Tag: Pixar

And The “Please God, Let It Be True” Rumor Of The Day Goes To: Pixar May Make A Star Wars Movie

Latino Review has come across some rumors (which is what they are good at) about the Star Wars universe extending into the offices of Pixar.

There are no firm details because this is pure rumor but the rationale makes complete sense with Disney owning both Star Wars and Pixar, so a combination is likely to happen sometime down the road. The thought of it does sound exciting.

To anyone that would downplay this as a bad idea, I don’t get it. The Star Wars property is not hallowed ground that can only be touched by certain people. Pixar have made some of the best movies over the past twenty years whether they are animated or not and I, for one, want to see what they can do in a galaxy far, far away.

Now if you will excuse me, I will go watch the first twenty minutes of Up and try to hold in the hurt.

January 22, 2014
Weekend Box Office- June 21-23, 2013

Photo courtesy facebook.com

Monsters University took the top spot at the box office this past weekend. That was expected. What was not expected was that the long-suffering Brad Pitt zombie flick World War Z would blow away expectations in its opening. The $200 million dollar film which went through multiple delays and re-shoots was only expected to bring in about $40 million. After a solid $25 million Friday it went on to gross $66 million, which is the largest opening in Pitt’s career.

Man of Steel fell off steeply, but still managed $41 million and has already passed Superman Returns gross in only two weeks.

1. Monsters University- $82.0 million/ $82.0 million

2. World War Z- $66.0/ $66.0

3. Man of Steel- $41.2/ $210.0

4. This Is The End- $13.0/ $57.7

5. Now You See Me- $7.8/ $94.4

6. Fast & Furious- $4.7/ $228.4

7. The Internship- $3.4/ $38.3

8. The Purge- $3.4/ $59.4

9. Star Trek Into Darkness- $3.0/ $216.6

10. Iron Man 3- $2.1/ $403.1

June 24, 2013
Check Out The Unique Looking Knack For PS4

Photo courtesy blog.us.playstation.com

After Mark Cerny was finished describing all of the Playstation 4’s internal working last night he was able to show off an exclusive game he has been working on exclusively for the PS4. The game has a very Pixar animation look and focuses on a creation known as Knack, who was created to help humans in their fight against the invading goblins.

The look and small bit of gameplay have a very Ratchet or Jak to it and it looks like it could be a lot of quirky fun.

February 21, 2013
When Comic Books Meet Pixar

All photos courtesy Phil Postman’s Minion Factory

When Marvel was bought up by Disney (in what used to be a big deal until the Star Wars sale took over) you knew that this would happen eventually. Blogger Phil Postma has taken scenes from various Pixar movies and created shots of the characters not just of Marvel heroes and villains but from the DC universe as well. They range from Magneto, Batman & Robin, Spider-Man and even Phoenix. There are at least four or five that I would not mind having framed up and adorning some wall space.

And before you ask, yes it is kind of weird seeing Merida from Brave as Poison Ivy. Very…very….weird.

February 14, 2013
2012 Box Office Rundown

Mayan Apocalypse Doesn’t Scare Off Moviegoers.

Now that it is officially 2013 we can look back on the year that was at the box office. 2012 set a new record with almost 10.8 billion dollars which overtakes 2009’s total of 10.6 billion. No doubt having so many choices at the theater feature wise helped out receipt totals with many films being in IMAX, 3D, IMAX 3D and theaters that have D-BOX motion chairs.

The big winner of 2012, by far, was The Avengers which took in $623.3 million domestically and over 1.5 billion dollars worldwide as well as setting the single weekend record with $207.4 million in just three days. The Dark Knight Rises did not make as much as it predecessor, The Dark Knight, domestically but made more in worldwide totals.

A few of the surprises of the year were the comedy Ted which was Seth MacFarlane’s first feature film and grossed $218.6 million off of a 50 million dollar budget. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s 21 Jump Street came in with little expectations and pulled in over 138 million dollars.

2013 is loaded with releases including the second Hunger Games film, Catching Fire, and the return of The Man of Steel but may have a hard time keeping pace with 2012’s record pace.

Here are the Top 20 releases for 2012 domestically followed by their worldwide totals:

1. [amazon_link id=”B0083SBJXS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Avengers[/amazon_link]- $623.3 million/ $1.51 billion

2. [amazon_link id=”B004LWZWGK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Dark Knight Rises[/amazon_link]- $448.1 million/ $1.08 billion

3. [amazon_link id=”B0084IG7KC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Hunger Games[/amazon_link]- $408 million/ $686 million

4. [amazon_link id=”B007REV4YI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Skyfall[/amazon_link]- $289.6 million/ $1 billion

5. [amazon_link id=”B007857FOO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2[/amazon_link]- $286.4 million/ $799.6 million

6. [amazon_link id=”B008QZ5PY2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Amazing Spider-Man[/amazon_link]- $262 million/ $752.2 million

7. [amazon_link id=”B005LAIHZY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Brave[/amazon_link]- $237.2 million/ $535.3 million

8. [amazon_link id=”B007ZQAKHU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey[/amazon_link]- $228.6 million/ $702.1 million

9. [amazon_link id=”B005LAII1C” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ted[/amazon_link]- $218.6 million/ $501.7 million

10. [amazon_link id=”B0091JK1B4″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Madagascar 3[/amazon_link]- $216.3 million/ $742.1 million

11. [amazon_link id=”B0085Z3B2Q” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax[/amazon_link]- $214 million/ $348.8 million

12. [amazon_link id=”B008518MOW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Men in Black 3[/amazon_link]- $179 million/ $624 million

13. [amazon_link id=”B00A7OJ0DC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Wreck-It Ralph[/amazon_link]- $175.5 million/ $275.7 million

14. [amazon_link id=”B005LAIISU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ice Age: Continental Drift[/amazon_link]- $161.1 million/ $875.1 million

15. [amazon_link id=”B005LAIHSQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Snow White and the Huntsmen[/amazon_link]- $155.1 million/ $396.3 million

16. [amazon_link id=”B009UWYFFK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Hotel Transylvania[/amazon_link]- $143.9 million/ $311 million

17. [amazon_link id=”B0067EKYDG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Taken 2[/amazon_link]- $138.8 million/ $365.5 million

18. [amazon_link id=”B003Y5H5BA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]21 Jump Street[/amazon_link]- $138.4 million/ $201.5 million

19. [amazon_link id=”080507970X” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Lincoln[/amazon_link]- $131.8 million/ No Worldwide Release Yet

20. [amazon_link id=”B0085Z8F4A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Prometheus[/amazon_link]- $126.4 million/ $402.4 million

January 2, 2013
Review: Brave

A “Brave” New World For Pixar?

Pixar and Disney are the modern masters of animated films. There is no denying the impact they have made on cinema since the first Toy Story hit in 1995. You can begin to name off hit after hit and will no doubt have fond memories of most. Can Brave make a spot for itself among Pixar’s impressive library?

[amazon_link id=”B005LAIHZY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Brave[/amazon_link] is your basic tale of a princess who longs for more than the life that is set before her. Merida’s family rules over other allied clans in Scotland and when it is announced that she will be betrothed to one of the heirs from the other clans she refuses to let her life be determined for her. She finds a witch in the woods and has her concoct a spell that will change her mother’s mind about having her married off but as with most deals made with witches there are certain unknown circumstances.

Like I said it is not the most original of plots. Even when the curse takes effect it never really goes down the darker path you think it is going to turn. It takes a lighter approach which honestly for this movie was a good plan. Maybe it is just how our society has become trained to expect worse things so I applaud Pixar for keeping it more light hearted.

The script is not as sharp and snappy as most of Pixar’s efforts like The Incredibles or Finding Nemo but it is quite funny and a lot of that is due to the casting. Veteran actor Billy Connolly should be given every voice role for “Scottish father” from here on out. His role as King Fergus is the highlight of the fun parts of the movie. Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane and even Pixar alum John Ratzenberger are spot on.

Visually I wouldn’t say that Brave is the best Pixar has ever done (Up) but it is really, really close. Everytime they release a new feature it is simply amazing how much emotion these wizards are able to convey through computer generated characters. If there is an MVP of the group it would have to be whoever had the task of animating Merida’s crazy red locks of hair. It is crazy just how realistic it looks and they should be proud of that amount of work.

Brave was a hit like many expected and even though the film is very entertaining it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Toy Story 3, Up or The Incredibles.

The story doesn’t really tread any new ground when it comes right down to it. But it really doesn’t have to. Let’s not forget that this is a children’s film and should be viewed through more innocent eyes. And while it may not be in the upper echelon of Pixar’s releases just remember that a middle of the road movie from these guys is still better than most films out there. [amazon_link id=”B005LAIHZY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Brave[/amazon_link] should have a spot in your Pixar collection. Don’t look past it.

NERD RATING- 8/10

November 30, 2012
Take It Home Tuesday. November 13, 2012.

Vaughn, Stiller And Hill “Watch” A Bomb Go Off.

[amazon_link id=”B005LAIHZY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Brave[/amazon_link]

Disney and Pixar’s latest about a Scottish girl, Merida, who goes against her parents wishes of being a highborn lady and causes a curse to come upon her family after she makes a deal with a witch. Reviews were mostly middle of the road for a Pixar offering.

[amazon_link id=”B005LAII30″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Watch[/amazon_link]

With this kind of star power is there anyway to not call this movie a box-office disappointment? Did anyone go see this during its short run? Four neighborhood watch volunteers begin trying to watch over their community but become involved in an alien invasion.

[amazon_link id=”B005LAII9O” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Savages[/amazon_link]

Oliver Stone tries to recapture some of his Natural Born Killers magic in this tale of two dealers who refuse to join a major drug cartel and have to take on the group when their girlfriend is kidnapped.

[amazon_link id=”B008Y1YK0I” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Lawrence of Arabia[/amazon_link]

The classic tale of T.E. Lawrence’s time in Arabia during World War 1 and winner of seven Academy Awards gets remastered and released on Blu_Ray to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. It is a movie that should be experienced by everyone at least once.

[amazon_link id=”B0093LE2OC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure[/amazon_link]

Now onto a different kind of “classic” releasing on Blu-Ray this week. The time traveling exploits of Bill S. Preston, Esquire and “Ted” Theodore Logan are here in high def just in time for all the rumors of a third movie. “Want a Twinkie, Genghis Khan?”

November 13, 2012