Pixar’s Lightyear movie trailers built up anticipation for a film about the “real” Buzz Lightyear. Featuring the deeply resonating music of David Bowie coupled with wondrously beautiful visuals, the hype was understandably palpable. The generation spanning popularity of Toy Story’s toy based Buzz presented a unique opportunity for the filmmakers to exceed lofty expectations. Instead, the creative team played it safe.
Pixar
Toy Story 4 Trailer hints at Existential Crisis
Toy Story 4, a movie about the meaning of life? That’s the implied story arc in the new movie trailer. Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the whole gang return for another fun yet emotionally-packed adventure. Considering the first movie came out in 1995, the Toy Story franchise spans generations.
Cars 3 Makes Audiences Feel Old
Disney-Pixar’s eagerly anticipated release of Cars 3 arrived last weekend. Much like Toys 3 emphasized the passage of of time, so too does this feature film. Lightning McQueen, race car extraordinaire, finds himself facing obsolescence. Audiences expecting a feel-good comeback story might be surprised.
Short Film Spotlight – Borrowed Time
It’s rare to include Pixar Animation Studios and distressing in the same sentence. Yet Pixar animators Lou Hamou-Lhadj and Andrew Coats have independently teamed up to create an exceedingly harrowing short film called Borrowed Time. The story wades deeply into the realm of loss and mourning. Borrowed Time has toured film festivals receiving critical acclaim. It’s now available for a limited time on Vimeo.
Finding Dory
Disney-Pixar’s Finding Dory didn’t need to provide audiences a compelling reason to come see the movie. After all, it was the sequel to the beloved Finding Nemo. Yet as many in the movie business will attest, making a great sequel is not easy. Sure there are numerous examples of sequels being superior to the original. Alas, Finding Dory, although a cute movie, is not one of them.
Monsters University Review: LIke comfort food for the cinema
Over the years, Pixar Studios has earned the trust of parents with their witty, visually compelling, and often poignant animated movies. They have become a stalwart ally for entertaining kids of all ages. Even Pixar Studios being acquired by Disney seemed to be an inspired choice. Yet with the trend towards producing sequels taking root at Pixar, one has to wonder whether the focus on creativity has been replaced by maximizing profitability. Nonetheless, the recently released “Monsters University”, much like comfort food, will delight and satisfy even the most cynical appetites.
Disney Pixar “Monsters University” Press Event at 2013 NY Toy Fair
Despite cold rain, slush, and an overcrowded Metro North commute into Manhattan, we gladly made our way to the Jacob Javits Center to attend a Disney Pixar “Monsters University” Press event at the 2013 NY Toy Fair. Although one of the featured attendees, Billy Crystal, was absent, John Goodman was on hand to discuss reprising his role of Sully. We also received a firsthand look at the latest “Monsters University” toy lineup to be released in conjunction with the movie.
Toyz Noize
One of the wonderful aspects of creativity is how it seamlessly blends into other genres or inspires new ones. Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, a beloved animated feature, is transformed in this music video by Pogo into a work of art unto itself.
Be sure to check out Pogo’s musical take on the animated featured UP called Upular as well.
How to Train Your Dragon
The level of popularity of fictional monsters can often be measured by what’s trendy at the moment (think vampires for example). Yet without question, Dragons are eternally cool. These legendary creatures, usually possessing some reptilian or serpentine traits. hold a prominent place in the mythology of cultures throughout the world. The common European version, usually a large fire breathing reptilian beast with bat like wings and a bad attitude, continue to captivate the imagination of children and adults alike. Typically Dragons take on the role of nemesis. More importantly they embody a rite of passage one must face and conquer in order to fulfill one’s destiny. The Dreamworks Studios new animated feature film, “How to Train Your Dragon”, presents a coming of age tale with a delightfully modern twist as its reluctant hero battles the unexpected in his quest for acceptance. Read on for the review and the essentials you need to know about “How to Train Your Dragon.”