"Kubo and the Two Strings" is a remarkable animated film unlike many animated films that you are likely to see at the multiplex.

These are not flashy, popsicle-colored, cartoon animals cracking wise in a silly story with pop-rock music on the soundtrack."Kubo and the Two Strings" tells an original fable taking place in ancient Japan about a young boy, Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson); Monkey (Charlize Theron), an amulet come to life, and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey, channeling his best Mel Gibson meets Buzz Lightyear), a samurai.You won't find a more unusual crew either side of the Yellow Brick Road in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."The visuals in "Kubo," produced by Oregon-based Laika Studios ("The Box Trolls," 2014; "ParaNorman," 2012, "Coraline," 2009) are an extraordinary combination of stop-motion and computer-generated animation.The storyline includes a mysterious village, origami made by Kubo to illustrate his storytelling, often accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, the shamisen; huge, crashing ocean waves; a sailing vessel made of leaves; underwater creatures; dense forests; mountain and valley paths; a childhood home, and ghosts of memories.The storyline is that of a quest, but not for riches or fame but rather to discover the truth of one's childhood. Kubo must find a sword, a breastplate shield and a helmet to protect him from the wicked sisters of his mother and also a grandfather who is full of resentment and revenge. The film takes the form of an odyssey.While the storyline in the screenplay by Marc Haimes (in his theatrical feature screenplay debut) and Chris Butler (screenwriter, "ParaNorman") from a story by Haimes and Shannon Tindle (in her theatrical feature story debut) leaves something to be desired in clarity, the visuals are stunning and well worth the price of admission to "Kubo," directed by Travis Knight (Laika Entertainment, LLC President-CEO in his theatrical feature directorial debut after being lead animator on Laika's "The Box Trolls," "ParaNorman" and "Coraline"). "Kubo" was seen in the 2-D format for this review.There are certain scenes which would be worthwhile to see in 3-D.The soundtrack to "Kubo" includes lovely flute and lute music. The dialogue in "Kubo" is frequently funny, but in a more subtle manner than that of the typical animated feature.One of the chief attractions in "Kubo," in addition to the extraordinary animation, are the voices.Instead of shouting and rasping and odd voices, the voices in "Kubo" are gentle and expressive.Parkinson, Theron and McConaughey are excellent as are George Takei (Hosato), Rooney Mara (The Sisters), Ralph Fiennes (Moon King) Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Hashi) and Brenda Vaccaro (Kameyo).The phrase "You are my quest" is one of the many thoughtful lines of dialogue that merits repeat viewing of "Kubo and the Two Strings," a likely Oscar animated feature film nominee."Kubo and the Two Strings,"MPAA rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested. Some Material May Not Be Suitable For Children.) for thematic elements, scary images, action and peril; Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy; Run time: 1 hr., 41 min. Distributed by Focus Features.Credit Readers Anonymous:Regina Spektor sings an Asian music influenced version of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" during the closing credits, which includes a scene of filming the giant skull monster model.Unreel,Sept. 9:"Sully,"PG-13: Clint Eastwood directs Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, Anna Gunn and Aaron Eckhart in the drama based on the true story of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who glided his commercial airliner when it became disabled into the Hudson River, saving the lives of the 155 passengers and crew on board."Author: The JT LeRoy Story,"R: Jeff Feuerzeig directs the documentary film about the literary persona JT LeRoy created by American author Laura Albert."Before I Wake,"PG-13: Mike Flanagan directs Jacob Tremblay, Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Annabeth Gish in the horror film about a young couple who adopt an orphan child whose dreams and nightmares become reality."Shut In,"Farren Blackburn directs Charlie Heaton, Naomi Watts, Jacob Tremblay and Oliver Platt in the thriller about a widowed child psychologist living in rural New England who must rescue a young boy during a winter storm."The Wild Life,"PG: Vincent Kesteloot and Ben Stassen direct the voice talents of Matthias Schweighöfer, Kaya Yanar, Ilka Bessin and Dieter Hallervorden in the animated film comedy retelling of how Robinson Crusoe became stranded on a tropical island, told from the perspective of a parrot no less.Four popcorn boxes out of five popcorn boxes.