Dispatches from the Popcorn Stadium: Frozen

Once upon a time, there was an animated film released by the venerable Walt Disney Animation Studio. The name of this film was Frozen, and it was indeed one of the finest films of that year, and one of the finest the studio had released in many years. It featured beautiful animation, plenty of humor and heart, and songs that few in the realm could resist singing along with.

Dispatches from the Popcorn Stadium: Wreck-It Ralph and Paperman

It's that time again, as the holiday movie season ramps up for this year. From now until February (when some of the more "arty" films will show up in this area), I'll be sharing some of my thoughts on the movies I've watched. I'll start with one of my favorites of the year.

I was going to write a long glowing review of Wreck-It Ralph, one of my favorite films of the year. Instead, I'd like to point you to my sister's great post about the film. I'll just add a few of my own comments here, then get to talking about the magnificent short Paperman.

One of my favorite parts of the film were how the characters interacted and related to each other. Not just how Ralph, Felix, Vanellope, and Sgt. Calhoun interacted, but also how they interacted with minor characters. A favorite example is the relationship between Ralph and Gene, who is the mayor of Niceland. Although the rest of the Nicelanders clearly don't like Ralph, the relationship between these two is even more strained, which hints at a history. I think (although I'm not certain) that Gene is the guy Ralph throws at the beginning of the level, which would clearly create additional animosity between the two. The fact that this much work is done of such a minor relationship in the game shows how much work went into making this a great film.

Another thing I liked was how they didn't pull punches in the film. Need a heartbreaking betrayal of Vanellope by Ralph? Consider it done, in disturbing fashion. Put both Vanellope and Ralph in jeopardy of dieing? Consider them imperiled. Kill the villian in a way both creative and kind of disturbing? Consider him fried. I'm a bring proponent of the idea that the great movies that children can watch should be a little scary, perhaps even a little disturbing. After all, aren't there scary parts in the Wizard of Oz or Pinocchio?

Between the characters, the acting, the animation, the loving irreverent reverence towards video games, and even the well-done music, Wreck-It Ralph is a real triumph for Walt Disney Animation. But frankly, even if the movie had been mediocre the trip to the theater would have been wasted, because Paperman was an absolute gem of a short.

From it's first frame I was in love with Paperman. Its deft combination of traditional and computer animation was well-done, and I'm a sucker for that (mostly) black & white style. Although I'm a big fan of the written word, I also love it when such a rich story can be told with actions and images, and nary a word is spoken. From the fact that all the workers in the one office save for our protagonist look alike, to one of the paper airplanes pulling a Randy Johnson on a bird flying by, to the love interest's red lipstick adding color to the scenes, it was a true joy.

If you have seen these films, please feel free to comment below. If not, go as soon as you can to your nearest theater. I didn't see the 3D version, watching the regular version both times I've seen it. Unlike most films, I could see 3D working well for Wreck-It Ralph.

Coming Soon: Skyfall, Flight, and Lincoln

The Good and the Bad: Pixar vs. Dancing Commando Gerbils

While watching the trailers prior to Disney's Earth*, I was witness to the dual nature of the company. After the trailer for the latest Pixar film, a trailer for a piece of excrement known as G-Force was shown. I don't want to give this movie the publicity by linking to it**, but I did want to mention how horrible it looked.

I can't understand why a company that has made (or at least presented) some of the greatest pieces of animation to grace the screen also has to make crappy films with crappy CG about crappy Gerbil Strike Forces. It isn't the first time either. Name every Disney Classic, and there is a good chance some mediocre sequel has oozed out of Disney straight to DVD.

I know that kids will watch any piece of dreck put in front of them, but that doesn't mean it should happen. I also recognize that the profits from these piles of garbage can help Disney take risks on new things that are actually innovative and creative. However, that doesn't make it any better. And yes, I know this is Jerry Bruckheimer film, Disney is just distributing it. To be involved with this is to be guilty. You can be assured I'll be there for Up, but will pass on Mission: Gerbil. I recommend for your sanity, and for the intelligence of your kid, that you do so as well.

*An Excellent Film, even if it was mostly re-used footage from Discovery's Planet Earth
**I'm sure Disney is really hurt that all two of my readers won't be exposed to a link to their film.

Find the Hidden Mickey in the Ford's Theater Room!

On my vacation back to Illinois in late May, I resolved that I would do the tourist thing and go to Springfield to visit the new Lincoln Museum. While I did enjoy it, and did learn a few new things about the President, it definitely left me with an odd feeling. Not quite disappointment or anger, but not quite admiration or approval either.

This explains my feelings

The whole place seemed rather Disney-fied. From the slick films, to the construction of the exhibits, to the cafeteria with the cutesy food names, it felt like I was in a new Disney theme zone at the Magic Kingdom, HistoryLand, or something of that sort.

Now, this isn't an entirely negative feeling. The museum had some really neat exhibits and artifacts. The life-size recreation of the cabinet room with Lincoln reading the Emancipation Proclamation was awesome, the political cartoon room was awesome, and the recreation of the casket lying in state at the Old Capitol in Springfield almost made you feel like you really were there. It is most definitely a way to introduce the common man to Lincoln, even though there is a little too much deification of the man.

However, I can't help but feel the Disney slickness of the exhibits cheapens the power, and integrity, of the museum somewhat. Also, various rooms of the museum being sponsored by corporations made me a little uneasy, and worries me about a possible precedent being set for our national and state park. Theme-park history is a little dangerous, and can easily slide into something that is neither historical nor particularly entertaining.

In the end, however, I think it is a definite positive, and a fine anchor for the prospective tourism industry in Central Illinois. Lincoln is still one of the dominating figures of our culture, and in this time of political mediocrity, the lessons to be learned from his successes (and failures) are very important.

P.S.: Here is the second article to go with the first one. Too bad they didn't go with the hot stove idea for the Law Office room.