Join Michael and Morgan as they celebrate the artistry and evolution of animation in this heartfelt tribute to one of cinema's most magical mediums, along with exploring their personal favorite animated films---from The Hobbit, to Spirited Away, to Heavy Metal.

The episode kicks off with Morgan delivering a fascinating film school lesson on the origins of animation, tracing how this beloved art form came to life and captured audiences worldwide.

Drawing inspiration from their carefully curated Letterboxd list "JXNFC - Animated Features," our hosts journey through decades of animated storytelling, from Don Bluth's emotionally devastating The Land Before Time to Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. They'll explore childhood favorites like Rock-A-Doodle, dive into Disney's renaissance era with One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and celebrate the artistic ambitions of animated works like Samurai Champloo and Wolfwalkers.

Michael and Morgan share personal connections to these films, discussing how animation shaped their understanding of cinema and storytelling. From the nostalgic charm of The Hobbit (1977) to the experimental beauty of Heavy Metal, this episode showcases animation's incredible range and enduring impact on both filmmakers and audiences.

Whether you're a longtime animation enthusiast or curious about the medium's artistic possibilities, this love letter to animated cinema will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the craft and creativity behind these moving works of art.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @jxnfilmclub and tag us in your movie posts – we love seeing what our community is watching!

Credits

Hosts: Michael Lamb and Morgan Sumner

Producer: Michael Lamb

Editor: Beaumont Rand

Theme music: Brennan Michael White

JXN Film Club Social Media: @jxnfilmclub on Instagram

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