Animated Wonders

Explosion Network
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  • FILM REVIEWS

Animated Wonders is an Explosion Network podcast celebrating animation in all its forms—from Japanese anime to Hollywood hits and overlooked international gems, we’re here to celebrate the stories that only animation can tell. Each episode dives deep into a single film, exploring its story, themes, cultural impact, and the artistry behind its animation.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Toy Story - A Nostalgic Classic | Animated Wonders

    We start our re-watch and discussion of the Toy Story films with the classic that sparked an animation revolution in cinema. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Toy Story is a nostalgic classic for many. The film explores themes of friendship and jealousy. Woody's character arc reflects personal change and acceptance. The animation quality was groundbreaking for its time. The film's cultural impact reshaped animated storytelling. Voice performances by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are iconic. Toy Story's success paved the way for future animated films. The film's pacing is effective and engaging. The story resonates with both children and adults. Toy Story's legacy continues to influence animation today. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: Toy Story Release year: 1995 Country / Origin: USA Director: John Lasseter Writer(s): Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, Alec Sokolow Studio/Distributor: Pixar Animation // Walt Disney Pictures Main cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Jim Varney CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    24 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Mamoru Hosoda Wrap-Up | Animated Wonders

    In the final episode of this season, we wrap up by discussing Mamoru Hosoda’s films, his filmmaking style, themes, and rank all seven of his films. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Hosoda often revisits similar themes in his films. His ability to tell emotional stories is noteworthy. The presence of whales in his films is a recurring motif. Belle's appreciation grew upon a second viewing. Hosoda is seen as an evolving filmmaker. Animation quality improves with each film. Family dynamics are complex and often messy in his narratives. Core human emotions like grief and vengeance are explored deeply. Visual style and world-building are standout elements in his films. Hosoda is recognised as a significant figure in contemporary animation. CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    33 min

  3. 3D AGO ·  BONUS

    Swapped - Netflix's Latest Is Rather Forgettable | Animated Wonders

    We discuss the latest Netflix animated film, which is agreed to be a bit of a forgettable surface-level story. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film 'Swapped' features a surface-level story with interesting ideas. Character development is rushed, leading to forgettable moments. The animation quality varies, with some standout visuals. Themes of coexistence are presented but not explored in depth. The film is likely targeted at younger audiences. Voice performances are serviceable but not memorable. The pacing of the film affects its emotional impact. The film's message about working together is overly simplistic. 'Swapped' is likely to be forgotten shortly after viewing. The film fits better on Netflix than it would have on Apple TV. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: Swapped Release year: 2026 Country / Origin: United Stated //  Director: Nathan Greno Writer(s): John Whittington, Christian Magalhaes, Robert Snow Studio/Distributor: Skydance Animation // Netflix Main cast: Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, Justina Machado CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    17 min

  4. APR 29

    Scarlet - Visual Spectacle With A Weak Narrative | Animated Wonders

    We discuss the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda, Scarlet, and break down its surface-level themes. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS It's visually impressive, but it has the weakest story. The film's core theme revolves around revenge versus forgiveness. The narrative feels dull and lacks depth in character development. The adaptation of Hamlet in a Japanese context raises interesting questions. The animation style is distinct and visually appealing. Pacing issues disrupt the flow of the film's storytelling. The film's themes are relevant but presented at a surface level. The world-building in the afterlife is intriguing and well-executed. The film's emotional impact is undermined by its narrative flaws. Final resolutions in the film feel too convenient and unearned. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: Scarlet Release year: 2026 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Mamoru Hosoda Studio/Distributor: Studio Chizu / Nippon Television / Columbia Pictures // Toho Co / Sony Pictures Entertainment  Main cast: Erin Yvette, Chris Hacckney, David Kaye, Jamieson K. Price, Fred Tatasciore, Jason Marnocha, Yuri Lowenthal CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    21 min

  5. APR 22

    Belle - A New Beauty And The Beast | Animated Wonders

    We discuss Belle and its themes around social media, trauma, and healing, while also delving into the film's cultural context and animation style. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film 'Bell' is dense with themes and ideas. Social media's impact on identity is a central theme. Trauma and healing are explored through the protagonist's journey. The film draws inspiration from 'Beauty and the Beast'. Animation style blends traditional and digital techniques effectively. Pacing can feel overwhelming due to the amount of content. The target audience is primarily teens dealing with grief. The soundtrack significantly enhances the emotional experience. Cultural context adds depth to the narrative. The film holds a notable place in animation history. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: Belle Release year: 2021 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Mamoru Hosoda Studio/Distributor: Studio Chizu // Toho Main cast: Kylie McNeill, Paul Castro Jr., Bentley Griffin, Jessica DiCicco, Ben Lepley, Manny Jacinto, Brandon Engman, Hunter Schafer, Chace Crawford CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    32 min

  6. APR 20

    Mirai - Growing Up A Sibling | Animated Wonders

    Exploring Mirai, we discuss its themes of family dynamics, growing up, and the emotional impact of sibling relationships. They delve into the film's animation style, its cultural significance, and its resonance with audiences of all ages. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS Mirai blends slice-of-life with time-travel elements. The film explores sibling dynamics and jealousy. Family history shapes individual identity. The animation style complements the film's themes. Emotional moments resonate with viewers. The film's personal touch comes from the director's experiences. Japanese animation often feels more relatable than Western films. The mundane moments in life can hold magic. Character dynamics are portrayed realistically. The film is suitable for a broad audience, especially families. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: Belle Release year: 2018 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Mamoru Hosoda Studio/Distributor: Studio Chizu // Toho Main cast: John Cho, Rebecca Hall, Daniel Dae Kim, Victoria Grace, Jaden Waldman, Crispin Freeman CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    22 min

  7. APR 15

    The Boy and The Beast - Hate & Lies Are Incredibly Destructive | Animated Wonders

    We explore The Boy and the Beast’s themes of found family, personal growth, and the destructive nature of hate and lies YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film explores the theme of found family over blood relations. The relationship between the master and apprentice is central to the story. Japanese mythology plays a significant role in the film's narrative. The film presents a lighter tone compared to Hosoda's previous works. The idea of hate and lies as destructive forces is a key theme. The animation style is standard for Japanese anime but features unique character designs. The film targets a young adult male audience with its themes and characters. The world-building is rich, with interesting lore and character dynamics. The film's humour and character interactions add depth to the story. The film's legacy is notable, though it may not be the strongest in Hosoda's filmography. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: The Boy & The Beast Release year: 2015 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Mamoru Hosoda Studio/Distributor: Studio Chizu, Toho Main cast: Eric Vale, John Swasey, Bryn Apprill, Austin Tindle, Ian Sinclair CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    23 min

  8. APR 7

    Wolf Children - It's Timeless | Animated Wonders

    We explore Wolf Children's themes of parenthood, particularly focusing on the challenges of single motherhood, the choices children make as they grow, and the balance between conformity and embracing one's identity YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  SHOW DOT POINTS The film beautifully portrays the struggles of single motherhood. Parenthood is depicted as a journey filled with choices and challenges. Children's choices reflect their personal growth and identity. The film explores the tension between conformity and individuality. Animation style evokes a Ghibli-esque feel, enhancing the narrative. Emotional impact is a central theme, resonating with adult audiences. The film's target audience skews towards older viewers rather than children. The story is told from the child's perspective, adding depth to the narrative. Key scenes highlight the bond between mother and children amidst challenges. The film's timeless quality makes it relatable across generations. MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: Wolf Children Release year: 2012 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Mamoru Hosoda, Satoko Okudera Studio/Distributor: Studio Chizu, Toho Main cast: Colleen Clinkenbeard, David Matranga, Jad Saxton, Micah Solusod CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    26 min

  9. APR 2 ·  BONUS

    The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - Starts Better & Then Ends Worse | Animated Wonders

    We review the newly released Super Mario Galaxy Movie, discussing its animation quality, character development (or lack thereof), numerous references, and overall quality. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Release year: 2026 Country / Origin: United States/Japan Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic Writer(s): Matthew Fogel, based on Mario & Star Fox by Nintendo Studio/Distributor: Illumination, Nintendo // Universal Pictures Main cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Glen Powell, Jack Black, Brie Larson, Benny Safdie, Keegan-Michael Key, Charlie Day, Donald Glover, Kevin Michael Richardson, Luis Guzman, Issa Rae Synopsis: Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom. SHOW DOT POINTS The film features a star-studded cast including Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy. Initial impressions of the film were positive, but opinions shifted as the movie progressed. Character development was minimal, with a focus on fan service instead. The animation quality was praised, with the film being described as visually stunning. The reliance on references and Easter eggs was seen as excessive by some. Voice performances were generally well-received, particularly Jack Black as Bowser. The music integrated classic Mario themes effectively, enhancing the viewing experience. Favourite moments included the introduction of Yoshi and the puppet show scene with Bowser. The film's themes revolved around family and reunification, albeit in a shallow manner. Future instalments in the franchise may need to address character depth and narrative structure. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    31 min

  10. MAR 24

    Summer Wars - AI Is Bad | Animated Wonders

    We discuss Summer Wars, exploring its themes of artificial intelligence, family dynamics, and the relevance of its story in today's digital age. Summer Wars Film title: Summer Wars Release year: 2009 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Satoko Okudera Studio/Distributor: Madhouse // Warner Bros Pictures Main cast:  Ryunosuke Kamiki, Nanami Sakuraba, Mitsuki Tanimura, Sumiko Fuji SHOW DOT POINTS The film combines a unique blend of digital and real-world themes. AI's potential dangers are highlighted in a relevant context. Family unity is a central theme in overcoming challenges. The animation style effectively distinguishes between worlds. The film appeals to both younger and older audiences. Emotional dynamics resonate deeply with viewers. World-building is a significant aspect of the film. Cultural commentary reflects on technology and society. The portrayal of the US as a villain is notable. The film's relevance has grown over time. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    26 min

  11. MAR 24 ·  BONUS

    The Super Mario Bros. Movie - Going For A Bit Of Silly Fun | Animated Wonders

    We discuss the first animated Mario film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, ahead of the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.  YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  MOVIE CREDITS: Film title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Release year: 2023 Country / Origin: United States Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic Writer(s): Matthew Fogel Studio/Distributor: Illumination, Nintendo // Universal Pictures Main cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    23 min

  12. MAR 18

    The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Love Comes in Mysterious Ways | Animated Wonders

    In the debut episode of a brand new Explosion Network podcast, we discuss the first film from Mamoru Hosoda, titled The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Release year: 2006 Country / Origin: Japan Director: Mamoru Hosoda Writer(s): Satoko Okudera, based on The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui  Studio/Distributor: Madhouse // Kadokawa Herald Pictures Main cast: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura, Sachie Hara Synopsis: A high-school girl named Makoto acquires the power to travel back in time, and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others just as much as she is her own. SHOW DOT POINTS The podcast is a spiritual successor to a previous show. Each season will focus on a franchise or series. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time explores time travel and its consequences. The film emphasises cherishing the present and moving forward in life. The animation style is typical of anime but has unique elements. The film's humour is balanced with emotional depth. The target audience is likely teenage viewers. The world-building in the film is effective and engaging. The iconic poster contributes to the film's recognition. Future episodes will continue exploring animated films. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

    26 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Animated Wonders is an Explosion Network podcast celebrating animation in all its forms—from Japanese anime to Hollywood hits and overlooked international gems, we’re here to celebrate the stories that only animation can tell. Each episode dives deep into a single film, exploring its story, themes, cultural impact, and the artistry behind its animation.

Information

  • Creator
    Explosion Network
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Animated Wonders