IFI FAMILY: THE BOXTROLLS Director: Graham Annable, Anthony Stacchi 96 minutes, U.S.A., 2014, Animation/Adventure/Comedy/Family/Fantasy Book cinema tickets This film screened on Sunday 31st May 2015. Among the numerous children’s animations released each year, there are a few stand outs such as this weird, fabulous and sometimes spooky affair from Laika Studios (Paranorman and Coraline). Adapted from the novel There be Monsters, the Boxtrolls are blue-skinned, underground, junk-loving creatures who pick through the rubbish dumps of Cheesebridge. Of course the townspeople aren’t all happy, and terrorising myths are formed, led by white-hat Mayor Lord Portley-Rind. The red-hat Snatcher brigade, meanwhile, hunt for the Boxtrolls nightly, intent on wiping them out. With moments of humour, slapstick, and fear, and a mesmerising ballroom scene, this is a complex, richly imagined animation. Tickets: €4.80 per person, €14.40 family ticket (2 adults + 2 children /1 adult + 3 children) Director: Graham Annable, Anthony Stacchi 96 minutes, U.S.A., 2014, Animation/Adventure/Comedy/Family/Fantasy