© Disney/Pixar
Sure, there have been lots of stories written and films made about characters dreaming the impossible dream—longing to do something with their lives beyond their “directive,” (to quote our last fascinating character’s film) but the magic of the third most fascinating animated character on my list is that he is following his directive; he is using what he has (amazing sense of smell and taste) to its full potential. Oh, and also that he is a rat who loves to cook.
© Warner Bros.
We’re stoked about the news that Warner Bros. is screening a “signature edition” (aka special edition) of their 1999 animated classic The Iron Giant in theaters this fall and that a new Digital HD release of the film is on the way, too. Two new scenes have been added to this new “signature edition” print.
© Disney
Disclaimer: Brad Bird is one of my favorite writers/directors OAT—I’m certainly not unique in that regard—so, YES, I wanted to love Tomorrowland long before I saw it. I think that when an artist I oh-so greatly admire believes as strongly in something they’ve created as Bird seems to, I am obligated to try and really grasp their vision before I dismiss it as “muddled” or “preachy,” which are some of the nicer criticisms being spewed about the film. Of course, it is also crucial in forming meaningful opinions to step back and take in the art as executed: the good, the bad and the Clooney.
Today marks ten years since the release of a film that is not only a phenomenal accomplishment in the realm of animation, but is perhaps the greatest superhero movie of all time. Too much? Not even close! The story Brad Bird developed has profundity effervescing from practically every line of dialogue. The film’s messages against praising mediocrity and of promoting heroism, duty and family resound as relevant and revivifying in our squishy, politically correct world. I could go on for two and a half years about how much I think of this film, but I may lose a few of you in my philosophical musings along the way. You got me monologuing!
What a Tease! Inside Out Trailer is as Dazzling as it is Devoid of Plot, per the norm for Pixar.
Though they didn’t invent the practice, Pixar has certainly done a lot to raise the bar of what a teaser trailer should be over the last twenty years. After watching the much-anticipated teaser trailer for Pixar’s fifteenth full length feature film, Inside Out, it got me thinking about the ways Pixar has messed with our minds over the decades and how (literally) they are doing it again.
The Walt Disney Studios, which was conspicuously absent from San Diego Comic-Con this summer, is going to be presenting at New York Comic Con this year instead. On the schedule for Thursday, October 9th is a presentation which will highlight two upcoming films: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new feature Big Hero 6 and Disney’s live-action sci-fi pic Tomorrowland.
Our friends at The Walt Disney Studios reminded us that this is the final weekend for a couple of great promotions they have been running with their terrific Disney Movies Anywhere app.
We love the incredible and highly collectible posters, shirts, and other fantastic items from Mondo. The talented folks there have outdone themselves again by introducing a new collectible toy line which will debut this week at the Mondo booth (#835) at San Diego Comic-Con.
So June 29, 2007 doesn’t sound like that long ago, but along with being the release date of Pixar’s 8th feature film, Ratatouille, this was also the day that the first iPhone came out. Crazy, right? I can’t imagine life without iPhones—and I can’t imagine a Pixar repertoire without Remy and Linguini. Not since Lady and the Tramp’s spaghetti scene has such delectable food and atmosphere been shown in an animated film. However, it wasn’t always peaches and cream for this culinary classic.
Pixar Animation Studios fans had a major reason to rejoice this past week with the announcement of a long-awaited and long-dreamed-of sequel to the fan favorite film The Incredibles. Disney CEO Bob Iger made the announcement at The Walt Disney Company Annual Shareholders Meeting held this year in Portland, Oregon. Also announced at the meeting was another sequel to Pixar’s wildly successful (if not as beloved to adult animation fans) Cars franchise.
Animation Fascination 