What we learned: Digital rules. Between Pixar and Disney proper, one formula for an animated blockbuster has now been firmly established -- go CGI and watch the profits fly. Study the past successes of other studios that have used a certain genre and determine how to best embellish upon them. Research the tastes of your target audience and develop a concept that just can't lose. Finally, play within your audience's expectations and don't take any undue risks unless they involve spectacular visual effects; if people expect a Disney story, give 'em a Disney story.

Pokemon. © Warner Bros. No other uses are permitted without the prior written consent of owner. Use of the material in violation of the foregoing may result in civil and/or criminal penalties.

Pokemon: The First Movie (Distributed by Warner Bros.)
Current gross: $85,744,662

What they did right: Managed to get hold of a pre-existing film while the product was at its hottest. Does anyone remember The Power Rangers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies that finally appeared more than a year after most kids had dumped their action figures into the local landfill? Didn't pay a Squirtle's worth for the labor-intensive work of an animated feature, guaranteeing almost pure profit. Ditto for publicity; this feature literally sold itself due to the proliferation of product into the pre-teen market.

What they didn't do right: Pulled it before it hit the $100 million mark. This feature should have stayed in the afternoon matinee market in smaller theaters for another month or two, supported by tournaments.

What we learned: Timing is everything. Develop a film script at the first sign of popularity and job it out to a dozen animation studios need be to get the speed factor. Don't worry about editing or continuity too much; millions will roll in regardless. Kids will hardly pause to consider mise en scène or proxemic patterns, and adults are well resigned to opening their wallets on cue. Team Rocket should work half as hard.

A brand new plan, from Chicken Run. © DreamWorks SKG.

Chicken Run (Aardman Animations/DreamWorks SKG)
Current gross: $84,080,147

What they did right: Used two experienced directors, Nick Park and Peter Lord. Capitalized on the popularity of a previous success, Wallace and Gromit. DreamWorks took a strictly hands-off approach and let Park and Lord shape their own vision. Stop-motion process looked fresh and different compared to recent cel and CGI features. Strong script built on cinematic references (prisoner-of-war films) which are not recycled often in American movies. Distinctive, grand musical score which contrasted amusingly with the silly animation (as in the South Park feature). Likeable characters backed by strong voice acting.

What they didn't do right: (Only for those who like to quibble.) A few conundrums in the plot. How could the circus, which seemed to value Rocky immensely, shoot him off-course for what seemed to be miles? How could a makeshift flying machine manned by chickens manage to hoist a full-grown human so high into the air for such a distance? Who cares? THEY ESCAPED!

What we learned: There is room out there for a wide range of animated styles and mediums. The three top-grossers above represent CGI, cel and stop-motion respectively. A small studio can flourish creatively under the auspices of a much larger one without the need for a tight leash. This unmistakably British feature, along with Pikachu and company, may be sending the strong signal that American audiences will be more receptive to imported animated features in the future. Anybody ready to distribute Help! I'm A Fish?