If you consider the same elements (children and fanboys), I think Pan’s Labyrinth did a fine job of creating a fantasy for adults while being original. I would like to see an animation take a similar approach.

As Alex mentioned, the performance of TMNT at the box office will probably determine whether or not we see more CG movies that aren’t simply kiddie flicks about zoo animals. I can’t really see it being much of a breakout hit though.

And as Nuno mentioned, the production costs for animated movies are pretty prohibitive. Maybe Adult Swim can overcome that barrier, but then it kind of defeats some of the fun of seeing an animated film on the big screen, if they aren’t really upping the quality.

But here neither are taken very serious. I think its going to take that one movie that transcends that stereotype to open the flood gates. Much like the way Ringu and the Grudge made J-horror popular in the states.

So I think it will change it has to.

I think you’re right in saying that there is a big generation that grew up on it and that still likes it, but it’s hard to get to them. I think TMNT is going to be a good example. Even at Comic-Con last year, the director was very pleased to see so many “grown ups” supporting TMNT, and was saying that this is proving to the studios that there really is an interest beyond the kids who watch TMNT. I’m interested to see the turn around on that movie. I don’t know if it’ll be huge, but I think of a lot of young adults (or at least people in the generation that grew up around the original Ninja Turtles movies) will be out to see that. And even that’s not really “animation,” cause it’s CGI, but close connection.

So to answer the question, I think there is some possibility, but it’s very on-the-edge and so dependent on what it is. Look at The Simpsons Movie, that’s another example of a movie that I know will break all kinds of records (at least for an animated movie… maybe) on opening day because crowds of all ages will go to it. It’s like the South Park movie (except with a vastly wider appeal) but with the same idea of taking the well-established TV show and making a feature film. But how often does that come along? I want more well-thought original animated films like A Scanner Darkly and not so many of the TV adaptations.

ATHF on the other hand, while I love the series and catch them when I can I don’t think that this movie is going to filling too many theatres. I think it’s great that they’re going to try the mass market, but I just don’t see it doing very well. This is a case where they’re going to make up the revenue through DVD sales.

We’ll have to see how Robert Zemekis’ Beowulf does when it’s released later this year.  It’ll be a CG movie (using the same method as Polar Express and Monster House), but with a supposed “R” rating.  If it does well, we may be looking at more adult themed animated movies.  The drawback is that there will inevitably be those who think that animated movies for adults don’t need a good story as long as there’s lots of gore, swearing and T&A.  Anyone recall the wretched line of HBO adult cartoons from the 90’s like Spawn and Spicy City?