Brimming with positive messages and sweeping action amusement, Nimona stands as one of the best animated films of the year. There really is a lot to love here, including some truly stellar voice performances. Yep, Oscar winner Riz Ahmed and Chloe Grace Moretz commit hard in the voice acting department, developing quite the entertaining chemistry with one another in the process. The animation is also top tier, with an original look and feel that suits the film’s futuristic medieval world like a glove. On the story front, you can expect non-stop frantic fun with plenty of large-scale action scenes and gag-a-minute humour. It’s a medieval monster fairy-tale with plenty of heart. And it’s the movie’s heart that shines brightest. You see, the overall message is about inclusion and acceptance, really hammering home the lesson of “don’t be afraid of those who are different.” In such, the allegories are timely, especially as it relates to the LGBTQ2+ community. But regardless of if it resonates with some more than others, the movie delivers the necessary emotion and empathy to drive home its many messages for everybody. And while it’s likely a little too sophisticated for younger kiddies, pre-teen viewers will have no problem connecting with all the narrative riches. Well, them and anyone else who loves really great movies!