There are more sophisticated animated films out there than “A Town Called Panic” – but none with the sheer joie de vivre that this Belgian stop-motion-animation entry packs into 75 rollicking minutes.

The film – which opens at New York’s Film Forum today (12.16.09) – is the work of directors Stephane Aubier and Vincent Patar, who are quite obviously very much in touch with their inner child. They’ve created the kind of story that a 7-year-old might make up off the top of his head, while playing with a group of favorite toys. (More…)