Pixar's Cars

[stevew]

First let me preface this by saying that I'm as big of a Pixar mark as anyone. I own all the movies on DVD, and have seen most of them in the theatre, as well.

However, I gotta say, the more trailers/ads I see for this movie, the more ASS it looks like. The one tow truck character is cringe worthy, like an ill advised parody of "dumb southerners" or something to that effect anyways.

Maybe when it comes out, it will get glowing reviews, maybe my impression about the trailers is off base. But I can't see how this thing got greenlit, based on it's concept.

I'm sure it will still gross a ton, as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Considering that the tow truck is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, I think it's pretty much supposed to be a tongue in cheek parody.

[JeeberD]

The trailers I've seen have given me no desire to watch the movie...

[oliegirl]

That was my thought too...from what I'd seen of the commercials each car is an obvious parody of the "typical" kinds of cars...the muscle car, the clunker/junker, the race car, etc...I think it looks like it will be cute.

[stevew]

Considering that the tow truck is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, I think it's pretty much supposed to be a tongue in cheek parody.

Well, that explains that a bit better.

[Mustang]

In previous movie trailers for Pixar, I've always found something to laugh at.. Unfortunately, for Cars, I didn't.

[VPI97]

I'm looking forward to taking my son to see it...since he's a maniac when it comes to his matchbox cars, this movie is the biggest thing that's happened in his four years.

The one tow truck character is cringe worthy, like an ill advised parody of "dumb southerners" or something to that effect anyways.
That's his favorite one from the previews...don't know why, but it is.

[KWhit]

All I know is that I've been happy with all of Pixar's movies so far (although Monsters, Inc. was a bit of a disappointment) and my son is absolutely dying to go see it.

He's not quite 2 years old yet and this is the first movie he's ever anticipated pre-release. I'm not sure if he really gets what that means yet, but he knows about the movie (he has a toy version of the truck and we go to the website almost every day) and he knows we're going to go see it soon.

It's kind of cool to see him excited about it.

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

Im sick of these dumb movies, they had an excellent parody on one episode of the Simpsons with playing cards as a premise. That will probably be next. Its like they pick some subject, usually animals, get some famous voices, and inject the movie with alot of innuendo or inside jokes only adults would get. It seem cars is more kid oriented though.

[Anthony]

Im sick of these dumb movies, they had an excellent parody on one episode of the Simpsons with playing cards as a premise. That will probably be next. Its like they pick some subject, usually animals, get some famous voices, and inject the movie with alot of innuendo or inside jokes only adults would get. It seem cars is more kid oriented though.

i agree with this. this is one part of parenting i dread - having to take my kids to these retarded movies. ugh.

[stevew]

i agree with this. this is one part of parenting i dread - having to take my kids to these retarded movies. ugh.

Thus far the Pixar ones specifically haven't been retarded. Well, up until this point, anyways.

[Warhammer]

Im sick of these dumb movies, they had an excellent parody on one episode of the Simpsons with playing cards as a premise. That will probably be next. Its like they pick some subject, usually animals, get some famous voices, and inject the movie with alot of innuendo or inside jokes only adults would get. It seem cars is more kid oriented though.

You sure you're not mixing up Pixar with Dreamworks? That sounds a lot like Dreamworks MO.

Finding Nemo, Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Toy Story 2 are all excellent movies. Monsters, Inc. was good, not great. Madagascar, Antz, The Emperor's New Groove (Disney), and Lilo & Stitch (Disney) are cringeworthy.

What makes a good movie like this is one that is made for adults. When they are made for kids, every one cringes.

[KWhit]

The Pixar movies are outstanding, IMO, at least as far as "family" films go. They are head and shoulders above other G-rated movies.

Toy Story especially is an excellent film in every way. The writing is top-notch, it is absolutely stunning to look at, and the creative way that it was directed (shot selection, voice acting, etc) is seldom matched in any genre, live action or not.

My son watches it 3-4 times a week (so I do too) and I have yet to get sick of it. I am constantly surprised by a nuance I hadn't noticed before. Sounds impossible for a kiddie movie, but it's true.

[stevew]

The Pixar movies are outstanding, IMO, at least as far as "family" films go. They are head and shoulders above other G-rated movies.

Toy Story especially is an excellent film in every way. The writing is top-notch, it is absolutely stunning to look at, and the creative way that it was directed (shot selection, voice acting, etc) is seldom matched in any genre, live action or not.

My son watches it 3-4 times a week (so I do too) and I have yet to get sick of it. I am constantly surprised by a nuance I hadn't noticed before. Sounds impossible for a kiddie movie, but it's true.
Yes, I totally agree with you. You see the movie 4-5 times, and then you notice some minor detail you missed, like for example the "Binford Tools" tool box.

The only possible reason Cars might be good is that Lasseter is directing. My 7 year old is into movies, and she hasn't expressed much desire in seeing it after seeing some commercials for it, of yet anyways. But she wants to go see Over the Hedge, and we'll probably go this weekend.

[panerd]

i agree with this. this is one part of parenting i dread - having to take my kids to these retarded movies. ugh.

Bill Mahar said it great on one of his rants and I won't be able to say it as eliquently but here is the gist. He asked what the deal is with parents who think they are little kids. He said his dad did a good job and took him to movies and birthday parties but at least he didn't hide that he hated it. He can't stand people who actually act like they enjoy parties with a bunch of 5 year olds or cartoon movies like "Cars". The mom who is friends and goes out teepeeing with her 11-year old's slumber party. It's time to be a parent and not a friend, the youth of today could sure use a few more parents.

[FrogMan]

i agree with this. this is one part of parenting i dread - having to take my kids to these retarded movies. ugh.

There is much worse to parenting that cringeworthy, retarded movies, believe me...

Way I see it with most of these movies is this way: if it makes my kid laugh and have a good time, it's good enough for me.

FM

[KWhit]

Bill Mahar said it great on one of his rants and I won't be able to say it as eliquently but here is the gist. He asked what the deal is with parents who think they are little kids. He said his dad did a good job and took him to movies and birthday parties but at least he didn't hide that he hated it. He can't stand people who actually act like they enjoy parties with a bunch of 5 year olds or cartoon movies like "Cars". The mom who is friends and goes out teepeeing with her 11-year old's slumber party. It's time to be a parent and not a friend, the youth of today could sure use a few more parents.

Yeah. Liking Pixar movies is being a bad parent.

Okay.

:rolleyes:

[VPI97]

Bill Mahar said it great on one of his rants and I won't be able to say it as eliquently but here is the gist. He asked what the deal is with parents who think they are little kids. He said his dad did a good job and took him to movies and birthday parties but at least he didn't hide that he hated it. He can't stand people who actually act like they enjoy parties with a bunch of 5 year olds or cartoon movies like "Cars". The mom who is friends and goes out teepeeing with her 11-year old's slumber party. It's time to be a parent and not a friend, the youth of today could sure use a few more parents.
Your case is hurt by the fact that Bill Maher is a douchebag.

[panerd]

Yeah. Liking Pixar movies is being a bad parent.

Okay.

:rolleyes:

Yeah, I said you were a bad parent. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[panerd]

Your case is hurt by the fact that Bill Maher is a douchebag.

I am not a big fan of his political rants, but he is spot on with our war on drugs and family values.

[KWhit]

Yeah, I said you were a bad parent. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Not me specifically, but you seemed to be implying (through your support of Maher's rant) that parents who enjoy watching cartoon movies with their kids are bad parents. At least that's what the quote below says to me. It equates enjoying a movie with your child with going out and teepeeing a house - which is dumb.

He can't stand people who actually act like they enjoy parties with a bunch of 5 year olds or cartoon movies like "Cars". The mom who is friends and goes out teepeeing with her 11-year old's slumber party. It's time to be a parent and not a friend, the youth of today could sure use a few more parents.

[cthomer5000]

The Pixar movies are outstanding, IMO, at least as far as "family" films go. They are head and shoulders above other G-rated movies.

Toy Story especially is an excellent film in every way. The writing is top-notch, it is absolutely stunning to look at, and the creative way that it was directed (shot selection, voice acting, etc) is seldom matched in any genre, live action or not.

My son watches it 3-4 times a week (so I do too) and I have yet to get sick of it. I am constantly surprised by a nuance I hadn't noticed before. Sounds impossible for a kiddie movie, but it's true.

I think The Incredibles is one of the best movies released in the last 10 years, period. Not animated movies, not kids movies, but simply one of the best movies.

All of Pixar's stuff has been good up to this point. I think Cars will be a dud, and i'm certain it's because this was going to be the last film under their contract with Disney. I think they just went ahead with less than their best, and probably have something good cooked up for what they had expected to be their first independent release.

[Marc Vaughan]

Personally I'm going to be dragging my kids to see this movie - I thought the trailers looked cool although I'd be amazed if it tops the Incredibles and/or Shrek both of which were awesome imho ....

[Glengoyne]

All I know is that I've been happy with all of Pixar's movies so far (although Monsters, Inc. was a bit of a disappointment) and my son is absolutely dying to go see it.

He's not quite 2 years old yet and this is the first movie he's ever anticipated pre-release. I'm not sure if he really gets what that means yet, but he knows about the movie (he has a toy version of the truck and we go to the website almost every day) and he knows we're going to go see it soon.

It's kind of cool to see him excited about it.

This is where I'm at with our two year old son. He is enamored with all things motorized. Living on a ranch with tractors and other heavy equipment, he gets to see and ride on more than his fair share. He gets excited when he sees the commercial, and I honestly can't wait to see how he does at the theatre. I didn't realize that there were any toys out for this already. I'll have to check that out.

[JonInMiddleGA]

On a brief tangent, I was a little disappointed with Over the Hedge last weekend. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great IMO. I actually enjoyed The Wild more, just simply thought it was funnier more often.

[JonInMiddleGA]

This is where I'm at with our two year old son. He is enamored with all things motorized.

Has he discovered Monster Jam (and other monster trucks et al) yet?
I think somewhere between 2 & 3 is where mine got seriously into watching those & it really hasn't faded yet.

[KWhit]

On a brief tangent, I was a little disappointed with Over the Hedge last weekend. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great IMO. I actually enjoyed The Wild more, just simply thought it was funnier more often.

Agreed with the so-so reaction to Over the Hedge. It was just okay. But my son absolutely loved it.

[stevew]

On a brief tangent, I was a little disappointed with Over the Hedge last weekend. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great IMO. I actually enjoyed The Wild more, just simply thought it was funnier more often.

I never even thought of going to The Wild, as it just looked too much like Madagascar. Ice Age 2 was solid. I'm not expecting too much out of Over the Hedge, unlike Cars, I thought the trailer had a few funny parts though.

[VPI97]

This is where I'm at with our two year old son. He is enamored with all things motorized. Living on a ranch with tractors and other heavy equipment, he gets to see and ride on more than his fair share. He gets excited when he sees the commercial, and I honestly can't wait to see how he does at the theatre. I didn't realize that there were any toys out for this already. I'll have to check that out.
We were at the grocery store yesterday and had to buy my son Frosted Flakes because they're now coming with a Cars character in each box. He's never tried them before, but he wanted to eat the whole box for dinner last night so he could get a another one. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

I never even thought of going to The Wild, as it just looked too much like Madagascar.

Agreed re:Madagascar ... except that I never actually saw it (making Wild much more interesting). I don't remember what I was doing or how it came about but somehow it worked out that my wife took him to Madagascar solo.

And Ice Age 2 was indeed a worthy follow-up to the original.

[gstelmack]

Movies my 3-year-old has in her rotation (she watches to death for a week or two, then switches to another, and inevitably comes back):

Madagascar (#1 big-time)
Pooh's Heffalump Movie (and the Heffalump Halloween)
Finding Nemo (her original must-watch-all-the-time DVD)
Ice Age (aka "Manny the Elephant")
Cinderella
Bambi
Bambi II (actually replacing Bambi now)
Chicken Little
Brother Bear
Tarzan II (aka "Zugor!")
Aladdin (aka "Jasmine" or "Whole New World")
Monsters, Inc (aka "Sully")

I expect Curious George to work its way in here once that gets released; she loved it in the theater. And she is gung-ho for "Cars" once it is released. Something in the previews has grabbed her attention.

[Fonzie]

I think The Incredibles is one of the best movies released in the last 10 years, period. Not animated movies, not kids movies, but simply one of the best movies.

Agreed. The Incredibles was an an astoundingly good movie on many levels. My 3 year-old watches it (or parts of it) several times per week, and neither my wife nor I are sick of it.

All of Pixar's stuff has been good up to this point. I think Cars will be a dud, and i'm certain it's because this was going to be the last film under their contract with Disney. I think they just went ahead with less than their best, and probably have something good cooked up for what they had expected to be their first independent release.

I have a (perhaps misplaced) feeling that we'll be surprised at how good Cars is, if only because Pixar cares about their reputation. They've got some great voice talent lined up, so as long as they take care of the writing (which they always seem to do), they'll be set. Anyway, I hope that's the case. I love Pixar and want to see them continue with their string of successes.

[Ksyrup]

I never even thought of going to The Wild, as it just looked too much like Madagascar.

Yeah, it's like Antz versus Bug's Life. A race to the theater with the same concept.

[Warhammer]

Movies my 3-year-old has in her rotation (she watches to death for a week or two, then switches to another, and inevitably comes back):

Madagascar (#1 big-time)
Pooh's Heffalump Movie (and the Heffalump Halloween)
Finding Nemo (her original must-watch-all-the-time DVD)
Ice Age (aka "Manny the Elephant")
Cinderella
Bambi
Bambi II (actually replacing Bambi now)
Chicken Little
Brother Bear
Tarzan II (aka "Zugor!")
Aladdin (aka "Jasmine" or "Whole New World")
Monsters, Inc (aka "Sully")

I expect Curious George to work its way in here once that gets released; she loved it in the theater. And she is gung-ho for "Cars" once it is released. Something in the previews has grabbed her attention.


That list makes me glad I have my kids, our rotation is:

Star Wars
Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Clone Wars vol. 1
Clone Wars vol. 2
The Incredibles
Toy Story
Finding Nemo
Bug's Life
Wallace & Gromit - Curse of the Wererabbit, or the one with their shorts

Plus, everytime we get in the car we listen to:

Wierd Al Yankovic - Dare to be Stupid
Star Wars Box Set (typically RotJ)
Queen - Classic Queen

[Butter]

I think I just hate Larry the Cable Guy so much that I disliked the previews because of his voice presence. But I can't imagine not seeing it, since my 2 boys love going to the movies so much.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Plus, everytime we get in the car we listen to:
Wierd Al Yankovic - Dare to be Stupid
Star Wars Box Set (typically RotJ)
Queen - Classic Queen

Heh, I'm very happy to report that the past 3 weeks, everytime we've gotten in the car & he's fired up the DVD player it's been Iron Maiden:Visions of the Beast :D

My wife, on the other hand, is less than thrilled by his choice.

[stevew]

I think I just hate Larry the Cable Guy so much that I disliked the previews because of his voice presence. But I can't imagine not seeing it, since my 2 boys love going to the movies so much.

Don't lie, I saw you in line for the Health Inspector movie.

[FrogMan]

That list makes me glad I have my kids, our rotation is:

Star Wars
Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Clone Wars vol. 1
Clone Wars vol. 2
The Incredibles
Toy Story
Finding Nemo
Bug's Life
Wallace & Gromit - Curse of the Wererabbit, or the one with their shorts

Plus, everytime we get in the car we listen to:

Wierd Al Yankovic - Dare to be Stupid
Star Wars Box Set (typically RotJ)
Queen - Classic Queen

and your kids are 3 years old???

I've not seen many 3 years old interested in Star Wars and clone wars and such.

FM

[Karlifornia]

I don't have kids so I don't have any reason to see this. Ooooh! Do you adults "get it"? The female car just said "You could rear-end my trunk anytime!" Do you get it? That means the female car wants to have car sex with the male car! And the kids next to us are none-the-wiser!! Isn't it great? Hopefully, the next joke will be a crack about colonoscopies, interspersed with the dumb car farting a lot.

[Warhammer]

and your kids are 3 years old???

I've not seen many 3 years old interested in Star Wars and clone wars and such.

FM

Not 3, 4. The 18 month old even gets in on the action when we're in the car, but he hasn't seen the movies yet. I turn Star Wars on in the car, and he starts dancing. Its also the best music to put him to sleep late at night coming home from a family dinner.

The 4 year old can tell the difference between Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Phantom Menace CDs! :eek:

Their favorite thing to play is lightsabers where both of my boys come after me with lightsabers. I get the super deluxe one we gave Anthony for Christmas that I can turn into Darth Maul's lightsaber. What is funny is when Alex (18 month old) whips Anthony's butt! :D

[stevew]

So it looks like this will open in the range of 70 million. The subsequent trailers for this movie make it look better than i had previously thought. We might go check it out tonight at the cheap theatre, my 7 year old really wants to see it.

[Logan]

I missed this thread the first time around, but I'm surprised people didn't think this would do well. I read an article a few weeks ago that predicted this would be the 2nd largest gross of the summer, behind Superman Returns.

[Cringer]

A year ago when they started showing short previews for this movie I thought it would be horrible.

Last night we went and saw it because the kid said she had been waiting her whole life for this. I still wasn't sure if this would be any good and I usually enjoy these movies.

Well, I have to say that it was one of te better movies I have seen in a while. Not one of the better kids movies, or anything like that. I actually really enjoyed this movie. I am not sure what it was about it that I like so much to be honest. The story was good, but nothing real original thats for sure. Seeing everything 'alive' is pretty cool, from the helicopters and planes, to forklifts. Nothing seemed over done. Tom Mator, the tow truck character ripped on a little here was a pretty funny character and never really overdone IMO.

Just a damn good movie I think, I enjoyed it more then any of the other movies I have been to recently.

[Oilers9911]

i agree with this. this is one part of parenting i dread - having to take my kids to these retarded movies. ugh.

So you do realize that these movies are aimed at kids. I think calling a movie for children retarted is pretty.....retarted itself.

[oliegirl]

That list makes me glad I have my kids, our rotation is:

Star Wars
Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Clone Wars vol. 1
Clone Wars vol. 2
The Incredibles
Toy Story
Finding Nemo
Bug's Life
Wallace & Gromit - Curse of the Wererabbit, or the one with their shorts

Plus, everytime we get in the car we listen to:

Wierd Al Yankovic - Dare to be Stupid
Star Wars Box Set (typically RotJ)
Queen - Classic Queen


Both those lists make me thankful for Anthony's list:

Pirates of the Carribean
All 4 Harry Potter Movies
National Treasure
The Incredibles
Madagascar
Finding Nemo

The list used to be a lot longer but now he is more interested in playing outside than in sitting in front of the tv - thank goodness...

[MrBug708]

You sure you're not mixing up Pixar with Dreamworks? That sounds a lot like Dreamworks MO.

Finding Nemo, Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Toy Story 2 are all excellent movies. Monsters, Inc. was good, not great. Madagascar, Antz, The Emperor's New Groove (Disney), and Lilo & Stitch (Disney) are cringeworthy.

What makes a good movie like this is one that is made for adults. When they are made for kids, every one cringes.

Emperor's New Groove was one of the funniest cartoon movies I have ever seen

[KWhit]

I missed this thread the first time around, but I'm surprised people didn't think this would do well. I read an article a few weeks ago that predicted this would be the 2nd largest gross of the summer, behind Superman Returns.

I'm betting Cars will gross more than Superman Returns.

[Logan]

I'm betting Cars will gross more than Superman Returns.

Wouldn't be surprised either. This is the type of movie that will put up big numbers for 2 months.

[Cringer]

Wouldn't be surprised either. This is the type of movie that will put up big numbers for 2 months.

Probably right on this. My kid is asking to see it again, and usually that is a big fat 'No' from me. This time I said 'Yeah, in a couple of weeks I guess.'

It was good enough I don't mind seeing it again.

[Draft Dodger]

Wouldn't be surprised either. This is the type of movie that will put up big numbers for 2 months.

on our first attempt to see this yesterday it was sold out. the second attempt we got in, but I think it sold out again - every seat was full.

[stevew]

I missed this thread the first time around, but I'm surprised people didn't think this would do well. I read an article a few weeks ago that predicted this would be the 2nd largest gross of the summer, behind Superman Returns.


I thought it would do well, I just was alarmed cause the early teaser trailers made it look absolutely horrible to me.

[Chief Rum]

Went and saw it last night (no kids, but I like Pixar movies).

At first, I wasn't too impressed except for a couple of really neat animation sequences. I didn't really get caught into the story.

But I got into it a little more about halfway through (when Lightning makes his little discovery about another character--won't say more to not spoil it, but if you have seen it you know what I mean). That got me into it more, and it really grew on me.

By the end, I would have to say I was pretty satisfied. Not as good as Incredibles or Toy Story, but it's better than Monester Inc. and A Bug's Life, and right there with Toy Story 2, IMO.

Oh, and as usual, the credits were a crackup. Definitely stay to the end (there's a little funny scene after all the credits have rolled).

[Draft Dodger]

I thought it would do well, I just was alarmed cause the early teaser trailers made it look absolutely horrible to me.

plus Owen Wilson. but he was tolerable, for a change

[dervack]

I'm betting Cars will gross more than Superman Returns.
I'm counting on it finishing third this summer.

[dervack]

62 million.

[Glengoyne]

Has he discovered Monster Jam (and other monster trucks et al) yet?
I think somewhere between 2 & 3 is where mine got seriously into watching those & it really hasn't faded yet.

I'm planning on taking him this year. He loves seeing that stuff on TV. He continues to surprise me. Yesterday we're driving through town, and he says "man lift". He was right. I have no clue where he picks this stuff up.

On Topic. We went and saw this Friday, and I thought it was great. It wasn't their best work by any stretch, but it was pretty decent. The animation was stunning. I just felt the characters and plot lacked a little something that other Pixar stories have had.

[gstelmack]

Oh, and as usual, the credits were a crackup. Definitely stay to the end (there's a little funny scene after all the credits have rolled).

Wait, is that beyond the bit they do DURING the credits? If so, dangit! We left a minute too early! I was crying from laughing so hard at the bits during the credits, though.

We went with my daughter and several of her friends (everybody's parents were there, wasn't just us taking a bunch of 3 year olds). Everybody seemed to enjoy it, but the girls started getting antsy about 90 minutes in. The boys sat through the whole 2 hours without a single stir, however. No idea how the sexism angle plays into it; I do know my daughter was very excited about seeing it and was animated through most of it, but nap time was catching up to her and 90 minutes was all she could handle. The boys had no such problems.

This'll be a must-buy when it hits DVD, and I'm sure my 1-year-old son will love it in a year or so when he's ready to sit through a movie.

[dawgfan]

I'm another one of those that saw the teasers last year and was less than impressed. Pixar has a well-deserved reputation, but I was thinking that their magic was running out and that this might be their first dud. I knew this was Lassetter's pet project, and I figured that given his stature with the company, maybe this was a case of the boss getting his way despite it being a bad idea.

I'm happy to report that is not the case - this is another good Pixar movie. Not their best (I favor "The Incredibles"), and it might even rank as the least of their movies so far, but the bar Pixar has set is so high that such a statement is misleading - this is better than 90% of the other animated films out there. As always, there is almost nothing to quibble with from a technical standpoint. I really liked the art direction, and the voice acting is quite good. The actors were all well-chosen and well-directed. I was worried about the Larry the Cable Guy character, but he's actually pretty good and not annoying like I feared he might be. The story is nothing ground-breaking, but it's well-executed. As usual, lots of great little touches for those paying attention, and I'm sure with the DVD and repeated viewings there will be more to spot.

As for those railing against "kids movies" and animated films in general, I guess either you don't pay enough attention to note the difference between Pixar films and the rest, or you simply have no taste.

[NoMyths]

[...]this is better than 90% of the other animated films out there.
As for those railing against "kids movies" and animated films in general, I guess either you don't pay enough attention to note the difference between Pixar films and the rest [...]

Such as?

[Chief Rum]

Wait, is that beyond the bit they do DURING the credits? If so, dangit! We left a minute too early! I was crying from laughing so hard at the bits during the credits, though.

Yup, fraid so. You have to wait until all the credits run, and the screen cuts out. It goes to the little extra scene right after that. It's a chuckler, but nothing better. The credits parts were funnier--I laughed a lot there, too. Still, it was cool to see that last scene.

[cthomer5000]

Such as?

Dreamworks predominantly.

[NoMyths]

Dreamworks predominantly.
Such as?

[gstelmack]

Such as?

<SIGH> I'll put my foot into this one.

Look, I'm sick and tired of people who can't stand that some of us out here ENJOY movies that aren't full of swearing, sex, blood, and violence (not that we don't also enjoy movies with those), or worse try to claim that because we do we're somehow pandering to our kids and can't discipline them. Why can't I enjoy something light-hearted and simple?

I haven't had to explain to my child why a single habit they spotted in a Pixar movie was bad for them to emulate. I have had to explain to my daughter that spitting her drink all over someone IS a bad thing to emulate. I don't let that stop her from watching Madagascar (it's right up there with Finding Nemo as one of her favorites), as it gives me a good chance to teach her a lesson over something harmless, but Pixar makes movies that tend to appeal across age groups, with consequences shown for bad behavior.

And it'll be a long time before she watches Shrek. Shrek 2 has been okay, but I don't want to explain to her yet why the main good guys in Shrek enjoy exploding bluebirds, snakes and frogs blown up into balloons floating away, and why Papa Bear and Baby Bear are all dancing for joy despite Momma Bear being a bearskin rug in the king's suite. It's been hard enough explaining to her that Fiona's Fairy Godmother is a bad person while Cinderella's Fairy Godmother is a a good person, and that the Prince Charming in Shrek 2 is NOT the Prince Charming that Daddy dressed up as for Halloween. Shrek and Shrek 2 are decent movies (well, except for the 3 bits I mention above that just killed Shrek for me, while the rest of that movie was a great farce), I just hate that they were marketed at kids rather than the teen-plus crowd the movies were really written for.

[Cringer]

And it'll be a long time before she watches Shrek. Shrek 2 has been okay, but I don't want to explain to her yet why the main good guys in Shrek enjoy exploding bluebirds, snakes and frogs blown up into balloons floating away, and why Papa Bear and Baby Bear are all dancing for joy despite Momma Bear being a bearskin rug in the king's suite. It's been hard enough explaining to her that Fiona's Fairy Godmother is a bad person while Cinderella's Fairy Godmother is a a good person, and that the Prince Charming in Shrek 2 is NOT the Prince Charming that Daddy dressed up as for Halloween. Shrek and Shrek 2 are decent movies (well, except for the 3 bits I mention above that just killed Shrek for me, while the rest of that movie was a great farce), I just hate that they were marketed at kids rather than the teen-plus crowd the movies were really written for.

So you won't let her watch Land of the Dead with my kid I guess eh? :)

[dawgfan]

Such as?
I'm really struggling to think of a 3D animated film from a studio other than Pixar that I've enjoyed better than any of the Pixar films. I don't think any of them have the combination of wit without resorting overly much to crude humor, technical wizardry, beautiful art direction and great voice acting that are a hallmark of the Pixar films. That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed most of them - I have - but I don't see the consistent quality from other studios that I see from Pixar.

[Ksyrup]

Apparently you haven't seen the Barbie Fairytopia movies. True works of art! :D

[NoMyths]

Perhaps I should clarify.

I'm not making a statement about Pixar films (yes, this means you, gstelmack...no need to be threatened). I was just looking for specific titles that were lumped in with the group of 90% that were worse than Cars. The only non-Pixar animated films I can think of are...well, none, which is why I asked.

On the other hand, gstelmack, your passion for the Pixar films are admirable. :)

[dawgfan]

Perhaps I should clarify.

The only non-Pixar animated films I can think of are...well, none, which is why I asked.
There are a bunch:

Madagascar
Shrek 1 & 2
Chicken Little
Ice Age 1 & 2
Antz
Robots
Sharks Tale
The Wild
Jimmy Neutron
Over the Hedge
Valiant

[dawgfan]

On the topic of Pixar and expectations, I'm very much looking forward to Ratatouille which had a teaser trailer prior to the start of Cars. It's the next project at Pixar by Brad Bird, the guy that directed The Incredibles. I'm also interested in Meet the Robinsons from Disney, and curious about Monster House by Sony.

[Fonzie]

On the topic of Pixar and expectations, I'm very much looking forward to Ratatouille which had a teaser trailer prior to the start of Cars. It's the next project at Pixar by Brad Bird, the guy that directed The Incredibles. I'm also interested in Meet the Robinsons from Disney, and curious about Monster House by Sony.

Brad Bird is my hero. In addition to directing Iron Giant (perhaps the best non-Pixar movie over the last 10 years) and The Incredibles (perhaps the best Pixar movie), he did the voice for Edna Mode (perhaps my favorite character in the latter).

[Vince]

Emperor's New Groove was one of the funniest cartoon movies I have ever seen

Seconded.

[JeeberD]

So you do realize that these movies are aimed at kids. I think calling a movie for children retarted is pretty.....retarted itself.

Spelling retarded as "retarted" is pretty damn retarded...


At first, I wasn't too impressed except for a couple of really neat animation sequences. I didn't really get caught into the story.

But I got into it a little more about halfway through (when Lightning makes his little discovery about another character--won't say more to not spoil it, but if you have seen it you know what I mean). That got me into it more, and it really grew on me.

One of the local stations said that the first half hour was really slow but once you make it past that it really picks up and is a very good movie. Sounds like you agreed with the reviewer...

[stevew]

I was pleasantly suprised at how much better this movie was than I thought it would be.