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        As many people get older they often begin to close their minds to the movie mediums of animation and Claymation because they’re seen as childish. I’ve known many people throughout my days who wouldn’t give some of the best and beautifully done movies today a second thought because they were done in some form of animation. I’m not one of those people. Some of the movies that are the nearest to my heart are animated.  I agree that there are plenty of animated films out there that are childish, with nothing deeper than that and that’s what they’re meant to be.  They’re meant for the entertainment of children.  Not all animation and Claymation is created equal though, and not every movie created in these fashions is meant for children. Mary and Max is a fine example of a beautifully done Claymation movie that is certainly not geared towards children.

                As you may have guessed by now, this movie follows the lives of Mary and Max. Mary is a young girl growing up in Australia with her often absent father and emotionally absent alcoholic mother. Being very lonely takes its toll on her early on and so she decides one day to write a letter to a random New Yorker, Max. Max is in his late thirties, is obese and mentally disabled, but is also lonely. The two form a quick and strong pen-pal bond that remains the only constant in their lives throughout the years.

                Mary and Max is one of those movies that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It takes a hard and close look at what true friendship is. The results are an odd mix of funny, obnoxious, crude and touching that live actors would struggle with, yet this movie delivers flawlessly. With some big names such as Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette and some dark undertones such as depression, alcoholism and suicide this one may not be for the kids, but it’s certainly not to be missed!

                Mary and Max stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Toni Collette and Barry Humphries and was written and directed by Adam Elliot. It has not been rated and is available now on DVD, Blu Ray and Digital Download.