My Favorite Movie of the Year (So Far), Part II

Almost a month ago, I wrote about How to Train Your Dragon, a film from Dreamworks Animation. In the post, I extolled the virtues of the film, and raised doubts about how Toy Story 3 would fare in comparison. After seeing the latest film by Pixar yesterday, I most willingly submit that I was a jackass for doubting them.

Toy Story 3 is as every bit as good as the first two, and in some ways possibly better. Obviously the animation is much better, considering it has been a decade since the last one came out. But beyond the colors being richer, the motions more fluid, and the scale being even bigger, it was more emotionally resonant.

For me, all eleven Pixar films have had moments which just elevate the film and stick in my memory. In most of the films, those moments go even further, affecting me on a deep level. Through the first ten movies I was certainly affected, but rarely to the point of tears. I keep it together through "When Somebody Loved Me" and "Kitty!". It got a bit dusty when Wall-E reboots and when Ellie and Carl live their lives together in the span of a few minutes. Through them all I kept it together.

Then came the end of Toy Story 3. I don't know exactly what it was, but I just couldn't keep it together completely. In fact, I had to struggle just to keep from bawling, something I'd rather not do in a public venue. Maybe it was just release after the roller coaster ride that ended just a few minutes before. Maybe it was because the "boy" who was now a man was named Andy. Hell, maybe it was just the work of very good emotional manipulators. Whatever it was, it was powerful stuff.

After thinking about it, and discussing it with my sister who also saw the film, I think I came up with a reason. Without giving too much away, I figure the end of the movie marked a passing of the torch, the first real one our generation had. True, I wasn't exactly a kid when Toy Story came out in 1995, but I wasn't too far off from those days, and many of those in their 20s and late teens today were Andy's age at the time of either of the films. There may be more films about Buzz and Woody and the gang, but they won't be our films. Sure, they might still be entertaining, and we might still get some connections to them, especially if we view it through the eyes of our children or other young relatives. But it will be their adventures, and we will be living them vicariously at best.

As for Pixar, they haven't faltered yet. Unfortunately, the next film to be released by Disney and Pixar will be Cars 2. Suffice it to say I have doubts about that film, considering its the sequel to a film that is easily the weakest one Pixar has done. However, they have earned proven until otherwise status, and more. So this next year I'll be sitting here, enjoying what they've already done, and eagerly looking forward to what they might bring us in the future. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

My Favorite Movie of the Year (So Far)

Yesterday I saw my favorite movie of the year (so far). It was charming, it was beautifully made, and was just a plain entertaining film. Amazingly, it was a film from Dreamworks Animation.

No, I'm not talking about the latest installment in the Shrek franchise, which was decent if not memorable. I'm referring to the other Dreamworks film to come out, How to Train Your Dragon. I know, I know its been out for two months, but this was the first chance I had to see it. Had I not been a block away from the theater, and not had a free weekend afternoon, it might not have happened. I am very glad I took the time to see it.

My feelings towards Dreamworks Animation is no secret. Pixar is the king of computer animation, without a doubt. I prefer A Bug's Life over Antz, Monsters, Inc. over Shrek, and Wall-E over anything Dreamworks has ever put out. Pixar films can be just as "hip" as Dreamwork's films, but does it seamlessly and with better care. Until Kung-Fu Panda, there wasn't a Dreamworks film I would have preferred over even Cars.

However, I believe Dreamworks might be starting to get it, and might be working to up their game. How to Train Your Dragon was light on the usual Dreamworks pop culture tripe, and heavy on story. It put characters and strong voice acting over stunt casting and flatulent donkeys singing pop songs. Had I been shown this movie without knowing who did, my first guess probably would have been Pixar.

With Kung-Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and in some respect even Shrek: The Final Chapter, Dreamworks has shown they aren't completely hopeless. This will hopefully put pressure on Pixar to not get lethargic and go the way other animation studios have gone in the past. With Pixar's next two films being sequels, one being of its least "Pixar" film (Cars), I am worried they might finally hit a dry spell. I suppose these easily marketable sequels of their most merchadisable franchises are the price paid for Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up, but this might the start of a trend now that they are fully under the umbrella of the Mouse. Pixar has gained "proven until disproven" status with me, but we'll have to see after Toy Story 3.

But back to the film at hand. If you haven't seen it yet, being turned off by the not so great commercials and that annoying crap during the Olympics, try to get to the theater. If its out of your area, put it on your Netflix list, or buy it when it comes out. I guarantee you will enjoy this film, or money back on this post. *

*Not valid if for some reason you actually paid me to view this post.

Introducing My Other Sites of Interest

I've added a new block over on the right side of the page. Its a list of a few sites and projects I'm involved with that I am shamelessly shilling on this blog. Check back often, as there will likely be more added to this list in the near future.

CompassBill is Live!

If you have wondered why I have not posted recently (and I know you haven't), I have been busy working on CompassBill, an online billing application. We finally pushed it live earlier this morning. If you are interested in an online billing application, feel free to sign up and take it for a test drive. If you do, please let us know what you think.

Its Stick your Hand into a Hornet's Nest Month at the AV Club!

Apparently the AV Club decided to rile up its followers by taking on sacred cows of the community left and right this month. Between a rebuke of Ghostbusters and a takedown of Children of Men, they really started a furor over there. It almost seems like a cheap ploy to get more comments. What's next, a post saying The Wire and Arrested Development were highly overrated, or someone expressing their thoughts about a Wes Anderson film? Will someone write about a musician that someone else doesn't like? Or maybe a writer will make a post in defense of Dane Cook, and a dissent against Patton Oswalt. If so, make some popcorn and settle down. It will be like wrestling, only with less spandex and more browser refreshing.

Bears vs. 49...Eh Screw It, a Video Instead

Instead of talking about the latest turd left by the Bears at Old Candlestick, I'll leave you with this video that shows how much better 2012 probably would have been if presented as a comedy.

Ugh, the latest Bears game

I apologize for the outdated piece of internet fluff above, but watching the nastiness that is the 2009 Bears defense can do that to you. Apparently losing Tommie Harris is the difference between mere mediocrity and outright incompetence. Amazing how quickly this defense went from being dangerous to other teams to be a laughingstock of the league. Apparently the Bears did need more than just a quarterback to compete.

Maybe they'll do better this Thursday against the Flying Singletarys. Because the Bears always play well in San Francisco.*

*No, they don't. See Jauron, Dick (2003) and Wannstedt, Dave (1995) for more information.