"You mean you killed off real heroes so that you could *pretend* to be one? "

Film: "The Incredibles"

Release Date: 5 November 2004

Director: Brad Bird, Bill Wise

History: "The Incredibles" created new heights fro Pixar and the animation canvas. But to understand how these heights came to be, we'd have to first explore the origins of the film, possibly the oddest origins for a Pixar film to date. Unlike the previous Pixar films, "The Incredibles" was the brain child of established Pixar leadership, but rather started life over at Warner Bros. Feature Animation. Bird had just finished the animated film "The Iron Giant" at Warner and was ready to start work on another idea he had envisioned about a family of super heroes. At that time, Warner wasn't as interested in continuing their new Feature Animation department and rejected Bird's idea. Pixar's John Lasseter, a former classmate of Bird and head of Pixar Animation, was impressed with "The Iron Giant" and welcomed Bird to come over to Pixar with his family of super heroes idea.

It was accepted by Disney and work soon went under way, but not without it's problems. Many classically trained 2D animators around this time period found themselves having to work with 3D animation and it's differences from 2D. Bird was part of this group and his original idea for "The Incredibles" was as a 2D animated film. This lead to huge challenges at Pixar to make this movie. It was the longest Pixar film to date, the first to have an all human cast and had more locations then any of the previous Pixar films to date.

Similar to Andrew Stanton's idea for "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles" original idea came from Bird's desire to be a better father, but finding it hard to balance fatherhood and work. Each of the super powers the Parr family has is a direct relationship to their place in the family. Fathers need to be powerful and strong, so Bob's power is super strength, mother's need to be flexible, hence Helyn Parr's powers, young sons are full of energy moving at what seems to be lightning speed to many parents, just like Dash and most teen girls just want to blend in to the crowd just like Violet's supper power.


Many see this film as the end of an era of sorts for Pixar as it was the last no questions hit with the next few films, while still successful, not as successful as every Pixar film from "Toy Story" to "The Incredibles." While in some ways it may have been the end of an era at Pixar, in other ways it was the beginning of new eras at Pixar, with the sudden new use of human characters being possibly the biggest example of that.

My Reaction: I've always loved super heroes. From Spider-Man (my top fave) to Superman to Batman, what's not to love? So when I first found out that Pixar was entering the world of super heroes, I admit I got a bit excited. Even more so when I found out that "The Iron Giant" director Brad Bird had moved to Pixar and was going to be behind this one.

Then I saw the film. After re-watching it I can honestly say that my opinion hasn't changed much. I love this film, but my biggest let down was "A" that it was a bit longer then I felt it should be and "B" that director Bird decided to bled super heroes with James Bond. Some may have liked the Bond-style stories points and locations, I didn't so much. Don't get me wrong, I loved the family idea behind it and of course the fight at the end and beginning were awesome, but the Bond-style I felt took away a bit from the story.

That said, I loved the characters and really hope they make at least one more film with them, if not two or maybe even three. Unlike a lot of other kinds of stories, I think super heroes films really lend themselves to sequels, like it's almost a necessity. I also loved the animation in this one (it's amazing how far Pixar has come since "Toy Story") and enjoyed the emotional issues facing the main hero, Bob Parr AKA Mr. Incredible. But my most favorite moment may have been towards the end when the last of the Nine Old Men, Olly Johnson and Frank Thomas, made their cameo in the film. I have heard many say that Pixar is the new Disney, and if that is so, how fitting that these great animators who in some ways may have had more to do with building the great Disney legacy then even Walt himself (knock on wood) got to be including in a Pixar film? It's ecpecially cool when you think that not that much after, both men passed away. I for one am happy they got to be in it, even if most people who watched it have no idea who they were and why they should care.


My Wife's Reaction: Again, she seemed to like it.

My Final Grade: (B) I wanted to give this one a higher grade, but it just didn't do it for me as well as past Pixar films did. I realize I may loose what ever audience I have after reading this grade and then seeing my grade for "Cars," which many saw as Pixar's weakest film since "A Bug's Life" (another films I really loved and feel is underrated) but I have to be brutally honest with my thoughts here. Again, had they shortened it a bit and taken out the Bond-like feel, I bet the grade would have been much higher. Don't think that means I'm totally against Bond-like stories, in fact sometimes I like them. I just didn't like them in this film. But of the Pixar films to date, this is the lowest grade I feel any of them deserve, I promise! :D

All images copyright Disney/ Pixar. All rights reserved.

"Put that thing back where it came from or so help me...so help me, so help me AND CUT!"

Film: "Monsters Inc."

Release Date: 2 November 2001

Director: Pete Doctor, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich

History: "Monsters Inc." continued to show the progress of Pixar Animation by being the first film not directed by John Lasseter. It also pushed the technologies to make these kinds of films with how life like the fur on Sulley's body is. Nearing the completion of their first film, 'Toy Story," Pixar's John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Doctor, and the late Joe Ranft held a lunch in 1994 to decide what their next films would be about. From that lunch they came up with what would be a number of their now classic films. The first of these ideas to reach the screen was 1998's "A Bug's Life." "Monsters Inc." became the second to see life on the screen.

Once again scored and with a new song written by Randy Newman, the song "If I didn't Have You" would go on to win the Oscar for best song, which would be Newman first Academy Award. Once again winning critical and box office success, "monsters Inc." continued Pixar's slow dominance of the animation landscape.

But it did have it's controversies. It faced a few lawsuits, the first from Lori Madrid who claimed it ripped off of her 1999 story, There's a Boy in My Closet. The second one was from Stanley Mouse, who claimed the characters of Mike and Sulley were rips from drawings he tried to sell to Hollywood back in 1998. Both lawsuits would be thrown out, but almost delayed the release of the film.

My Reaction: My uncle once told me a few weeks after "Monsters Inc." was released that he felt the only reason it did well was because of 9/11 and the issues of fear the movie deals with. While I some how doubt that was the main reason why it did well, he may have had something there. "Monsters Inc." came out at an interesting time in American history. It was released less then two months after 9/11. The terrorist attacks were still VERY fresh in everyone's minds and fear was very much in the air. It could very well be that with it's story steeped in conquering fear, there was some connection with that statement my uncle made. I could see there being some connection.

Regardless of why it did well, this was a great film with great messages and possibly the BEST and most exciting climax for any Pixar film to date. I remember seeing the doors segment when I saw this movie on the big screen opening day (which started the tradition for me of seeing every Pixar film since on opening day) and thinking they had the making for an amazing ride at a Disney park on their hands. Watching it again reminded me of how cool it was, and also how perfect the ending was.

Based on news feeds, it seems that Pixar is making a sequal to this film. After watching the original again, I'm cautious at best for a follow up. Not because I would not love to re-visit these characters but because I fear it would ruin the ending of the original. I guess time will tell, it is still unknown as of now what Pixar has in mind.


My Wife's Reaction: She seemed to like it and thought Boo was really cute.

My Final Grade: (A-) This film was awesome and had possibly more warmth then the previous three films had. I enjoyed it for the most part and find myself still in amazement of the big final with the door room. The villains just didn't do it for me though. But I loved the Sulley, Mike and Boo, each of them were well developed in my mind.

All images copyright Disney/ Pixar. All rights reserved.

"Ride Like the Wind Bullseye!"

Film: "Toy Story 2"

Release Date: 24 November 1999

Director: John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon

History: The 1999 winner of the Golden Globe for "Best Picture, Musical or Comedy was Pixar Animation's first (and up untill this next summer's "Toy Story 3" and the soon to follow "Cars 2" and "Monster's Inc. 2" only) sequel was almost another one of Disney's direct-to-video films. But after Disney executives saw how impressive the film was shaping up to be and at the urging of Pixar that it be a theatrical film, it ended up just that.

But it also was the first major rift between Pixar and Disney. Pixar had originally had a 3 picture deal with Disney and after the success with "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life," is became a 5 picture deal. But then Disney CEO Michale Eisner felt that "Toy Story 2" didn't count for that arrangement, while Pixar and Pixar CEO Steve Jobs did. This almost lead ultimately to the separation of the two companies, but more on that later with the post for "Cars."

"Toy Story 2" furthered the Pixar success winning over more critical acclaim and far surpassing the original film at the box office with over $245 million domestically, become at the time the second biggest money making animated film, only under "The Lion King." Both films were later passed by "Shrek 2" and "Finding Nemo," but still it was another mega success for Pixar.

While the music was once again written and scored by the very talented Randy Newman, unlike the first film, he doesn't sing a single song. Instead The Riders in the Sky, Sarah McLachlan and the late Robert Goulet do the singing. As well, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen once again voice the main characters as well as the majority of the original voice cast. Joining them for this film is the inclusion of Jodi Benson (of "The Little Mermaid" fame), Joan Cusack (as the new main character of Jessie the Cowgirl), Kelsey Grammer, Estelle Harris and Wayne Knight.


My Reaction: I have heard the old saying in Hollywood about sequels is that they are never as good as the original. That could not possibly be more untrue when it comes to this film. It possibly is my favorite sequel ever! The story was better in my opinion, the characters were spot on and the animation was clearly better then either "Toy Story" or "A Bug's Life." Both of those films, while amazing, do show their age. This one does a better job of hiding it.

I loved seeing Woody and Buzz again and the addition of Jessie and Bullseye were just perfect. I'm really excited to see these characters one more time in "Toy Story 3" later, as well as the answer to the main questions this film raised. What will happen to our heroes when Andy grows up? In this film, Woody had the chance for toy immortality as it turns out he is a very rare and desired toy amongst collectors. But loyalty for both Andy and Buzz and the rest of the toys won out in the end. It will be most interesting to see the out come of Woody's choice this summer.

Further I loved the humor and the "out takes" that both this film and "A Bug's Life" before it had at the end of the film. It was sad that Pixar stopped do that, but they do have similar things for some of their other films later. "Toy Story 2" did a great job of deepening the "Toy Story" universe and finding out even more about both Woody and Buzz. It showed that Pixar is just as amazing at sequels as there are original stories. With their up coming slate of sequels, we'll see if they still have that magic or not.


My Wife's Reaction: Again, she had not seen this since it was in theaters, so it was like she was watching it for the first time again in a way. She laughed at most of the jokes and seemed to enjoy it.

My Final Grade: (A+) This is one of my favorite Pixar films to date. It did a great job of deepening the universe that is "Toy Story" and was just a well told story. We get to see more of the supporting characters then last time, while still getting to know all of the new characters, while still getting to Buzz and Woody better.

All images copyright Disney/ Pixar. All rights reserved.

"Candy Corn! Let me help you to finish it!"

Film: "A Bug's Life"

Release Date: 25 November 1998


Director: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton

History: The second of the Pixar films and sandwiched in between the first two "Toy Story" films, "A Bug's Life" seems to get the short end of the Pixar stick and is often over looked in favor of "Toy Story," "Monster's Inc.," and "Finding Nemo." But "A Bug's Life's" achievements should not be over looked. It was the first non-"Toy Story" Pixar film and it's success proved that Pixar was not just a one trick pony.Making over $160 million domestically and with a ton of high praise from the movie review world, "A Bug's Life" showed it had the right stuff. Which was good as it faced stiff competition form the other "bug" movie "Antz."

There was controversy in the animation world between these two films. Both films seemed very similar to each other and where coming out at the same time. Dreamwork's Jeffrey Katzenberg, who was head of Disney Animation originally left Disney in August of 1994 when "A Bug's Life" director John Lasseter and then Pixar owner Steve Jobs claimed "A Bug's Life" was originally pitched at Disney. Katzenburg claimed "Antz" was pitched to him back in 1991, but there was a "bug" movie in the works at Disney as early as 1988.


Dreamworks was working hard on their first major animated film, "The Prince of Egypt," which was set to be released the same holiday season as "A Bug's Life." Katzenburg asked Pixar to change the release date to "A Bugs Life" to avoid a show down with "The Prince of Egypt." For doing this, he offered to stop production on "Antz." Pixar refused and in response "Antz" was moved up from being released March 1998 to October 1998, right before "A Bug's Life" came out. But despite Dreamworks attempt to derail Pixar, "A Bug's Life" ended up making more money domestically and intentionally then either Dreamworks film.

My Reaction: I have a hard time singling out a single Pixar film as my favorite. It's like deciding who your favorite child is. But, when I get really serious and take off my Pixar Fan Boy glasses, I may have to say in many way this is my favorite Pixar movie. It's almost blasphemy to say that as all the Pixar film are amazing, but there is just something about the story of the out of place ant that sings to me. Maybe it's because I relate rather well to the main character Flick. Just like Flick I find I don't fit in to society. Just like Flick I find that it always seems that the harder I try to fit in, the more i find I really don't. And just like Flick, I find that I let other's doubts and expectations bring me down to the point where I don't life up to my full expectations, yet when I'm able to put all of that aside and just be myself, few could match my ingenuity, creativity and thoughtfulness.

There are so many great lessons to be learned here. Don't let others stand in the way of your dreams, don't let people bully you around, be yourself, loyalty goes a long way and many times what we originally think is a big mistake ends up working out to be the best thing ever. I love how the ants at the end band together to face Hopper. Team work goes a long way it seems. I also love the comedy of errors this film end up to be. At first, both the ants and the circus bugs think the other is something they are not. But, in the end, even when they find out the other is not what they thought they were, they find out the other is what they need. Even though they are not amazing warriors or a high paying gig, they end up playing their weakness as strengths to defeate the grasshoppers. All lessons that many of us need to take to heart.


My Wife's Reaction: This was the second time she ever saw this film, with the first time being when it came out in theaters, so this was her first time seeing it on DVD. She seemed to enjoy it and said she liked it.

My Final Grade: (A) I know there are many who may call it almost blasphemous that I give "A Bug's Life" a higher grade then "Toy Story," but I just feel that this film was more exciting, better told and did a much better job show casing its characters. It did a great job of let us get know more then just Flick and the locations it depicts are just beautiful.

All images copyright Disney/ Pixar. All rights reserved.

"YOU ARE A TOY!"

Film: "Toy Story"

Release Date: 21 November 1995

Director: John Lasseter

History: It's funny to think that back in 1995, no one had ever heard of Pixar or knew that they were an animation studio. Funny to think that a little movie by the name of "Toy Story" was going to start an animation revolution and that that revolution would lead to the future of the entire animation industry!

And yet back in 1995, no one had any idea what this film would do to animation, Hollywood and that Woody and Buzz would be about as big and desired by little children as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh!

So much has been said about this land mark film that grossed $191 million at the Box Office in North America, won 8 Annie Awards (the Animation version o the Oscars), won director and Pixar head John Lasseter a special Oscar "for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film," as well as a number of other awards and honors, that it seems like you can't possibly add any more to say.
Maybe the greatest honor this film received was in 2005 when it was added to the United States Nation Film Registry. The film that put Pixar on the map, it included songs and a movie score written by the legendary Randy Newman (who would go on to do the same to a number of other Pixar films) with voice talents by top Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.


It's interesting to note that while Lasseter always wanted Hanks for the role of the pull string cowboy, Allen wasn't the first choice for the space ranger. Comedian Billy Crystal was originally given the chance to play Buzz, but turned it down. He later voiced Mike Wazowski in Pixar's later film "Monster's Inc." Allen, who at the time was on top of the entertainment world as Tim Taylor on the top rated show "Home Improvement" was offered the role by then Disney Exec Jeffery Katzenburg.

Besides being written by Pixar royalty John Lasseter (the director, as well as director of "Toy Story 2," "A Bug's Life," "Cars" and being the head of Pixar and now Disney Animation), Pete Doctor (who later directed "Monster's Inc" and "Up"), Andrew Stanton (who later directed "Finding Nemo," and "Wall-E"), and Joe Ranft (who was the story man for every Pixar film from "Toy Story" to "Cars" as well as the voice of such characters as Heimlich the Caterpillar from "A Bug's Life," and Wheezy the Penguin in "Toy Story 2"), the film was also written by fan boy favorite Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and director for the up coming Marvel film "The Avengers") and Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, who would go one to write a number of family friendly films, including this film's sequel.

It's success would be what forged the Pixar/ Disney relationship with what originally was a three movie deal that ultimately ended up being a merger and a very successful partnership. Many have pointed out that without Pixar, Disney just would not make any money at the box office with animation as most of their in-house projects have not done as well the last decade or so. Many also have found similarities with Lasseter and the great Walt Disney. Either way, this film kicked off what has become the greatest success story in Hollywood history with 10 films make to date and all 10 winning box office gold and critical acclaim, with most likely an eleventh hit this summer with this films second sequel, "Toy Story 3."


My Reaction: I love "Toy Story." Not because of all the awards and honors it has received over the years. Not because it made a bunch of money. Not because it was the first computer animated film or the first film from Pixar, who has earned my fandom a zillion times over. But because of how simple it actually is. How much I find myself resonating with main characters Buzz and Woody. These guys have the ultimate love/ hate relationship, something I know a thing or two about have two younger brothers.

"Toy Story" came at an interesting time in my life. I have always loved animation and wanted to be an animator. In my adult life, that dream has not yet happened, and I wonder if it actually ever will, but this film blew me away so much that at the time I had to be an animator. It was just so amazing all the colors and the sounds and the characters and story. I wanted so bad to be part of that world.

Looking back on it now, while maybe clearly the animation isn't as good as what one would find today (most animated films will have this problem ultimately), I still find myself getting giddy when I see it. It brings me back to when I was a kid, bot watching this film in the theaters for the first time and when I would play with my own toys and wonder if they came to life when I left. I think most kids think that sometime or another, so the fact that that theme is present is just perfect.

Other themes from this film, some I figured out were there as an adult include feelings of being left out or behind, dealing with jealousy, the value of not jumping to conclusions, taking care of what you have, being ok with yourself and who you are, the value of friendship and team work, trust, love and leadership. Mostly you have two characters who come to terms not only with reality and who they are and their role in that reality, but that they really need each other. But, they have to learn this the hard way.


I love how before they can bond together as best of friends, first they have to learn about themselves as individuals and figure some things out, then and only then can they take their whole selves and become a team. Buzz and Woody, while maybe being toys, are very human. By watching their struggles and adventures, we can learn more about what it means to be human as well as how important it is that we let other people into our lives.

I love how the other toys learn lessons too. Villain Sid learns to take better care of what he has, his toys learn to stand up for themselves, and Andy's toys learn to not jump to conclusions. It was also fun looking for all the details that are part of every Pixar film. Fans of Tim Allen's "Home Improvement" will spot a fun nod to the show at the end of the film. Pay close attention to what brand is on the tool box that hold Woody in the blue crate at the end of the movie. Also pay close attention to the books behind Woody at the beginning of the film. The titles on the books are every Pixar short to that point. Besides fun Easter eggs is the great detail put into things like marks on the base board in Andy's room, or how many scuff marks are on Sid's desk.

It is also fun to note that Buzz got his name from real life astronaut Buzz Aldrin. This movie will always have a soft spot in my heart. Watching it again reminded me how much fun it is too, and yet how much warmth it has. Truly this film is an amazing achievement. I could not imagine a World any more without Buzz and Woody in it.

My Wife's Reaction: "I like this movie." "Sid's door is gross!"

My Final Grade: (A-) This film in my mind was really strong on character at least where the starts Buzz and Woody are concerned defiantly. The story is well told, but as amazing as the film is, I just couldn't give it any higher then an A- for my grade. It felt stiff and sluggish at times, but that in part may be because the animation was so new at the time and since it has gotten a lot better. I wish we had seen more of the supporting characters in this one.

All images copyright Disney/ Pixar. All rights reserved.

The start of a grand adventure!

I guess to start off with, for anyone who really knows me, they know I am a huge Disney and Pixar fan. I own every animated film and dream of maybe one day working on one of those films. I even have Mickey Ears on my wedding ring! While that dream may be become less likely over time, what isn't less likely is that my fandom will ever change! I love animation and these guys are the best.

Well, after just getting married I decided it's time to do something that I've wanted to do for a long time: watch ever Disney and Pixar film in order subsequently. Now I view the Pixar films as a different group from the Disney ones, and as "Toy Story 3" is coming to theaters soon, I thought me and my wife would start off watching the Pixar films first to go into "TS3."

We are planing on watch each film which in the Summer, but I want to kick it up a notch and shoot for before my birthday, which is July 12. I thought it would be fun if I blogged about each film after I watched it. It would be a way for me to share my thoughts and to share it with whoever may be interested in this little undertaking.

The current list of films are as follows:

Pixar Collection:

1990's:

Toy Story (1995)
A Bug's Life (1998)
Toy Story 2 (1999)

2000's:

Monster's Inc. (2001)
Finding Nemo (2003)
The Incredibles (2004)
Cars (2006)
Ratatouille (2007)
Wall-E (2008)
Up (2009)

2010's:

Toy Story 3 (2010) - Note: this film will be watched in theaters as part of this, NOT on DVD.

Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection

1930's:

Snow White (1937)

1940's:

Pinocchio (1940)
Fantasia (1940)
Dumbo (1941)
Bambi (1942)
Saludio Amigos (1943)
The Three Caballeros (1945)
Make Mine Music (1946)
Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
Melody Time (1948)
Ichbod and Mr. Toad (1949)

1950's:

Cinderella (1950)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Peter Pan (1953)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)

1960's:

101 Datamations (1961)
Sword in the Stone (1963)
Jungle Book (1967)

1970's:

Aristocats (1970)
Robin Hood (1973)
Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Rescuers (1977)

1980's:

Fox and the Hound (1981)
Black Cauldron (1985)
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Oliver and Co. (1988)
Little Mermaid (1989)

1990's:

Rescuer Down Under (1990)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Aladdin (1992)
The Lion King (1994)
Pocahontas (1995)
Hunchback of Noter Dame (1996)
Hercules (1997)
Mulan (1998)
Tarzan (1999)

2000's:

Fantasia 2000 (2000)
Dinosaur (2000)
Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Atlantis (2001)
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Treasure Planet (2002)
Brother Bear (2003)
Home on the Range (2004)
Chicken Little (2005)
Meet the Robinson (2007)
Bolt (2008)
Princess and the Frog (2009)

2010's:

Tangled (2010) - Note: This film will be released in theaters Holidy 2010 as as such will be seen in theaters for this and NOT on DVD. As well because it is so far off, it technically is not part of this, but there will be an entry later anyway.