

Pixar pieces together another perfect hero’s journey. Outstandingly beautiful animation, innovative characters and EGOT worthy music make this tried and true structure feel fresh from the sea. The tone shifts continuously with fluid ease, and the comedy beats are occasionally punctuated with perfect emotional darts. Even the voice acting Rocks!

Rogue One

Rogue fits perfectly into franchise formation, forcefully awakening original trilogy’s tone while further diversifying the universe.  Felicitous casting features stellar Luna and K-2dyk’s robot reprisal, but Yen is underutilized and Desert Forest feels almost as out of place as Tarkin’s face. Against all odds, delivers hope of further franchise expansion.

Zootopia

Perfect parallel to human world with incisive social satire and powerful political points. Brilliantly bold comedy and criticism intertwine in a film that plays like the social supplement to the internal Inside Out. Cleverly avoids specificity in allegory to broadly criticize bigotry (and smallotry) rather than attacking a specific group.