I'm sorry that Paulson didn't follow up on the part of the interview that he / the editors obviously felt was most important: that the laws of the universe "grant our lives meaning and purpose." Hearing Davies explicitly say what the purpose of the universe is would have shed quite a bit of light on his argument.

Even if one accepts Davies' particular model and an algorithmic interpretation, it doesn't automatically lead to any meaning or purpose beyond that.

There are plenty of systems that develop in a very predictable (algorithmic) way: orbital mechanics, radioactive decay, stellar evolution, formation of stalactites, etc. What is the meaning of the beta decay of rubidium-87? What is the purpose of red giant stars? If components of the universe can develop without purpose or meaning, why should the universe itself possess either?

Unless I missed something, Davies' hypothesis only requires that the universal quantum state inevitably gives rise to observers. It doesn't automatically confer meaning or purpose. The need for those things seems to be a property of people like Paulson and Davies.

In facing up "to the fact that there may be fundamental limitations just from the way our brains have been put together," Davies should consider that one of those limitations might be the emotional need for meaning and purpose that colors our search.

"Just once I'd love to see a depiction of chaotic events edited with slow, painstaking precision."

I'd say Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch" meets that criteria

You should at least give a shout out to the excellent non-mouse alternative "Allegro Non Tropo". The evolution sequence set to Bolero is fabulous. The live action slapstick between the animation sequences are witty and lampoon Disney. I don't recall any scenes scarier than "Night on Bald Mountain", but it is more mature in theme. As befits an Italian movie there are religious references and it certainly casts a jaundiced eye on humanity. Okay maybe it's for tweens and above.

In the European animation vein there is "The Triplets of Belleville". Mobsters, music, and the Tour de France.

Certainly anything by Nick Park - especially "The Wrong Trousers".

Oh, what about "Holes"?