How Jordan Peele, Antonio Banderas and sea monsters lift these animated films

Among the contenders for the 2023 animated feature Oscar are a gorgeously framed, important lesson for kids (and adults); the return of Henry Selick in a collaboration with Jordan Peele; and a startlingly good entry in the "Puss in Boots"/"Shrek" franchise.

'The Sea Beast'

Chris Williams had always wanted to make the kind of "big action-adventure movie" he grew up loving — "King Kong," "Raiders of the Lost Ark." His gorgeously animated "The Sea Beast," he says, is part "Master and Commander," "Jaws" and "Treasure Island" mixed with kaiju (Japanese giant monster) cinema.

"I had this idea about sea-monster hunters that was inspired by those old unfinished maps