Review: Ryan (A-)

Ryan (2003)
Directed by Chris Landreth
Starring Ryan Larkin
MPAA: UR
Grade: A-

Review by Scott Standish

Brilliant. Sad. Amazingly upbeat despite the tragedy within, Ryan is an amazing short film. This animated documentary clocks in at just under 14 minutes, and yet it tells a bolder story than most 2 hour long documentaries currently flooding the market. Ryan is a 3-D animated film about Chris Landreth's fascination with a down and out animator from the 60's, Mr. Ryan Larkin.

In Ryan, an animated version of Chris Landreth talks with Ryan Larkin about his career, his animated films, and where he eventually lost his way (both professionally and personally). Larkin's films are legendary. Ryan Larkin made incredible animated art pieces, full of psychedelic wit and imagination. Larkin was nominated for an Academy Award, yet his career went south as he started to lose his grip on his art.

This excellent DVD includes three of Ryan Larkin's original animated short films, a welcome bonus. An excellent documentary about Landreth and Larkin called Alter Egos is also an unexpected treat.

This is a highly recommended DVD, especially those with a love for animated film.