Pirates and animals made it a big year for animated films

Among the year's major animated releases (and award contenders) are sequels in billion-dollar franchises, an expansion of a beloved Dr. Seuss book and an irreverent claymation pirate adventure. There are prehistoric animals battling other pirates who sail ships of icebergs; New Yorker animals joining the circus to escape an indestructible, Edith Piaf-belting Frances McDormand; and a moonstruck loser named Charles Darwin.

By Michael Ordoña

December 6, 2012