Viewed in
2012
Formats
Movie theater (3D)
Premise
Steven Spielberg takes a stab at Robert Zemeckis-style motion-capture animation by adapting the famous comic book characters.
Loved
Edge-of-your-seat action.
Liked
Use of 3D, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig.
Thoughts
I've actually never heard of this series of books, so obviously I have no clue how close this film was to the original source.
What I loved about this film was the inspired action sequences, from a motorcycle chase lovingly reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to exhilarating pirate ship battles that give Pirates of the Caribbean a run for its money.
What gave the film its exhilarating scenes and fun energy was Spielberg's ability to utilize the 3D motion-capture animation, especially in terms of unchaining the camera from the laws of physics, giving us interesting angles that take advantage of 3D. I would say it's borderline between "really beneficial to see it in 3D" and "must-see 3D".
Another strong aspect of the film was the voice acting. I was rather surprised by Daniel Craig's chops playing the antagonist, and blown away be Serkis' force-of-nature performance as the sidekick Haddock.
I know many still get creeped out by the uncanny valley issue with this technology, but either it's gotten better or I'm just used to the glassy-eye characters. In any case, The Adventures of Tintin was definitely recommendable, especially in 3D form, thanks to some really exciting action sequences, strong directing, and impressive voice overs.
Showing posts with label animation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animation. Show all posts
Akira
Viewed in
2002, 2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
The landmark anime film classic about psionic kids in post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
Thoughts
It's been forever, but it was an eye-opening classic in the anime genre. It was full of mature themes, trippy sequences, an uncompromising gritty vision, a memorable style, an interesting score, and thought-provoking ambiguity. The interpretive ending might have been too ambitious, to the point of pretentiousness. Also, the dialogue was laughable at times, as the leads just repeatedly shout each others' names.
What I would change
Nothing.
2002, 2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
The landmark anime film classic about psionic kids in post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
Thoughts
It's been forever, but it was an eye-opening classic in the anime genre. It was full of mature themes, trippy sequences, an uncompromising gritty vision, a memorable style, an interesting score, and thought-provoking ambiguity. The interpretive ending might have been too ambitious, to the point of pretentiousness. Also, the dialogue was laughable at times, as the leads just repeatedly shout each others' names.
What I would change
Nothing.
Aladdin
Viewed in
1992, 1993
Formats
Movie theater, VHS
Premise
A street rat finds a lamp with a genie, and uses it to become a prince to woo the princess he loves.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall having a fun time thanks to the great comedy from Robin Williams' genie character. The songs were quite memorable and the animation was pretty cool.
What I would change
Nothing.
1992, 1993
Formats
Movie theater, VHS
Premise
A street rat finds a lamp with a genie, and uses it to become a prince to woo the princess he loves.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall having a fun time thanks to the great comedy from Robin Williams' genie character. The songs were quite memorable and the animation was pretty cool.
What I would change
Nothing.
Alice in Wonderland
Viewed in
2010
Premise
A Disney animated version of Lewis Carroll's book.
Loved
Card soldiers animation. The Dormouse.
Liked
The Merry Unbirthday song and the Chesire Cat.
Hated
The plot.
Thoughts
I expected to really enjoy this, considering I like animation and trippy movies. However, I was sorely disappointed.
There were some very bizarre and interesting characters, such as the bouncy Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the nonsensical Mad Hatter, and the famous, mischievous Chesire Cat. My favorite of all would be the hilariously drunk Dormouse.
As expected, the animation was quite excellent, and was probably very difficult, considering the different and deviant visual styles that was required. I found the scenes with the armies of card solders to be spell-binding and awesome. Astounding considering there were no computers back then.
What brought this movie down was the stupid plot. It literally had only four meaningful moments, everything else was just a piling on of wacky creatures. As much as I like the weird characters and animation, there still needs to be rhyme and reason for their existence and actions. I became bored very easily as I realized they lacked any of that. After that, it felt like a 20 minute bit stretched beyond watchable.
I never read the book, so if this seemingly lack of plot was just like the original source, then I might give it more leeway (and in turn probably would hate the book).
While I enjoyed the animation and some cool moments, the lame story completely wrecked my experience. I do not understand the hype of this "classic". You may think I am criticizing it too much as an adult, but my inner child was not impressed.
What I would change
Chopped it up into five minute shorts, made them into some sort of weekly adventure series.
Random
Is that a hookah?! Shame on Disney for promoting drug use!
Anyone else notice that the King looked like Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast?
2010
Premise
A Disney animated version of Lewis Carroll's book.
Loved
Card soldiers animation. The Dormouse.
Liked
The Merry Unbirthday song and the Chesire Cat.
Hated
The plot.
Thoughts
I expected to really enjoy this, considering I like animation and trippy movies. However, I was sorely disappointed.
There were some very bizarre and interesting characters, such as the bouncy Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the nonsensical Mad Hatter, and the famous, mischievous Chesire Cat. My favorite of all would be the hilariously drunk Dormouse.
As expected, the animation was quite excellent, and was probably very difficult, considering the different and deviant visual styles that was required. I found the scenes with the armies of card solders to be spell-binding and awesome. Astounding considering there were no computers back then.
What brought this movie down was the stupid plot. It literally had only four meaningful moments, everything else was just a piling on of wacky creatures. As much as I like the weird characters and animation, there still needs to be rhyme and reason for their existence and actions. I became bored very easily as I realized they lacked any of that. After that, it felt like a 20 minute bit stretched beyond watchable.
I never read the book, so if this seemingly lack of plot was just like the original source, then I might give it more leeway (and in turn probably would hate the book).
While I enjoyed the animation and some cool moments, the lame story completely wrecked my experience. I do not understand the hype of this "classic". You may think I am criticizing it too much as an adult, but my inner child was not impressed.
What I would change
Chopped it up into five minute shorts, made them into some sort of weekly adventure series.
Random
Is that a hookah?! Shame on Disney for promoting drug use!
Anyone else notice that the King looked like Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast?
Anastasia
Viewed in
1997, 1998
Premise
A orphaned Russian girl might be the lost princess Anastasia.
Who should watch
Fans of the genre.
Thoughts
Not bad for a non-Disney movie. The music was surprisingly good and memorable, especially the haunting 'Once Upon a December'. I also really liked the cute and weird Bartok, the talking bat sidekick.
What I would change
Nothing.
1997, 1998
Premise
A orphaned Russian girl might be the lost princess Anastasia.
Who should watch
Fans of the genre.
Thoughts
Not bad for a non-Disney movie. The music was surprisingly good and memorable, especially the haunting 'Once Upon a December'. I also really liked the cute and weird Bartok, the talking bat sidekick.
What I would change
Nothing.
Antz
Viewed in
2000
Premise
A neurotic ant does not like being part of the colony.
Who should watch
Kids who like animation with some morale fiber?
Thoughts
Some good stuff here. I liked the Woody Allen comedy and adult comedy. I also liked the angular animation and the moral about being yourself instead of conforming.
My only problem was that these two do not mix well. Little kids would not understand the Woody Allen. Adults would wish for a more adult story.
What I would change
Made it either a G-rated morale tale or a PG-13 Woody Allen satire.
2000
Premise
A neurotic ant does not like being part of the colony.
Who should watch
Kids who like animation with some morale fiber?
Thoughts
Some good stuff here. I liked the Woody Allen comedy and adult comedy. I also liked the angular animation and the moral about being yourself instead of conforming.
My only problem was that these two do not mix well. Little kids would not understand the Woody Allen. Adults would wish for a more adult story.
What I would change
Made it either a G-rated morale tale or a PG-13 Woody Allen satire.
Appleseed
Viewed in
2004
Premise
Something about giant robots (aka mechas), humans, love, conspiracy. The usual mecha stuff.
Who should watch
Animation fans.
Thoughts
The best part of the movie was the interesting combinations of computer graphics, hand drawn animation, and extreme cell shading. However, technology and style could not make up for boring story. They used every science fiction cliche you can think of. The best action scene was when the mechas fought through the shopping mall.
What I would change
Thought up an orginal robot plot.
2004
Premise
Something about giant robots (aka mechas), humans, love, conspiracy. The usual mecha stuff.
Who should watch
Animation fans.
Thoughts
The best part of the movie was the interesting combinations of computer graphics, hand drawn animation, and extreme cell shading. However, technology and style could not make up for boring story. They used every science fiction cliche you can think of. The best action scene was when the mechas fought through the shopping mall.
What I would change
Thought up an orginal robot plot.
Arthur Christmas
Viewed in
2011
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa's youngest son looks to use his father's high-tech operation for an urgent mission.
Loved
Christmas spirit.
Liked
Creative premise, comedy.
Disliked
Justin Beiber.
Thoughts
The marketing did not do this film any favors, but it turned out to be a very good holiday family flick.
I enjoyed the funny premise of a family of Clauses of different generations, each member well-fleshed out with agendas and conflicts. In addition, the writing made me laugh a lot. It had a strong blend of slapstick and British humor, and contained inventive twists on Santa cliches and myths.
When the credits rolled, I was surprised to see so many recognizable British names. Kudos to the casting and directing for assembling such a talented voice cast who breathed life into these characters without distracting me as recognizable voices.
The undercurrent driving the film was the themes and spirit of St. Nick and (non-religious aspects of) Christmas. Beneath the computer graphics and sharp comedy was a story full of heart.
While watching it in regular 2D, I thought to myself that it might have been pretty good in 3D. The film had a plethora of epic, sweeping shots of the Claus head quarters in the North Pole and energetic reindeer flying scenes.
Despite its dopey look, I definitely recommend Arthur Christmas as a fun choice for the Christmas season, with its sharp writing and spirited story. Although I could've done away with the sloppily put-together Justin Beiber music video at the beginning.
2011
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa's youngest son looks to use his father's high-tech operation for an urgent mission.
Loved
Christmas spirit.
Liked
Creative premise, comedy.
Disliked
Justin Beiber.
Thoughts
The marketing did not do this film any favors, but it turned out to be a very good holiday family flick.
I enjoyed the funny premise of a family of Clauses of different generations, each member well-fleshed out with agendas and conflicts. In addition, the writing made me laugh a lot. It had a strong blend of slapstick and British humor, and contained inventive twists on Santa cliches and myths.
When the credits rolled, I was surprised to see so many recognizable British names. Kudos to the casting and directing for assembling such a talented voice cast who breathed life into these characters without distracting me as recognizable voices.
The undercurrent driving the film was the themes and spirit of St. Nick and (non-religious aspects of) Christmas. Beneath the computer graphics and sharp comedy was a story full of heart.
While watching it in regular 2D, I thought to myself that it might have been pretty good in 3D. The film had a plethora of epic, sweeping shots of the Claus head quarters in the North Pole and energetic reindeer flying scenes.
Despite its dopey look, I definitely recommend Arthur Christmas as a fun choice for the Christmas season, with its sharp writing and spirited story. Although I could've done away with the sloppily put-together Justin Beiber music video at the beginning.
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
Viewed in
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
A mysterious Batwoman vigilante appears in Gotham City.
Thoughts
I don't remember anything about this. Sorry.
What I would change
NA.
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
A mysterious Batwoman vigilante appears in Gotham City.
Thoughts
I don't remember anything about this. Sorry.
What I would change
NA.
The Batman Superman Movie: World's Finest
Viewed in
1998, 2000
Formats
Network TV, DVD
Premise
The Joker and Lex Luther swap arch-rivals to kill.
Thoughts
It's been awhile, but I recall enjoying the cool juxtapositions from the rival swap, and there were some badass moments and fun chemistry between Superman and Batman, as well as Luthor and Joker.
What I would change
Nothing.
1998, 2000
Formats
Network TV, DVD
Premise
The Joker and Lex Luther swap arch-rivals to kill.
Thoughts
It's been awhile, but I recall enjoying the cool juxtapositions from the rival swap, and there were some badass moments and fun chemistry between Superman and Batman, as well as Luthor and Joker.
What I would change
Nothing.
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Viewed in
2010
Formats
Netflix HD streaming (Xbox 360)
Premise
In this animated, stand-alone tale, a mysterious red-hooded figure begins to take control of Gotham City's organized crime.
Liked
The dark style, slick action.
Thoughts
I enjoyed the fun hybrid animation between the original goth version and the later anime-style version. It felt dark and gritty, but at the same time it had visual style and flair. And a much better production value. It definitely deserved the PG-13 rating with its violence. Which was fine by my, as it fit the tone of the story.
Like many animated works these days, the film makers hired a lot of known actors instead of voice over actors. To my surprise, their performances were genuine and fit within the film. Though I still miss the original voices of Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy.
Knowing only Batman from the movies and 1990's cartoons, I was unsure if the plot and characters were derived from original source or completely original. I have a feeling they were derived from somewhere, because there were times when the film did not bother introducing characters or their relationships. In terms of the big picture, that was fine, since it was consistent with the wealth of complex characters that the Christopher Nolan had, as well as Batman Gotham Knight.
For me, the flaws were the dialogue was sometimes uncreative, the identity of Red Hood was pretty obvious, and some of the computer generated animation was too obvious. It is up to you if I should expect higher standards from a 80-minute animated tale that went straight to DVD.
Clearly meant for older kids and adults who wanted something edgier than Saturday cartoons, it succeeded in tone, action, and production. As a big fan of Batman: The Animated Series, it brought me back to those days without totally insulting my intelligence.
What I would change
Nothing.
2010
Formats
Netflix HD streaming (Xbox 360)
Premise
In this animated, stand-alone tale, a mysterious red-hooded figure begins to take control of Gotham City's organized crime.
Liked
The dark style, slick action.
Thoughts
I enjoyed the fun hybrid animation between the original goth version and the later anime-style version. It felt dark and gritty, but at the same time it had visual style and flair. And a much better production value. It definitely deserved the PG-13 rating with its violence. Which was fine by my, as it fit the tone of the story.
Like many animated works these days, the film makers hired a lot of known actors instead of voice over actors. To my surprise, their performances were genuine and fit within the film. Though I still miss the original voices of Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy.
Knowing only Batman from the movies and 1990's cartoons, I was unsure if the plot and characters were derived from original source or completely original. I have a feeling they were derived from somewhere, because there were times when the film did not bother introducing characters or their relationships. In terms of the big picture, that was fine, since it was consistent with the wealth of complex characters that the Christopher Nolan had, as well as Batman Gotham Knight.
For me, the flaws were the dialogue was sometimes uncreative, the identity of Red Hood was pretty obvious, and some of the computer generated animation was too obvious. It is up to you if I should expect higher standards from a 80-minute animated tale that went straight to DVD.
Clearly meant for older kids and adults who wanted something edgier than Saturday cartoons, it succeeded in tone, action, and production. As a big fan of Batman: The Animated Series, it brought me back to those days without totally insulting my intelligence.
What I would change
Nothing.
Batman Gotham Knight
Viewed in
2008
Premise
Six anime-styled short stories about Batman, taking place between 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight'.
Who should watch
Those needing a Batman fix.
Thoughts
Basically, it was like the 'Animatrix' of Batman.
The best thing about it was the hearing Kevin Conroy reprising his role as the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne. I also liked the last three stories; they had a darker Batman-like style, and the stories linked to each other.
As for the first three, they were OK. The first was the worst, mainly due to the annoying dialogue.
Other than that, it was a just quick way to whet my Batman appetite, while waiting for 'The Dark Knight'.
What I would change
Written better stories for the first three.
2008
Premise
Six anime-styled short stories about Batman, taking place between 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight'.
Who should watch
Those needing a Batman fix.
Thoughts
Basically, it was like the 'Animatrix' of Batman.
The best thing about it was the hearing Kevin Conroy reprising his role as the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne. I also liked the last three stories; they had a darker Batman-like style, and the stories linked to each other.
As for the first three, they were OK. The first was the worst, mainly due to the annoying dialogue.
Other than that, it was a just quick way to whet my Batman appetite, while waiting for 'The Dark Knight'.
What I would change
Written better stories for the first three.
Beauty and the Beast
Viewed in
1993, 2002, 2003, 2012
Formats
VHS, IMAX theater, DVD, Movie theater (3D)
Premise
Disney's masterpiece about a young lady who agrees to be the cursed Beast's prisoner in his castle to save her father.
Loved
Everything.
Thoughts
My personal favorite Disney animated film and a must-see film of the 1990's.
There was so much to choose from, but I guess my favorite aspect was the unforgettable music. Every time the first few notes kicked in, I got chills down my spine from memories and anticipation. The music was beautiful and the lyrics spot on. If I had to pick a best song at gunpoint, I'd probably be dead.
In addition, the characters were magical, the voice performances brilliant, the animation elegant, and the story timeless.
I've seen it in many formats, and they were all perfectly fine. The IMAX version had an additional song, but it paled compared to the classics. The 3D was decent post-conversion, obviously the CGI animated scenes like in the ballroom were breathtaking. But the original theatrical version is perfectly fine to enjoy.
If you've never seen/liked Beauty and the Beast, you are no friend of mine.
1993, 2002, 2003, 2012
Formats
VHS, IMAX theater, DVD, Movie theater (3D)
Premise
Disney's masterpiece about a young lady who agrees to be the cursed Beast's prisoner in his castle to save her father.
Loved
Everything.
Thoughts
My personal favorite Disney animated film and a must-see film of the 1990's.
There was so much to choose from, but I guess my favorite aspect was the unforgettable music. Every time the first few notes kicked in, I got chills down my spine from memories and anticipation. The music was beautiful and the lyrics spot on. If I had to pick a best song at gunpoint, I'd probably be dead.
In addition, the characters were magical, the voice performances brilliant, the animation elegant, and the story timeless.
I've seen it in many formats, and they were all perfectly fine. The IMAX version had an additional song, but it paled compared to the classics. The 3D was decent post-conversion, obviously the CGI animated scenes like in the ballroom were breathtaking. But the original theatrical version is perfectly fine to enjoy.
If you've never seen/liked Beauty and the Beast, you are no friend of mine.
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America
Viewed in
2011
Formats
HDTV
Premise
It's a Beavis and Butt-Head movie!
Loved
The Great Cornholio.
Thoughts
Honestly, I've never seen a complete episode of the popular 1990's series when I was a teen. So watching this in 2011 was kind of weird.
One effect was my ignorance about the Great Cornholio. Holy cow, that character was a sight to behold! Easily the funniest and best part of the movie. I was amused by observing what appears to be an early incarnation of Hank Hill's character. The soundtrack was quite dope, especially the rock songs.
Even non-fans like me could recognize the two leads' pattern of speech, which was equally unique and irritating. Hearing that for half and hour was probably tolerable. Trying to endure that for 80 minutes was a trial of survival for my sanity.
As expected, Beavis and Butt-Head were in full-out rude, ignorant idiot mode. I didn't laugh much, but there was an oddly dated charm to the movie. The shock value had long been obliterated by South Park. Yet it was almost like a time capsule of what was considered inappropriate.
I'm sure Beavis and Butt-Head Do America was a much bigger deal back in the day, but now it's only worth watching for curiosity sake. Having said that, my life is now complete now that I've finally experienced the Great Cornholio.
What I would change
No idea.
Beowulf
Viewed in
2007
Premise
Based on the poem, Robert Zemeckis continued with his love for motion-capture animation.
Who should watch
Teenage boys who can afford IMAX 3D tickets.
Thoughts
This was only worth it if you watch it in IMAX 3D. The action and animation in 3D made it an enjoyable experience.
As expected, the animation was top-notch. The actors were more than a voice and handled the motion-capture technology seamlessly. The uncanny valley will always be there, but I got used to it. I was a bit surprised by how much nudity was explicit and implied throughout the film, and I don't mean just Angelina Jolie. Speaking of her, I wonder what she thought of her luscious, computer-rendered body?
Everything else about it pretty much blew. There was not enough story to make it nearly two hours long. At times it bordered on WWE or 'Shrek' or 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' territory, and that was not meant as a compliment.
If it wasn't for the IMAX 3D experience, this would have been a poor American challenge to Japan's 'Final Fantasy Advent Children'. If you want to see where motion-capture-computer-animation can take you, check that out.
What I would change
I would have given it an R rating. There was too much computer-rendered gore, dismemberments, nudity and disturbing images.
2007
Premise
Based on the poem, Robert Zemeckis continued with his love for motion-capture animation.
Who should watch
Teenage boys who can afford IMAX 3D tickets.
Thoughts
This was only worth it if you watch it in IMAX 3D. The action and animation in 3D made it an enjoyable experience.
As expected, the animation was top-notch. The actors were more than a voice and handled the motion-capture technology seamlessly. The uncanny valley will always be there, but I got used to it. I was a bit surprised by how much nudity was explicit and implied throughout the film, and I don't mean just Angelina Jolie. Speaking of her, I wonder what she thought of her luscious, computer-rendered body?
Everything else about it pretty much blew. There was not enough story to make it nearly two hours long. At times it bordered on WWE or 'Shrek' or 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' territory, and that was not meant as a compliment.
If it wasn't for the IMAX 3D experience, this would have been a poor American challenge to Japan's 'Final Fantasy Advent Children'. If you want to see where motion-capture-computer-animation can take you, check that out.
What I would change
I would have given it an R rating. There was too much computer-rendered gore, dismemberments, nudity and disturbing images.
Bolt
Viewed in
2008
Premise
An action movie star dog breaks free into the real world.
Who should watch
Those who like cuddly computer animated creatures running amok, especially in 3-d.
Thoughts
Cute!
It was like a non-creepy cross of 'Truman Show', 'Last Action Hero', 'Cars' and (insert kid-loses-pet-who-wanders-home movie here). Speaking of 'Cars', the opening short was awesome and hilarious, and in 3-d. It might have been too topical, once the Tokyo drift-racing is no longer in fashion.
If I could get past the cuddly and energetic animation, there probably was not much of a story underneath. But somehow I found the whole thing irresistible. Most of the characters were likable and/or super cute. I loved the hilarious fan boy hamster. Kudos for trying to stay away from the 'Goodfeathers' from 'Animaniacs' with the New York pigeon characters.
Like a bouncing puppy, this was cute, fluffy and mostly harmless entertainment for the family. I especially recommend it in 3-d.
What I would change
Eliminated the extra Hollywood-ish subplots, such as the agent and network executive. The story was simple enough to get it rolling without those boring characters who might confuse younger audiences.
2008
Premise
An action movie star dog breaks free into the real world.
Who should watch
Those who like cuddly computer animated creatures running amok, especially in 3-d.
Thoughts
Cute!
It was like a non-creepy cross of 'Truman Show', 'Last Action Hero', 'Cars' and (insert kid-loses-pet-who-wanders-home movie here). Speaking of 'Cars', the opening short was awesome and hilarious, and in 3-d. It might have been too topical, once the Tokyo drift-racing is no longer in fashion.
If I could get past the cuddly and energetic animation, there probably was not much of a story underneath. But somehow I found the whole thing irresistible. Most of the characters were likable and/or super cute. I loved the hilarious fan boy hamster. Kudos for trying to stay away from the 'Goodfeathers' from 'Animaniacs' with the New York pigeon characters.
Like a bouncing puppy, this was cute, fluffy and mostly harmless entertainment for the family. I especially recommend it in 3-d.
What I would change
Eliminated the extra Hollywood-ish subplots, such as the agent and network executive. The story was simple enough to get it rolling without those boring characters who might confuse younger audiences.
Brave
Viewed in
2012 (2)
Formats
Movie theater (digital), HDTV
Premise
Pixar's animated tale of a Scottish princess who wishes to change her fate, only to face the consequences.
Loved
Hair!
Liked
Strong daughter-mother relationship.
Disliked
Lack of great story.
Thoughts
The first thing that comes to mind walking out if the theater was how superlative Merida's red mane of awesomeness was. Years ago, Pixar wowed us with Sully's wonderful fur in Monsters Inc. In Brave, it was mesmerizing beyond words. Last year, Disney's Tangled had Rapunzel's gimmicky (yet still under utilized) hair. This movie put Rapunzel's hair to shame in CG gorgeousness.
Now as for the rest of the film, it was a strong rebound from Cars 2. It was full of heart and funny cartoony humor. I really liked the 2nd act, where the daughter-mother dynamic was taken to unexpected and creative heights. I was so glad that marketing did not reveal just how the lead's fate was changed, because I would've had different, more pessimistic, expectations of the movie. Kind a disappointed Ebert gave it away in his review.
Anyway, the middle section was the best written part, with interesting twist on familiar family-fairy tale tropes, while showing strong character relationships. This film definitely sported one of the cutest fictional mothers in a long time. I also found the dining hall scene to be really touching and emotional, even though it started of with a "what are you doing?!" moment.
Compared to Pixar's best, it lacked character and complexity. The moral of the story was simple, yet felt unclear and small stakes at the same time. While mother and daughter were fleshed out, everyone else were one-note, forgettable goofballs. There aren't enough movies with strong female characters, but did it have to be at the expense of no strong male characters? Also, while the twist of fate was interesting, it was predictable ten minutes in.
Despite the bright red hair and lush highlands, this was surprisingly heavy on dark cinematography. I heard some mixed reviews about the 3D, especially in terms of brightness, so I think this would've been a serious viewing issue for the audience. I was glad I didn't bother to find out, and just stuck with perfectly fine 2D. Having said that, I would love to have seen Merida's splendiferous locks in as many dimensions as possible.
Brave was a very good family-friendly movie. That tantalizing hair was almost worth the price of admission itself. However, when I think back to Pixar greats, I found it recommendable, but not must-see.
Bug's Life, A
Viewed in
1998 (2), 1999, 2008
Premise
An ant colony, threatened by evil grasshoppers, asks for help from a rag tag group of circus bugs.
Who should watch
Those who like Pixar-quality films.
Thoughts
While I no longer consider this as one of Pixar's greatest, it was still a cute and enjoyable film, with some messages about believing in yourself and family.
I liked the funny bug-related gags. I loved the morbidly obese (and cute) caterpillar Heimlich, and the goofy rollie-pollie twins. Last but not least, I had a kick out of the first ever Pixar 'bloopers'. I was glad that Pixar quit while they were ahead and stopped doing them for every film.
Back when this just came out, I was stunned by the computer graphics. Ten years later, everything looked so barren and obviously computer generated. How quickly technology changes.
What I would change
A better premise might have created a more memorable story.
1998 (2), 1999, 2008
Premise
An ant colony, threatened by evil grasshoppers, asks for help from a rag tag group of circus bugs.
Who should watch
Those who like Pixar-quality films.
Thoughts
While I no longer consider this as one of Pixar's greatest, it was still a cute and enjoyable film, with some messages about believing in yourself and family.
I liked the funny bug-related gags. I loved the morbidly obese (and cute) caterpillar Heimlich, and the goofy rollie-pollie twins. Last but not least, I had a kick out of the first ever Pixar 'bloopers'. I was glad that Pixar quit while they were ahead and stopped doing them for every film.
Back when this just came out, I was stunned by the computer graphics. Ten years later, everything looked so barren and obviously computer generated. How quickly technology changes.
What I would change
A better premise might have created a more memorable story.
Cars 2
Viewed in
2011
Formats
DVD
Premise
In the sequel to Cars, Mater gets caught up in international super-spy caper.
Disliked
The story.
Thoughts
Good enough to entertain kids, but really an unnecessary sequel.
The car characters were still cute, the chases were energetic, and there was some fun cultural material with the Japanese and European countries.
But the plot was flat out ridiculous. They struggled with figuring out whether it's Mater's movie or Lightning's. And the story was eye-rolling with its flimsy way of getting Mater involved into the spy games.
Cars 2 technically didn't suck, but with such a high standard for Pixar, it sure felt like it did, even with lowered expectations.
2011
Formats
DVD
Premise
In the sequel to Cars, Mater gets caught up in international super-spy caper.
Disliked
The story.
Thoughts
Good enough to entertain kids, but really an unnecessary sequel.
The car characters were still cute, the chases were energetic, and there was some fun cultural material with the Japanese and European countries.
But the plot was flat out ridiculous. They struggled with figuring out whether it's Mater's movie or Lightning's. And the story was eye-rolling with its flimsy way of getting Mater involved into the spy games.
Cars 2 technically didn't suck, but with such a high standard for Pixar, it sure felt like it did, even with lowered expectations.
Cars
Viewed in
2006
Premise
A hot shot race car finds himself stuck in a small, forgotten town.
Who should watch
Animation fans. Pixar fans. Kids.
Thoughts
I never thought cars could be sooo cute! It's not the greatest Pixar movie, but it's still a Pixar movie. It's got heart, humor and high quality CGI. That is enough reason to watch it.
I was pleasantly surprised by Larry the Cable Guy's performance. I was afraid he was just going to do his act and be obnoxious, but he made me forget about Larry and just see the character Mater as Mater. Again, stay for the credits, there were some hilarious bits.
I wonder if people will think this movie was racist? The car that behaved like a stereotypical barbershop-owning black woman was voiced by a black woman, the low-rider with a paint job HAPPENS to be voiced by Cheech Marin, and the stoner VW happens to be voiced by George Carlin. I'm surprised there wasn't a reckless-driving Honda voiced by Jackie Chan.
What I would change
Make the characters less stereotypical.
2006
Premise
A hot shot race car finds himself stuck in a small, forgotten town.
Who should watch
Animation fans. Pixar fans. Kids.
Thoughts
I never thought cars could be sooo cute! It's not the greatest Pixar movie, but it's still a Pixar movie. It's got heart, humor and high quality CGI. That is enough reason to watch it.
I was pleasantly surprised by Larry the Cable Guy's performance. I was afraid he was just going to do his act and be obnoxious, but he made me forget about Larry and just see the character Mater as Mater. Again, stay for the credits, there were some hilarious bits.
I wonder if people will think this movie was racist? The car that behaved like a stereotypical barbershop-owning black woman was voiced by a black woman, the low-rider with a paint job HAPPENS to be voiced by Cheech Marin, and the stoner VW happens to be voiced by George Carlin. I'm surprised there wasn't a reckless-driving Honda voiced by Jackie Chan.
What I would change
Make the characters less stereotypical.
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