Pixar's Cars 2 - Official Movie Trailer

First off, let me start off by saying I'm SUPER excited for this.  Pixar has always delivered great movies, and to push forward with an incredible story that was "Cars" is fantastic!

But secondly, I know for a fact that many fans are going to tilt their heads in a cynical way because it is a sequel to Cars.  I remember mentioning it to a group of friends, and their response was, "What?  a sequel to Cars?  I have trouble believing that's going to do well."  And it may be true!  Cars 2 may flop on its face.  But remember this, many people thought Toy Story 2 wasn't going to be as good, and similar reactions went toward Toy Story 3...and look how successful that franchise has become.  I say, don't knock it til you've seen it.  Pixar has never let us down before, I don't see why we should think an differently of them now.

Movie Review: Toy Story 3

Movie Information
Release Date: June 18, 2010 (3D/2D theaters and IMAX 3D)
Studio: Disney•Pixar
Director: Lee Unkrich
Screenwriter: Michael Arndt
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Ermey, Jodi Benson, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Timothy Dalton, Jeff Garlin, Bonnie Hunt, Whoopi Goldberg, Kristen Schaal, Blake Clark
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family
MPAA Rating: G
Official Website: Disney.com/ToyStory

My Wonderfully Majestic Opinion
Pixar is without a doubt one of the most influential animation studios in America that is quickly shooting upwards as being the greatest provider of animated family films of all time. It has produced some of the most loved full length animated films to date such as Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and Up! But as we all know, the foundational rock that Pixar sits upon are the lovable tales within the Toy Story franchise; with easily relatable characters such as the rip roaring cowboy Woody, the fearless Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, The cowardly dinosaur Rex, the cynically hilarious spud Mr. Potato Head, and many others, this entire set was destined to be logged into the animation history books as one of the best. But what has changed since Pixar’s first full length animated feature film which debuted almost 15 years ago? Certainly with the premise that comes along with Toy Story, Pixar can only take it so far, right? The first film dove into the friendship of Woody and Buzz, and the second film gave us an enormous history lesson about Woody’s popular years, where else could a third film go?

As John Lasseter said when describing the world of toys, "when you're broken, you can be fixed; when you're lost, you can be found; when you're stolen you can be recovered. But there's no way to fix being outgrown by the child." Just like Up!, Toy Story 3 dives into more mature and thought provoking ideas that challenge our pre-conceived notions of holding on to something that means the world to us. It is the ultimate coming-of-age story where both sides must make selfless decisions in order to move on towards a brighter future.

The story begins showing Andy all grown up and neglecting his toys due to the changes that have occurred in his life outside of the home. As the toys continually produce failing results in bringing the 17 year old Andy back to them, they finally decide to look towards spending the rest of their lives as relics, unwanted by their owner. Through a series of mistakes, the toys end up in a day care center called “Sunny Side” where they befriend a very old toy by the name of Latso. (Short for Lots-o-Huggin Bear.) Much to the dismay of Woody who wishes for nothing more to get back to Andy’s house, the newly inducted toys decide they want to stay and forever be there for children and never be disregarded again. They soon discover that Sunny Side isn’t as bright and chipper as it’s made out to be, and that Latso has more up his pink, cottony sleeve than originally believed. It is, of course, up to the fearless Woody to save his friends and return to Andy before he leaves for college.

Sequels are a risky business. I wonder how many sequels have fallen flat on their face in comparison to those that have made it big. The result would probably not surprise you. This is the one of many true marks of a great film making company, to be able to produce sequels that are just as good or better than its predecessor is an achievement not too many film studios can revel in. Amongst the extreme thrills and jeopardizing moments that run amuck in this film, we are also given some of the most heart clenching moments I’ve seen in any of Pixar’s movies. While it may not equal the utter depressive state that Up! showed us, I do believe that this third installment of Toy Story to be the saddest one yet. Happiness will always come along with any Toy Story movie, but with number three, the happiness comes with a bitter-sweet sensation.

Pixar is the master at making inanimate objects seem real to us and allowing us to relate to the toys just as much as with a real person. The greatest challenge these toys could ever deal with is the fact that kids grow up, and how they deal with that and the others changes that surround them are at the heart of this film. This even transcends into Andy’s life, dealing with going to college, leaving home, deciding what to bring and what to leave behind, and deciding what to give up is all very overwhelming. As the film illustrates with Latso, some people have a lot of difficulty dealing with those changes and take their aggression out on the world because of it. Toy Story 3 asks us a very important question…How do we handle change and the fact that we must sometimes give up the things that we love? In that final scene where Andy gives his toys up to Bonnie, (whose cuteness is almost to the level of Boo from Monster Inc.) inside I felt completely torn up and stressed out over how hard this must have been for poor Andy! My lovely wife told me afterwards that she cried just as much during this scene as she did during that opening sequence in Up! But this needed to happen. Andy was finally able to move on as were the toys. Both sides were able to say goodbye to each other and give each other up. The story with Andy is over, and I couldn’t have asked for a more heart felt fond farewell than the one Pixar presented us.

But even with this wonderfully caring and heart warming story, there did trail along with it some rather annoying aspects that I wish had been scraped in the pre-production process. Even with being a very nostalgic person, I find that too much nostalgia can become long and drawn out. However, what I felt to be a little too cumbersome in this film was the humor. I understand the humor in having Ken model his clothing for Barbie, but I personally felt it to be out of place and unnecessary. Likewise, the Spanish mode of Buzz Lightyear might be the worst comedic decision that Pixar has ever come up with. I suspect this might have been an inside joke within the Toy Story 3 creative team that eventually became a reality. All in all, these two small annoyances truly can’t overshadow the shear genius of Mr. Potato Head’s incredibly hilarious ability to possess different types of foods!

The casting was great, as expected. Blake Clarke was the perfect choice as the replacement to the famous Jim Varney for the voice of Slinky Dog—I could only slightly tell the difference. But I’m fully convinced that Michael Keaton might be one of the greatest voice actors in history with his absolutely incredible performance as Ken. But the biggest surprise I had was when I discovered that Timothy Dalton voiced the very minor character, Mr. Prickle Pants!

My Awe-Struck Conclusion
I certainly hope that this third Toy Story film is the last. I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride very much being within the first generation of children that got to experience Toy Story when it first came to theaters. But the tale is done and no more are needed. I hope we can leave Andy just as he left his Toys. We all love him, but it is time to let go.

Rating 10 out of 10 Stars

Comic Book Review: Toy Story [Free Comic Book Day]

Free Comic Book Day Review!

Book Information

Written by Jesse Blaze Snider

Art by Nathan Watson

My All-Inspiring Opinion

As a way of preparing Toy Story fans for the June 18 release of film number three, Disney has taken advantage of Free Comic Book Day’s fan luring opportunities by releasing a free comic book for the kiddies.  As far as free comics from Free Comic Book Day go, Toy Story certainly entertains and delights. 

The story is very much reminiscent of the first film.  Andy has received a new, unknown toy from his absent minded grandmother who didn’t realize his birthday had long since past.  Not only does she not know his actual birthday, she also has no knowledge of his current inventory list of toys, getting him a second Buzz Lightyear.  Now Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang must help to keep the two Lightyears separated so Andy doesn’t return the wrong Buzz to the store.  But this could be a more difficult task than you would think as the newer, shiner Buzz wants to stay with Andy.

One can tell Disney did not put a lot of thought and effort into making and original story for this latest Toy Story comic.  The new toy comes in, a conflict arises between Woody and Buzz, and now a toy’s life is threatened as it’s on the verge of being returned to the very place no toy wants to be.  Nothing too thought provoking or innovative, but this is, of course, a kid’s comic.

The art is surprisingly well done; Nathan Watson paid close attention to the characters look from the first and second film.  I appreciated how Disney decided to differentiate between the new and old Buzz, making one look much more faded and defective in comparison to the newer intruder.  Andy is a spot on match and Woody resembles his movie doppelganger almost perfectly.  Apart from the books purposefully campy and cartooney look, this comic’s visual appeal is very nice and pleasant, befitting of a kid’s comic on Free Comic Book Day.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

This book will definitely appeal to the younger crowd while might only come off as cute and silly for the adults.  Are you ready for Toy Story 3?  I know I am. 

Ratings

Writing: 7

Themes: 8

Art: 7

Overall Rating: 7.33 out of 10

2010 Golden Globes: The Awards

Here are the results from the Golden Globes which aired last night...

Best Supporting film/mini-series Actor for TV: John Lithgow - Dexter (Showtime)
Best Supporting film/mini-series Actress for TV: Chloe Sevigny - Big Love (HBO)
Best film/miniseries Actor for TV: Kevin Bacon - Taking Chance (HBO)
Best film/mini-series Actress For TV: Drew Barrymore - Grey Gardens (HBO)
Best TV film/mini-series: Grey Gardens (HBO)
Best Actor for a TV Series (comedy or musical): Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock (NBC)
Best Actress for a TV Series (comedy or musical): Toni Colette - United States of Tara (Showtime)
Best TV Series: Glee (Fox)
Best Actor for TV Series (drama): Michael C. Hall - Dexter
Best Actress for TV Series (drama): Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife (CBS)

Best TV Series (drama): Mad Men (ABC)
Best Original Song: The Weary Kind - Crazy Heart
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino - Up!
Best Original Screenplay: Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner - Up In The Air
Best Film Director: James Cameron - Avatar
Best Foreign Language Film: Das Weisse Band (German)
Best Animated Film: Up! (Pixar Animation Studios; Disney Motion Picture Studios)
Best Supporting Film Actor: Christopher Waltz - Inglorious Bastards
Best Supporting Film Actress: Mo'Nique - Precious
Best Comedy or Musical Film Actor: Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes
Best Comedy or Musical Film Actress: Meryl Streep - Julia & Julia

Best Comedy or Musical Film: The Hangover (Warner Bros.)
Best Drama Film Actor: Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart
Best Drama Film Actress: Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side
Best Drama Film: Avatar (Fox)


As I don't necessarily agree with a lot of the picks, I do always have to remind myself that this is the olden Globes and really doesn't reflect the truth.  But I am glad to see that the evil Twentieth Century Fox Network only received two awards, even if one of those awards was the BIG prize.

I am happy to see Mo'Nique take the Best Supporting Actress award as she undoubtedly deserved it, as well as Meryl Streep in her superb interpretation of Julia Styles.  However, I don't agree with the decision of giving Sandra Bullock an award when the other nominated actresses were superbly better with exception of Gabourey Sidibe.

All in all, the Golden Globes are more for the people who feel the Academy awards are wrong 90% of the time.  The Golden Globes are fun, but geez, they really aren't worth much except to hand out awards to those who probably wont win anything in the academy awards.  The Golden Globes only focus one the obvious like music, acting, and the actual film.  No awards go out to the film editors, art directors, and other talents that are hidden behind the screen.  The exceptions are the truly phenomenal ones like Mo'Nique, Up!, and other great films and performances.

Best Pixar Films

So, like my top ten greatest comic book films, im now doing my own list of the best Pixar films. but I'm not ranking them, I've thought about what made each film good and giving my own specific award to the different films. And of course I'll give a "Best Pixar Film" award. so go through the list, comment if you agree or disagree. So here is the first "Heretic Movie Awards."


Funniest Character: Dori
Everything that Dori does, even the sad parts, are hilarious! I don't think I can watch Find Nemo without busting out laughing every time Dori comes on scene.



Most "EVIL" Character: Randall Boggs
Our of all the Pixar Villians, this is the only one who shows how evil he is by his willingness to do harm to children. Oh man, I just want to punch him in the face! Way to go Boo for kicking his butt!!




Best Character That Tried To Be Evil: Chick Hicks
Yeah, he just couldn't win a race but did everything in his power to do harm to Lightning McQueen. But all of his efforts failed miserably and he ended up just embarrassing himself.



Most Ridiculous Character: Needleman and Smitty
If there were two characters that truly served no purpose in the grand scheme of a film story in the history of film making, it would be these two. But wow am I glad they are in Monsters Inc. They are absolutely hilarious.




Most Heroic Character: Wall-E
For such a little guy, he truly has a big heart and is willing to go to great lengths to save the ones he cares about. Even holding onto a rocket ship flying into outer space.



Cutest Character: Boo/Mary
I think we can all agree that Pixar animates the cutest children ever. Boo is without a doubt the most adorable little girl in the world.






Most Scandalous Character:Lizzie
The one thing any young guy in his late 20's, early 30's does not want to have happen to him above all else is have a horny grandma putting the moves on him. Yuck! But it is certainly hilarious!




Most Lovable Character:Wall-E
Yup, he wins again. Because of his kind of lovable personality, he definatly wins the most lovable award.




Best Minor Character:Edna 'E' Mode
The Incredibles just would not have been the same without Edna. She was such a creative addition to the cast of characters. But I definitely would not want to get in her way. WHEW!






Most Passionate Character: Remy
He's as passionate about food as my wife is! He invested himself into the world of cooking and overcame the obstacles that laid before him. Remy is someone everyone could look up to.





Best Character Team Up: Woody and Buzz
Yes, they were meant for each other. These two are an inseparable duo. The models of what true friendship is all about. They have issues with each other, but they stick together like it doesn't matter.





Best Male Character: Woody
He conflicted, big headed, cocky, good natured, strong willed, kind, mean, etc etc. He's everything that you and I are. Woody is the best developed character in the Pixar universe.




Best Female Character: Elastigirl
Yeah, you push around the ones she loves, she will hand you your butt in a zip lock baggie. She has no fear, exceptionally loving, and true to herself. The most impressive female in Pixar.





Funniest Film: Monsters Inc.
It's as if the laughs never stop with this movie! I never find myself not smiling or laughing with this film.






Best Action Film: The Incredibles
Oh what? Im sure you saw this one coming! Explosions, ramps made of ice, running on water, flying contraptions, karate at it's finest, you just don't get better action out of an animated film!





Best Soundtrack: Monsters Inc.
What can I say, I love jazz! This is the soundtrack I could listen to while driving on the road, while working in the house, while reading a good book, while hanging out with friends...it's just an amazing soundtrack!





Most Detail Oriented Film: Ratatouille
I left the threatre hungry. Whenever I watch this movie I need to eat. If this film pops into my head my stomach grumbles. The detail made in making the animated food look delicious was incredible. Pixar paid close attention to the craft that is cooking and brought every aspect of that craft into this film.





Most Creative: Monsters Inc.
Yup, it wins again. It is such an interesting idea. take one of the worlds biggest myths, that there are monster in our closets, and give an explanation of why that is. And what makes it even better, is that these monsters are mean! (well, for the most part) And all they are doing is trying to earn a living. Such a nice, pleasant take on the myth, and making it great for kids and parents.



Best Character Development Film: Cars
This film did a superb job at bring two worlds together. The high class uppity meets the low down desert country folks. It makes us ask the question "why can't we stop putting ourselves in different classes and just live together as people?" It did a great job at allowing each side of the characters story to be heard and understood.




Best Animated Film: Monsters Inc.
yo have hairy monsters, scaly monsters, slithery monsters, giant monsters, small monsters, firery monsters, slimy monsters, etc etc. they were so many different details to this film im surprised Pixar made it through! Plus, the backgrounds in this film were quality. The snow, the tropics, the bedrooms, the millions of different doors, the factory, etc etc. this film had to animate so many different things, i give it the best animated Pixar Film award.


Best Written Film: Up!
Without a doubt the most complex storyline in Pixars history. This film addresses infertility, death, single parenting, loss of childhood illusions, and the necessities of respecting nature. This was a mature film in it's writing aspects. I would dare say that this was probably the most difficult script for Pixar to write. I certainly hope we see more Pixar films come out with this type of writing in it.

And now
Pixars Best Overall Film:

Monsters Inc.

yes, I did give it the "Best Pixar Film" award. Why? Because it deserves it. I know everyone will have there own personal favorite but in terms of detail, writting, editing, voice talent, direction, transitions, animation, story quality, etc etc etc, it's just without a doubt the best Pixar film to date.

The story is a typical Pixar story (which is in no way a bad thing mind you) where we have a the myth that there is always something out there to get you! But what has been done is taking the stuff children stories are made of and turned them into our worst nightmare! For example, Stephen Kings "IT" takes a clown and makes it a terryfying figure that goes around and kills children. Just think back at hoe many stories your read or seen on the big screen or TV where Childrens tales have been bastardized and made into horror stories.

Monsters Inc. tears away that fear. but not only that, it breaks the myth that Evil is powered by fear. The more you fear it, the more powerful IT becomes. It takes that and shows there is something more powerful than fear and that thing can overcome the evil you fear. It's the best Myth Breaking film ive ever seen! A film for both adults and kids that tells us we don't need to live in fear all the time. I think adults can benefit from this message even more than children can, don't you think?

This film is one I never tire of watching. I think I've watched it 10 times in the last 4 months. It's honestly that good! The casting was superb, Billy Crystal teamed with John Goodman was a match made in heaven. The animation was incredible, how detailed they were about making Sully's hair flow as correctly as possibly with his movements, and how detailed they were about every unrealistic aspect of the movie is just astounding. The Music for the film is my favorite out of all the Pixar films, so much fun to listen to and move to. This and so much more. If I were told I had to get rid of all my Pixar films (because I own them that have come out on DVD) except one, Monsters Inc. would be the one I keep.

Movie Review: UP!

Once again, Pixar brings another fantastic film to the big screen.

Up! is all about Carl Fredricksen, a 78 year old curmudgeonly balloon salesman, is not your average hero. When he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South Africa, he finally fulfills his life long dream of adventure. But after discovering an 8-year-old stowaway named Russell, this unlikely duo soon find themselves on a hilarious journey in a lost world filled with danger and surprises.

I find myself always conflicted with ranking the Pixar films from year to year. Finding Nemo was fantastic, But monsters Inc was better. Wall-E was nothing but fun and cleverness, and the Incredibles was every comic Book fans dream film. Toy Story of course will always be on top because it was the first, the start, the film that put Pixar on the film making map. Pixar, in my own humble opinion has never given us a bad film.
And one thing I think that most of us can agree on is that whenever Pixar comes out with a new film, it's always a delight and worth the money to go see. I would also like to add that I personally believe Pixar makes the best animated films year after year.

for anyone who thinks this is just a goofy story about an old man and a kid and a talking dog, know that this PG-rated children's movie addresses infertility, death, single parenting, loss of childhood illusions, and the necessities of respecting nature. this is deserving of a PG rating because it deals with issues on a much more mature level and there is a lot to be learned from this film, even by your most "mature" adults.

On another level, this film had some very nostalgic issues within it. It's very much like Toy Story in the fact that it was all about wanting to continue with "what once was." Carl was unable to let go of his house, wanted to go on the adventure he and his deceased wife always dreamed of, etc etc etc. Not only that, but on the adventure he meets up with his boyhood hero! This film is nothing but nostalgia at it's best!

This film could arguable be the best Pixar film purely based on it's story telling aspect. I believe Carl is the most complex character that we have ever seen in any Pixar film to date. He starts the movie hellbent on recapturing a dream, literally burdened by his past, but ends up somewhere quite different. It's not just that the adventure opens him up to the world, but Carl makes the choice. He's the ultimate an anti-hero realizing the time has come for him to step up. This story is something I think most young children might have trouble grasping because of the complexity of the story. Even I didn't quite get it once the film was done, at least not entirely. But the message is clear in the end, that none of us want to abandon what is familar to us, but if the time comes where we must, then we must. Carl is my hero!

I also felt is if I was watching a classic film. You know, like films from the early 1940's your parents had you watch as children. I was reminded of The Wizard of Oz or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Films like these that were not concerned with being realistic, rather they were focused on telling a beautiful story built in and around a fantasy world. Films today don;t so this anymore. Yeah you have you're Harry Potter films, Lord of the Rings films, but they are all so dark and over the top. Where are the films that aren't pushing through story so fast that we, the movie watchers, have nothing to grasp onto? The only film I can think of that come close to this is The Purple Rose of Cairo. Up! is the best shout out to all of the classic films that wanted to tell the ultimate fantasy story that I have ever seen.

So don't go to Up! and expect your typical animated family film, because this is far from it. And even though I will always have a special place in my heart of Toy Story and the Incredibles, I would have to say that Up!, in terms of it's story telling aspect, is without a doubt is the best Pixar film, and arguable the best animated film ever made.

5 out of 5 stars