April Animation Preview: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie dominates an animation-sparse month

April is my birthday month, so it's a bit of a shame that this year, there's not a lot coming out on the animation front. That might be because we're starting the month off with what will possibly be the biggest animated movie of the year (unless Toy Story or Minions manage to take the crown).

In Theaters

The movie I'm talking about is, of course, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which hits theaters April 1. The film's predecessor was a massive hit, and one that clearly was made with a lot of love for the series. I was a bit mixed on it. The two pop cultural things I love most in the world are Nintendo and animated movies, so it could've been a home run for me, but I'm just not generally super into what Illumination puts out. Their movies to feel like a lot of fluff and noise to me, and even with so many fun Easter eggs and boundless energy, I didn't love The Super Mario Bros. Movie. But it at least got the big-screen version of the world and characters in place, and set the stage for what's next.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Anyways, the mustachioed plumber's new adventure is obviously named after the Wii-era masterpiece, and it brings in elements from that game like Mario and friends flying through space and the beautiful Rosalina (voices by Nintendo mega-fan Brie Larson). But what looks really fun is that the film is also clearly drawing from a ton of other Mario games. Wart, Birdo, and Mouser, all of whom debuted in Super Mario Bros. 2, are in the mix. At least one world from Super Mario Odyssey has been shown. And Yoshi makes his debut here -- in the games, he got his start in Super Mario World.

The movie looks like a lot of fun, and like it's going to be packed. Some are already theorizing that it's going to tease a Super Smash Bros. movie (with Pikmin and Fox McCloud also appearing, it seems very possible), which would be fun. But I wonder if Illumination will want to just play in this world alone for a bit longer before breaking things wide open like that.

On April 10, GKIDS is putting one of my favorites from last year into theaters: ChaO, a gorgeous spin on The Little Mermaid featuring incredible animation, a great sense of humor, and a lot of heart. The way this movie zips along is electrifying, one of those movies that doesn't waste a single moment. Also, fair warning: this movie made me weep. So maybe bring some tissues with you to the theater.

Making its way to IMAX for the first time, courtesy of GKIDS, on April 21 is a movie that, on some days, I would call my favorite of all time: the Studio Ghibli masterpiece, Whisper of the Heart. I love this movie, the only film Yoshifumi Kondō directed before his death, so dearly. I cry just thinking about it. It captures so much feeling, and is so gentle and sweet in how it allows its characters to navigate the world. It's slated to play one night only (which stinks for me, as I have class on Tuesdays), but I expect the restoration will get some additional showings on other non-premium screens, as well.

Whisper of the Heart

The final animated release in theaters this month is Swapped (formerly known as Pookoo), which Netflix is popping into limited theaters on April 24 ahead of its debut on the streamer in May. The film has a Freaky Friday-type setup, in which a small otter-like creature and a bird, which are naturally enemies, swap bodies and go on an adventure together. The film stars recent Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple, so I'm expecting some fun voice work, at least. Let's just hope this is better than the last couple movies from Skydance Animation.

Swapped

At Home

A movie that I saw and loved a couple years ago, but that still hasn't gotten a proper US release (although I think that's coming) is The Most Precious of Cargoes, from Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanavicius (can you believe I can spell that surname without looking it up?). The film has a gorgeous wood-cut look to it, and tells a moving story of a couple who find a Jewish baby that was thrown from a train, in the hopes it would survive and be spared the horrors of the concentration camps. It is, unsurprisingly, a very emotional watch, and features a stunning score from Alexandre Desplat. Film Independent is making the film available for everyone to watch April 1 - 15 as part of their "Always Remember" program, which is designed to raise Holocaust awareness through cinema. You can sign up here.

The Most Precious of Cargoes

The Proud Princess makes its way to digital on April 7. The film is a fun little fairy tale yarn about a prince who goes undercover as a gardener to win the heart of the eponymous stuck-up royal. The film had a small theatrical release, so I imagine this is how most people will get to see it. It's a pretty fun time -- you can check out my review here.

The Proud Princess

On April 14, GKIDS is releasing a Collector's Edition Blu-ray of Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing. Based on the popular mobile game and starring the iconic Hatsune Miku, the film is a loose sci-fi narrative wrapped around a lot of musical performances, and is a lot of fun. The Collector's Edition includes special packaging, an acrylic standee, an artbook, and some special bonus features. You can read my review of the movie here.

Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing

Festivals

I want to mention that the Hong Kong International Film Festival is happening April 1 - 12. They don't have a robust animation program there, but they have a few selections, including one I'll be reviewing, Balentes. I won't spoil my thoughts here, but I will say that it's one of the most striking movies I've seen so far this year.

Balentes