Films like The Cat Returns.

The Cat Returns (2002) reads as Cosy, kinetic, measured animation / family, inventive in texture. Redemptive, mid-stakes, tender. Every film below is ranked by distance across the same twelve hand-scored axes — with what it keeps, and where it walks away. Not a genre dump.

Princes and Princesses (2000) poster
1. Princes and Princesses2000

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Lilo & Stitch (2002) poster
2. Lilo & Stitch2002

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Stardust (2007) (2007) poster
3. Stardust2007

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

CJ7 (2008) poster
4. CJ72008

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Monsters University (2013) (2013) poster
5. Monsters University2013

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Happy Feet (2006) (2006) poster
6. Happy Feet2006

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a world-sized stakes.

The BFG (2016) (2016) poster
7. The BFG2016

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007) poster
8. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium2007

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012) poster
9. The Pirates! Band of Misfits2012

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Little Mermaid (1989) (1989) poster
10. The Little Mermaid1989

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Flushed Away (2006) (2006) poster
11. Flushed Away2006

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a relentless forward drive.

Fido (2006) poster
12. Fido2006

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the unmistakable directorial hand; trades toward a cold, bleak undertow.

These are The Cat Returns’s neighbours — where are yours?

Rate five posters and the same twelve axes read you — then tonight’s pick comes from your own centre of taste.

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