Part lyricism, part entertainment, “Kubo and the Two Strings” is living proof that animated movies cannot only equal live-action storytelling, but they can surpass it in every way possible. Leave it to Travis Knight, who was the lead animator on the amazing “Coraline”, to make his directing debut with a ground breaker. Part of Kubo’s beauty is in its simplicity. The story follows a young boy and his quest to find a magical suit of armor that was once worn by his late father, who also happens to be a well known Samurai warrior. And yet, the movie gets under your skin in ways you can’t possibly imagine. Knight and his team of warriors (no pun intended) work you over with the delicacy and lyricism of true poets. You don’t just watch this movie, you live it. And for 100 minutes, superior storytelling and stunning visuals bond in ways you don’t see coming. This unique and unforgettable movie asks viewers to keep their eyes peeled at all times, then offers constant twists and turns, turning from humor to sadness to a sense of discovery in the blink of an eye. Through Knight’s creative mind and soulful brilliance, the result is nothing short of a masterpiece.