TOP 8 VOCAL PERFORMANCES IN ANIMATED MOVIES

It takes a great deal of talent to deliver an on-screen performance which creates a memorable and complete character. Under-appriciated however, is the skill it takes for an actor to make a lasting mark on a film without even being seen. Voice acting is a vital element in any animated film, and the casting and performances of actors are as important in animated productions as they are in any live action film. The artists and technology of animation studios show us characters, but voices are what bring them to life and broadcast their personalities. The following are my personal favorite examples of the voices behind some classic animated tales.

8. Eddie Murphy as Donkey- "Shrek"
While its reputation may have been damaged by the unnecessary and ultimately tasteless sequels which followed it, the original "Shrek" of 2001 remains a classic for anyone who grew up with it. Eddie Murphy's hilarious delivery of the dopey but harmless Donkey is a big reason why. It helps that the dialogue written for the smiling sidekick is so fittingly Eddie Murphy, but the actor's fast-talking and lighthearted performance make it very clear who is behind the voice of the movie's funniest character. His lines sound so excitable and cheerful that he leaves viewers with grins as wide as his character's.

                                          7. Kevin Spacey as Hopper- "A Bug's Life"
The 1990's saw Kevin Spacey play some iconic bad guys. "Se7en"'s John Doe and Verbal Kint/Keyser Soze of "The Usual Suspects" clearly come to mind first, but Hopper, the tyrannical grasshopper of Disney's "A Bug's Life", is no slouch at villainy. Obviously this performance is not nearly as dark and deep as his others, but Spacey's dry and subtly furious intonation make for a cold, cruel antagonist to the ant community. Spacey masters the balance of calm sarcasm and sporadic rage which make Hopper so intimidating.

6. Peter Sallis as Wallace- "Wallace and Gromit" films
Peter Sallis provides a quintessentially British voice behind "Wallace and Gromit"'s cheese loving hero. He brings energy and unconventionality to the delightful and comical character. Wallace's unique voice is so distinct and fitting to his character, and Sallis' performances across the short and feature films of the franchise are all the more impressive due to the fact that the other chief character never utters a word.

                                          5. Tom Hanks as Woody- "Toy Story" films
Much of what Tom Hanks has done in his career is iconic. But, undoubtedly, Sheriff Woody is one of his best. Woody is "Toy Story"'s true central character, and as the leader of Andy's band of toys, Tom Hanks displays range which make the character loud and controlling, but also loyal and sentimental. Woody has become one of Disney Pixar's most recognizable characters, and Hanks' consistent presence gives the character a surprisingly complex personality. Today, I must say I hear a bit of Woody every time I hear Tom Hanks speak.

4. Ellen DeGeneres as Dory- "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory"
For the role of Dory, the forgetful and loveable companion in "Finding Nemo", one of the best casting decisions of animation history was made. DeGeneres provides the scatterbrained and cheery dialogue that create a heartily beloved character. Although a supporting character, Ellen steals the spotlight in "Finding Nemo" to a degree which warranted a sequel film of her own. Her vocalization is ideal for the darling innocence of Dory.

3. Brad Bird as Edna Mode- "The Incredibles"
"No capes!" Though not a major character, Edna Mode is without a doubt the funniest character of one of Pixar's best films. Just as comical is the fact that the movie's writer and director, Brad Bird, voices the tiny, eccentric supersuit designing woman. The dialogue and the lively, unusual articulation created for Edna is unforgettable, and riotously funny.

2. Jeremy Irons as Scar- "The Lion King"
I'm aware of the overwhelming Disney representation on this list, but when it comes to animated films, isn't that how it should be? Scar may be one of the best examples of how a good English accent can make a film baddie that much more devious. The award-winning Jeremy Irons brings a smooth yet devious tone for the power-hungry lion. His vocal presence permeates the film and brings precise wickedness to one of Disney's most successful films. As villains in family movies go, Scar is incredibly dark and dreadful, thanks to Jeremy Irons' subdued inflection.

                                           1. Robin Williams as Genie- "Aladdin"
Isn't it obvious? Robin Williams revolutionized voice-over with his boisterous exclamations and improvised lines in "Aladdin". He is flamboyant, comical and spirited; he breaks the fourth wall and appeals to audiences of adults and children alike. The actor's style is unprecedented in this film, probably because no one else did comedy quite like Williams. We've never had a comedian like Robin Williams, before or since is career, and his rapid, larger-than-life delivery in "Aladdin" deservedly tops many moviegoers' lists of vocal performances in animated film.