A delight, especially for those who enjoy history. This multi-style animated feature tells the story of Leonardo DaVinci's later life.

Spurning trendy 3D-driven computer animation with its dense content and over-caffeinated dialog, this film takes its time, spreads out, and dives deeply and gracefully into "The Maestro's" Italy and France that he inhabits. The primary animation style is 3D stop motion puppetry, but there is nothing old and jerky about this production. The motion is smooth, the backgrounds lush and detailed, and the pace measured and deliberate. With the occasional nod to old-fashioned elements (DaVinci's mouth that magically appears atop his thick beard when he speaks, for example), the puppetry is truly state-of-the-art.

King Francis I, King Henry VIII, King Charles I, and Pope Leo X all do the comedic heavy lifting. The scenes where the three monarchs repeatedly bicker and fight provide pure, fast-paced, and traditional animated delight, especially since these scenes are all stop motion. As the real world becomes too intense, threatening and ignorant to our hero, we are offered frequent glimpses of the world inside DaVinci's mind, and are treated with sepia-infused, gravity-defying, pencil animated scenes of pure joy, in an animated style reminiscent of DaVinci's famous sepia sketches come to life.

The score is subtle, with a noticeable lack of big, defining tunes. Instead, the songs - mostly offered by the princess (arguable the most impressive character of the movie with her understated progressivism and uncanny and hilarious ability to manager her brother, the French monarch) - seem to start and stop seamlessly with the dialog. The score weaves from lush support, to hints of Renaissance music (hinting at the Elizabethan period to come as ushered in by our hero), to a bizarre but effective hook melody in a 6/8-3/4 time signature reminiscent of Bernstein's America.

As said, a delight. An animated romp through Renaissance history with this tale teaching us that the primary agent of change, DaVinci, was no ordinary inventor.

**Review: "The Inventor" - A Visual Symphony of Art and Life**

The magic of cinema takes various shapes and forms, but few as mesmerizing as "The Inventor". The film is not only a love letter to Leonardo da Vinci's later years but also a masterpiece that combines the intricate art of stop motion animation with an emotionally captivating narrative.

From the moment the movie begins, the audience is transported into a breathtakingly crafted world that is not only aesthetically awe-inspiring but also teeming with intricate details. Jim Capobianco, an Academy Award nominee, showcases his prowess by weaving a tapestry of rich, historical narrative that marries fact with fiction, transporting viewers directly to da Vinci's side as he navigates the courts of France, searching for life's meaning.

Da Vinci, voiced by the inimitable Stephen Fry, is portrayed with such depth and gravitas that one could almost forget that they are listening to a voice and not actually sitting across from the genius himself. Fry's performance is both nuanced and powerful, infusing the film with an emotional anchor that draws the audience into Leonardo's world of innovation and introspection.

Marion Cotillard, an Oscar winner, lends her voice to a character that complements and contrasts with da Vinci in a beautiful dance of words and emotions. Daisy Ridley and Matt Berry also shine in their respective roles, adding layers of complexity to this rich tapestry of characters.

But the heart of the film lies in its visuals. Stop motion animation has long been an avenue for cinematic magic, but "The Inventor" elevates it to a new level. Each frame is a testament to countless hours of meticulous work, creating a fluidity of motion that is so lifelike it's staggering. The film's palette, drenched in the warm hues of the Renaissance, only serves to further its beauty, making each scene a work of art in and of itself.

What's even more surprising is how accessible this seemingly adult-centric narrative is for younger audiences. My 8-year-old daughter was completely captivated by it, her eyes glued to the screen from start to finish. While I initially thought the subject might be a tad mature for her, the film seamlessly balances its complex themes with moments of levity and wonder, making it universally engaging.

The underlying theme of the movie - the search for life's meaning - is one that resonates deeply. As Leonardo tinkers with flying contraptions, immerses himself in studies of the human body, and crafts machines that were far ahead of his time, we are left pondering our own journeys and our pursuits of purpose. The film doesn't just tell da Vinci's story; it challenges us to look inward and ask ourselves about our own passions and our quest for understanding.

Moreover, the film's sound design and score cannot be ignored. The intricate layers of ambient sounds, from the rustling of papers to the distant chatter of courtiers, envelop you in a soundscape that's as detailed as the visuals. The score, sweeping and evocative, only adds another layer of depth to this masterpiece.

In conclusion, "The Inventor" is not just a movie; it's an experience. It captures the essence of a man who was centuries ahead of his time, and it does so with grace, beauty, and heart. This is one of those rare films that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. Though it might not resonate with everyone in the same way, it was undeniably a pinnacle of entertainment for me. I'd watch it again and again, relishing in its details, pondering its questions, and simply basking in its visual splendor. Jim Capobianco's "The Inventor" is, without doubt, a cinematic triumph.

I loved this film. I took my son whose 10 to see this as well and he really liked it as well. Interesting the combination of stop motion animation and hand drawn animation and water color painting is just remarkable in this interesting combination. It story of daVinci in his final days is inspiring and touching and also sending a message to kids don't be afraid to think for yourself and stand up for what you believe in. We need more material for kids like this and let them know it's ok to be who you are. Too bad this will probably get lost in the shuffle of other movies and it's a very small production company thst put it out. Highly recommend for a thought provoking non cgi kid film.