Parents' Guide to

Pencils Vs Pixels

By Sabrina McFarland, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Animation industry docu explores its magical evolution.

Movie NR 2023 83 minutes
Pencils Vs Pixels movie poster: A White female animation character stands at a desk, with left side image displayed as a black and white hand drawn illustration holding two pencils, and right side as a multi-colored computer-generated image touching a desktop screen with one hand. In the background, bookshelves, desk lamp, and easel and computer with male superhero depictions. The color display of the character wears a light-colored dress and auburn hair, and film title is written and digital style

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Still from Pencils Vs Pixels: The right hand of White veteran Disney animator Tom Bancroft draws an illustration of Asian actor Ming-Na Wen. The pencil sketch features the character's almond-shaped eyes, right hand positioned on the waist, and wearing a short-sleeved dress, earrings, and below-the-waist wavy and curly hair
  • Still from Pencils Vs Pixels: White veteran Disney animator Tom Bancroft's fingers seen partially on display of pencil illustration of Asian actor Ming-Na Wen while walking. The sketch features the character's almond-shaped eyes, wearing a short-sleeved dress, flat shoes, earrings, and below-the- waist wavy and curly hair
  • Still from Pencils Vs Pixels: Color version of White veteran Disney animator Tom Bancroft's pencil illustration of Asian actor Ming-Na Wen. The image features the character's black almond-shaped eyes, and wearing an orange short-sleeved dress, black flat shoes, light blue earrings, orange lipstick, and waist-length blue wavy and curly hair, while seated on a brown fabric sofa, with left hand placed on hip, next to a light blue bag of white popcorn

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What's the Story?

PENCILS VS PIXELS is a documentary about the historic visual moves made in the cartoon industry. Firsthand interviews with artists and experts, as well as scenes of archival footage and photos, showcase aspects of the business that include its continuous growth through innovative ideas from veteran and next-generation animators and acceptance of technology.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Directors Phil Earnest and Bay Dariz present a generous visual gem for kids to learn about the world of animation. The personal anecdotes shared in Pencils Vs Pixels may inspire the launch of future careers in the art form. For veteran animator Floyd Norman (Monsters, Inc.), it was the time "my mom took me to see Dumbo when I was a little boy, and I saw these moving images on screen," he recalls. "I fell in love with animation."

And notes Encanto story artist Natalie Nourigat, "my mom said when I was 4, I watched Bambi every single day and that's still one of my favorite movies." Pencil Vs Pixels narrator and Mulan star Ming-Na Wen believes that "animation lets us communicate and connect with each other in a unique way that is easy to take for granted, but to me it's pure magic."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the communication shared by the cast in Pencils Vs Pixels. How do they also demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are they important character strengths?

  • Do you consider hand-drawn illustrations or computer-generated images as your favorite form of animation? Why?

  • Have the stories shared by the animators inspired you to become one? Why or why not?

  • Clerks director Kevin Smith speaks about the mavericks and renegades within the business who decide to branch out on their own. What could be the possible benefits and risks?

  • Some animators lost jobs and pursued other occupations instead of embracing a new tech skill. What do you think of their decisions? Would you do the same? Why or why not?

Movie Details

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