‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ Trailer: Laika Unleashes Epic Stop-Motion Magic
It might be okay if Laika just continues to release trailers for Kubo and the Two Strings. The studio’s latest stop-motion adventure looks to be their most beautiful, immersive and epic story yet, and it’s hard to complain about so many trailers when each one is so darn pretty. Note to Laika: Either put this movie in theaters, like, tomorrow, or please continue to release a new trailer for it every day until August.
The only downside to the final trailer for Kubo and the Two Strings is that it removes a bit of the mystery teased in previous trailers. Part of the eponymous hero’s journey involves discovering the truth behind his family’s enigmatic past, which will help him defeat the vengeful spirit he’s unwittingly summoned. There’s also a bit more dialogue here, particularly from Charlize Theron’s Monkey (an actual monkey) and Matthew McConaughey’s Beetle (not an actual beetle).
Here’s the official synopsis:
Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
What also makes the film stand out a bit is the casting of actual Asian actors in an Asian-inspired film, whereas other projects have come under fire recently for casting white actors in Asian roles.
Kubo and the Two Strings hits theaters on August 19.