This documentary follows a family and its struggles to break through to their autistic son and brother, which they eventually do through the medium of Disney movies. The film follows the autistic son as he leaves home to live on his own in an assisted living facility, while it recounts the evolution of his condition and its effects on the family."Life, Animated" is a perfectly fine film and one that I enjoyed without feeling especially strongly about it. It's an interesting if not fascinating peek into the world of autism, but the parts of the film I found most compelling were the brief interviews with the older brother, who is terrified at the prospect of a future where he is single- handedly responsible for taking care of his brother. There was a whole other documentary to be made out of that.And the Disney company couldn't have asked for a better commercial. At first I was amazed that the filmmakers were able to get rights to all of the Disney clips shown throughout, but then I thought about how much free publicity the company would get from this film alone and was no longer surprised.A nominee for Best Documentary Feature at the 2016 Academy Awards.Grade: B+

If one were to seek evidence on the powerful impact films can have on people's lives, then Roger Ross Williams documentary Life, Animated would be the perfect start.A lovingly crafted look at the life of 23 year old Owen Suskind, who at a young age was diagnosed with autism and subsequently went on a quiet lonely path where he no longer communicated with his family or engaged in everyday life, only to have found solace and in many ways saving in the forms of animated Disney films, Life, Animated is an insightful look into not only those affected with Autism but the power that films can enact upon those that fall under their spell.Utilising a vast array of Disney footage alongside some beautifully drawn original imagery to express Owen's past, future and dreams as well as an abundance of heart-warming moments with Owen and his loving family, Ross Williams has a clear affection for the story his telling and it comes across in every aspect of this Oscar nominated documentary.It certainly helps Ross Williams cause that Owen is such a fascinating subject matter (Owen's candidness when talking about his life and condition is truly captivating) and it's a joy watching Owen's growth from a struggling adolescent, to a young adult looking to try and make the best with what his been given and the way in which these films that hold such a dear place in his heart express Owen's otherwise hidden feelings is eye-opening in many ways.Whether it's hearing Owen himself or his mother Cornelia, father Ron or loving older brother Walter talk about these films and their part in Owen's growth, Life, Animated remains constantly engaging throughout as we're allowed access into the inner sanctum of this once in a life time human being's journey to the next stage of his life.Not without the odd sprinkling of heartbreak, Life, Animated is a mostly joyous documentary that will be enjoyed by those of all ages and Ross Williams insightful examination of various touchy subject matters should be commended, while Disney will likely be thankful that this unofficial plug for their wondrous animations is such a champion for their years of outstanding work in telling important stories in a way that's at once magical and life like in equal doses.4 Disney fan clubs out of 5

I'm an autistic Disney fan and I like this film.Finally a positive portrayal of autism and animation. I was also one of the lucky ones:awesome family (grew up with two older sisters), love of Disney and non-Disney cartoons, etc.Only problems are the sex talk (understand why he would struggle over this as I prefer to be single myself and no, don't suggest Disney porn!) and I feel that I'm more higher-functioning than Owen (no offense).As for sidekicks: Nick Wilde from Zootopia, Kronk from The Emporer's New Groove, Baymax from Big Hero 6 (new school Disney and deadpan minimalist extraordinaire), Vinny from Atlantis:The Lost Empire and BEN from Treasure Planet (Owen got Lucky Jack from Home on the Range) And my villain would be named Fuzzbutcher (grown up version of Fuzzbutch as I also suffered from OCD).Also, read the book too.

This is truly one of the best movies ever. I am not much of a documentary person, but was interested in the subject of autism, and I love Disney, so thought I would check it out. WOW! This movie takes you on a journey. It is about courage and heart. It is hard for me to talk or even write about without tearing up and getting emotional. All I can say is that if you are even mildly interested...just watch it and be even more enlightened about this magical journey we are all on called life. My congrats to the all of the filmmakers and to the wonderful Suskind Family. I'll be rooting for you on Sunday 2/26 for the Oscar.