Monday, July 24, 2017

Disney Pixar's Cars 3: Movie Review by Jonathan K

I would like to say a few words about Disney Pixar’s Cars 3.

Pixar knows how to make the feels. They draw you in with a simple story about relatable characters who you grow to care about in a short amount of time.

There I was in the theatre today, caring about an annoying yellow car, caring about her hopes and failures, hoping for her dreams and disappointments.



There I was in the theatre feeling all sorts of things about aging, relevance, belonging, priorities and friendship, while listening to a captivating score by Randy Newman. (At several times, his score reminded me of all the good parts of the Toy Story soundtracks.)

Yes, the animation is gorgeous because they pile tens of millions of dollars into it. Yes, in the back of my minds, I know Disney just wants to make me feel good so they can make more money from me (and like they need any more!).  But this is such high quality storytelling, it almost makes me forgive them for their blatant lack of respect for their fans in many a dodgy direct-to-DVD sequel and slap-dash licensed merchandise (and for ditching the Chronicles of Narnia franchise, but that’s another blog…).

This film is the best of the Cars trilogy. After the Best Picture Oscar-nominated Toy Story 3 and now this wonderful Cars 3, I am in high hopes for any future movie Pixar makes as a third instalment in a series. As a cute child said to me when I worked in a school, “I’ve seen Finding Dory, and Finding Nemo, but I haven’t seen Finding Marlin!”

If you’re reading this, John Lasseter, I will definitely pay to see Finding Marlin, should you ever discover the future classic story that you will tell about Marlin and his family.

I am aware this is a glowing review. But I could not find fault with Cars 3.

And don’t even get me started on the accompanying short, “Lou”, which I enjoyed the most out of any Pixar short since Partysaurus Rex and Day & Night. I hope you enjoy it like I do. Seriously good. Just see it.


Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Iron Giant: Movie Review by Jonathan K

I watched The Iron Giant today and I enjoyed it greatly! This was a 1999 Warner Bros. animated film which was recommended by Josh Lindsay and Skye Jethani on The Movie Proposal Podcast on YouTube. I had never seen it before. I had hardly heard of this film until recent years. 
The animation is bold, crisp and well-acted. Most of the visuals are traditional animation and I believe the Giant is CGI. The film looks very expensive because the animation is such good quality. Events like snow and sunset are used to good effect.

The score is practical, purposeful and carried me along the journey. I gladly went for the ride.
It was a pleasant surprise to see that Jennifer Aniston acted as the voice of Hogarth's mother. She did a good job of the worried mother without being cliched. The Friends sitcom was airing at this time, and was also produced by Warner Bros.. This makes me wonder if Aniston had a role in animated film as part of her contract with Warner Bros.. The actor voicing the boy called Hogarth did well too. The execution of his character would have been a stereotype of a young boy, except for the innocence and depth that the actor brings to the part.
The story of The Iron Giant is a strong, simple, meaningful story which is strongly and confidently told by Brad Bird. I know he also directed a couple of Pixar Films, and the panned Tomorrowland. I can see how he was given large projects, given how he handled this modest one with such superior storytelling skill.