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The Brain Machine was fried by the jet ski on diamonds awesomeness that is Pixar's RATATOUILLE!!!
Hey folks, Harry here - I sadly can't tell you how I feel about RATATOUILLE... sniffle... I wish I could... I wish I could share with you the feeling I had watching this __________ ______ Movie!!! I mean, there was one moment in the film where I totally __________ ____ __ and ____ ________ my ___ ___!!! But, I can't. However, the regular audience members... like the folks at IMDB and the unknown heroes of AICN can share their unfettered feelings. Suffice to say, _ ____ ____ _______ _____!!!
Hey Harry, Quint, and all AICNers out there.
My wife and I just came back from an amazing advance screening of Pixar's latest, Ratatouille. This was our first time, and unfortunately probably the only time we will get to visit the often hailed Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Austin, but what a great event to experience. What they say is true, The Alamo is a great film venue that oozes geek - but in a good way. And the geeks were out in force tonight. Harry's whole family, Tim League, owner of The Alamo, and Remy The Rat himself, Patton Oswalt introduced the film, with a special video introduction from Brad Bird, thanking the readers of AICN and the owners of The Alamo... what a treat.
By now, everyone who reads AICN knows the story of Remy, so it isn't really important to get into spoilers of the film. It is a film that everyone will enjoy. By the end of the film, if you aren't in love with these rats, there is something wrong with you. This film is very magical in ways that not only the best of Pixar has brought us, but the best that Disney used to bring us. Great characters, fantastic animation, and a sense of love in creating a unique story for the cinema. The audience ate it up... literally - the ratatouille served upon entering the theater was quite delicious. This is what great family cinema can do... everyone in the theater from age 5 - "who knows" seemed to have a great time.
Production wise, the animation was a great step forward, but yet still feels like Pixar. They have a style to their animation, that seems familiar - not so in your face as the imitators. I was drawn to the eyes of the characters, while cartoonish, there is life in them. The slight expressions from Remy can convey a whole magnitude of human characteristics, it's wonderful to watch Pixar do what they do best. Yet, that was one thing that Cars was missing. While Cars never had the lifeless expressions of The Polar Express, it was hard to connect to characters that seems a bit too Tonka-ish.
The people and rodents that inhabit Ratatouille seem real in their world. Yet this is an animated film, and there is some really great cartoon fun to be had in the movement of these characters. Especially in the character of Linguini. Watching as Remy learns to take control of Linguini's body movements is hilarious to see, and reminded me of the best of Chaplin and Goofy combined. The voice talent is top notch, as you would expect.
Patton Oswalt exudes the passion for food, that he obviously has. His passion brings life to the story, and when he talks about great food, it just makes you want to eat something yummy.
Peter O'Toole is also fantastic as the notoriously evil food critic that could make or break our heroes' career. O'Toole has had such a great year, and in the amazing array of roles he's had over decades of film, this might be one his greatest. So nasty, yet hilarious. You can tell he was having a great time with this character.. He has a payoff at the end of the film that is one of the funniest things I have ever seen - it takes the film to classic status.
Also great in her role as Chef Colette, Janeane Garofolo delivers an almost unrecognisable performance that is funny, and so French, it is hard to believe it is her. How could Linguini not fall in love with her?
After a huge round of applause, we were treated to a short Q&A with both Patton Oswalt, and surprise guest, Janeane Garololo. Both seemed really excited to be there, and enjoyed taking questions from both seasoned film geeks and kids alike. Keeping answers in the "G" rating may not have been the easiest thing, but they managed to tell stories about Patton not telling his wife about having the role of Remy until she saw the trailer, to meeting Brian Dennehy in the food line and having him tell Patton "It's OK, we're character actors, we're allowed to be fat." They also gave an extraordinary account of visiting the Pixar labs, that sounds like one of the coolest places to visit... let alone work. Funnily enough, it sounds like what it might have been like to have worked at Disney back in the golden age. These people seem to know they are doing something special, and it shows. They also discussed the foods they ate while performing their characters (or no food in Janeane's case), their excitement at being in a Brad Bird Pixar movie, and their feelings about the end of The Sopranos... not happy on that note.
Ratatouille comes out in two weeks, and we'll be there again. If you love animation but are turned off by the constant pop jokes that we get in so many animated films these days, this is for you. If you have a family, this is for you. If you aren't a codgy, jaded old fart - you'll love it. Hell, even if you are a codgy, jaded old fart you will probably secretly love it.
Thank You to Harry, and everyone at Disney, and The Alamo Drafthouse for allowing this early screening to happen here in Austin. Special thanks to Patton and Janeane for being so classy to hang out and sign a few autographs. Everyone had a blast.
If you use this, please call me The Brain Machine.
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First, you dirty rats!
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Seriously, the man has never made a bad film. Here's hoping we see Incredibles 2 soon........
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Yup!
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Is his best. Let's see if he can top that.
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Jun 12, 2007 2:50:39 AM CDT
my 7000 myspace friends told me it sucked
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
ok got that out the way fuck
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Jun 12, 2007 2:51:10 AM CDT
but they picked hd-dvd and heres why
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
and that crap to lol
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Jun 12, 2007 2:54:16 AM CDT
hmmm i wonder if harry liked it?
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
this is such a mystery!
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but damn, if a rat came anywhere near the utensils or kitchen tools that cooked my food... EXTERMINATOR!!! I cant wait to see this though, need to see a movie that is not a sequel or triquel or anything with 3 in the title but at the same time something ive been expecting to see and expecting to be completely good. spidey 3 kinda disappointed. pirates almost did. oceans was actually good but still, i only like the other 2 so much anyway. shrek 3? nevermind. but this, really, really, could be good. as in truly good. it could be something that could make me forget a bad day.
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... (pun intended) but I'll go check it out. Feels like a lot of care has put into this movie. I can tell.
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Fuck! I Hate typos.
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Harry, it's your site. If you've seen a movie, review it. If not, say. But don't act all 'oh, the MAN won't let me talk about CGI rats', it doesn't make you seem insider-y and important, it makes you seem pussy whipped.
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But then so does Brian Michael Bendis, Gus Van Sant, Tonya Harding, and Chuck Palahniuk. Most Simpsons characters were named after the streets here too...Oh yeah on topic, The Iron Giant rocks.
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Jun 12, 2007 4:42:34 AM CDT
uh-oh looks like its time to bash harry.
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
theres alot of that goin on for the past week huh. i still want an apology from his ass for gettin me banned twice over the weekend. then im cool.
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http://www.scifimoviepage.com/fantasticfour2silversurfer.html
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..the Iron Giant. Not enough.
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On topic, was "meh" over this. Now stoked.
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Everyone could have said this sucked, I'd still be there. Pixar make consistently great films. Okay Bug's LIfe and Cars aren't up to Toy Story and Incredibles but the time and effort that goes into every one of their film, from script to casting to animation can be seen and felt on screen. They don't just rely on big name voice-talent or topical (and quickly dated) jokes. And Iron Giant and Incredibles were both superb, not to mention Bird was a major contibuted to the early great years of The Simpsons. Can't wait to see this, the good reviews are only making me madder that June 29 hasn't come yet.
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Another winner from Bird and Pixar. Not quite up there with the Incredibles, but pretty damn close.
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If the Alamo Drafthouse is SO revered. So respected. SO loved by so many celebrities.... I find it ridiculous that they can't pool their money and save the DAMN THING!
I mean come on. Tarrantino could probably buy it by himself.
So stop all your whining. If they loved it that much, they COULD save it.
Let it go. :-)
-Cinemajerk -
every pixar movie = classic except cars = ass
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I could have sworn I defended Cars in the last talkback to a review of Ratatouille, yet now it's gone. I know it's egotistical of me, but I like to think the Talkback became so vicious after I dared to defend Cars (even though I didn't much like it myself) that they had to shut the whole thing down. MUAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAA! Drath, Talkback Slayer.
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Do you mean every pixar movie = ass? That's what you wrote! Hey, I thought Cars was pretty good too, just a little long and a little too Doc Hollywood-y. I have yet to see a Pixar film on the big screen that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Strangely, I've never seen Bug's Life. The family and I are looking forward to this Rat flick too.
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The characters are very strong yes, but the animation is what makes this film deserving of any A+ or 10 out of 10 review it gets. Breathtaking is the only word to describe it.
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What The F Does That Even Mean? Do You guys self-edit at all?
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i meant cars = ass. every other pixar movie=classic
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I admit I am tired of talking animal movies in general, but anything by Brad Bird is a winner. I do hope he doesn't make a movie with talking penguins in the near future. If he does...I'll watch it though. Can not wait for Ratatouille. Iron Giant is my all time favorite...if only the squirrel had talked more...dammit.
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Jun 12, 2007 8:33:45 AM CDT
Was fried by the jet ski on diamonds awesomeness
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
what does that mean? im laughing my ass off now that i really just noticed how fuckin retarded that is.
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I was there and it was great!
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And this does not lower my expectations!
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I think it means.. "they serve beer at the alamodrafthouse"
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That was a quote from Patton Oswalt last night when talking about his excitement at being in a Pixar movie directed by Brad Bird. He felt it was "like eating something fried while riding a jetski on diamonds"... or something to that effect. I appologise to Patton for screwing up your quote, but it was really funny. I just forget exactly what you said. Patton went on to host another screening of The Foot Fist Way at another Alamo in town last night. This second screening was intended for a more adult audience, and I'm sorry I didn't get to see that one. He's one damn funny dude.
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on this site. I like this new jetski on diamonds phrase, which makes almost as little sense as well-timed sex (what, do you need a stopwatch?). I mean, the underside of your jetski is going to get all kinds of fucked up if you try to ride it on some diamonds. Also, that is not an appropriate use for diamonds. Give them to a girl or something. They love that stuff.P.S. About Cars. I haven't seen it yet, despite being a pretty big Pixar fan. It looked a bit too kiddy to me, which sounds strange since they're all sort of kiddy, but that one seemed excessively so. Am I missing out? How does it rank with other Pixar films? Monsters Inc is maybe my favourite.
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Jun 12, 2007 8:52:26 AM CDT
its impossible for me to rank the pixar films
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
all i know is that cars is at the bottom.
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O.K. folks, just take Harry's intro and fill his holes like you were Eli Roth!
sniffle... I wish I could... I wish I could share with you the feeling I had watching this HD-DVD - level Movie!!! I mean, there was one moment in the film where I totally HD-DVDed my pants and Toshiba HD-A2ed my backward compatibility!!! But, I can't. However, the regular audience members... like the folks at IMDB and the unknown heroes of AICN can share their unfettered feelings. Suffice to say, Microsoft and Toshiba rulez all!!!
Fun for the whole family!
Harry - ;) -
So, this Patton Oswalt is a fellow who likes to create humorously absurd similies. Now, who does that remind me of...
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Jun 12, 2007 8:55:39 AM CDT
When's the second season of Amazing Stories coming out?
by osmosis jones
I really want to see Bird's "Family Dog" episode again.
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my 7000 myspace friends loved it!
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Thanks for the review, Brain Machine. Good stuff. Can't wait to check this out with my nephews when it's released.
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Memflix was canned from his job for reviewing Fantastic Whore 2:Rise of the Silver Slurper...read his saga at memflixbeyond.com he wrote the review for this site...Save Memflix
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Just choose from the following scatologic terms: dead raped deer, ate out your girlfriend, fuck, skull-fucked, regenerating hymen, pwesents, geeked out, breakdancing wizards, Hulk Hogan, shit, awesomeness, man-juice, Eli Roth's prosthetic ballsack, "brother."
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O.K. Cowbell, how about:
Suffice to say, MY 7000 MYSPACE FRIENDS PWN!!!
I forgot Oswalt did voices in Mignola's Screw-on Head. That was pretty cool. Anyone know if it's being picked up? -
The soul and quality of the early Disney's is back with Pixar and Bird!
It's the second golden age of animation. Now please do some scifi. -
I was able to go to the screening last night, and boy was I surprised!! I was very hesitant about this latest Pixar release, I mean rats, Paris, cooking, not exactly the best recipe for a movie I would like. I still really wanted to see it because of the amazing track record of Brad Bird and Pixar, so I got my tickets early and showed up..
First off the free Ratatouille was awesome... I've never had it before, but now I want to make it for myself. Patton kept the opening quick so we could get to the movie, and Brad Bird's introduction was nice. I was feeling so lucky about living in Austin and being able to go to this event. The little tease for Wall-E was great too, they had a little retrospective about the history of Pixar before introducing their latest character. I only recently heard about this project, so it was exciting to see just a little bit of it.
Finally the movie.. I won't go into it too much so you all can be excited about the little moments... but it was great, and I feel as though it will be up there along with Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles as one of Pixar's best. I personally find it hard to select a favorite Pixar movie, but this is definitely amoung those I'd discuss. The story really is classic Disney, but it is the execution that makes it so special. Please every one with doubts about seeing a movie about a French Rat Cook, put those doubts aside and take your families... you will not be disappointed.
Thanks so the Alamo, AICN, Patton, and Janeane for one of those special nights at the movies! -
Is exactly how future reviews on this site will be unless we SAVE
MEMFLIX !!! Will all reviewers be afraid to fill in the blanks as MEMFLIX did with his own thoughts and words...Oh yes my brothers ..
The corporate suits have spoken and they speak volumes....Long live MEMFILX.... -
I'm sorry; too soon?
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I also attended the showing and I get the jet ski on diamonds statement. Patton and Janine were true class acts and I had a great time. Thanks Harry for havin' this little shindig. Glad to get to the ol' Drafthouse one more time before it closes.
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I think it's one of those things that's funnier the earlier you use it in TB. Ideally, it probably should follow immediately after "FIRST".
That said, I've been "ready" for Ratatouille ever since I saw the second trailer earlier this year (the one that really sold me on the concept). These reviews are only fueling my enthusiasm. I just try and prevent myself from getting so hyped that I end up irrationally disappointing myself later. -
I've never been a huge shrek fan - sure the first one was interesting in the deconstruction of fairy tales, but the jokes and humor were very 'of the moment', and consequently, it isn't a timeless classic (unlike all Pixar films). Just wanted to know what the appeal of Shrek is, cause if you watched the first one today, a lot of that humor is totally ancient history...
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Jennifer Connelly disease. Bring back your fleshy pillows, girls!
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Hey jerseycajun...
When I was writing this up last night, I thought about trying not to sound too positive, as that tends to get people expectations up so high. I've had the same problem with reading reviews on AICN in the past myself. But I couldn't think of anything bad to say about Ratatouille. This is just a great timeless tale that feels like Walt Disney was watching over. I don't think he was watching over Cinderella 3 or Lady and The Tramp 2: Scamp's Adventure (...puhlease, Disney used to stand for quality and originality - not quantity and money grubbing). I just hope John Lasseter can keep the share holders out of Pixar's camp. Of course any movie, no matter how good it might be can be a let down when you read glowing reviews and it doesn't live up to your expectations. This was a really fun nihgt at the cinema, and amid so many dissapointments this summer already - it will cheer you up. -
This is really about your rights and your thoughts and freedom to express them.. I am a longtime reader of this site..When I first found it I was so refreshed reading its unbiased reviews , its early reports, Spoilers, leaked info.. It was young and unafraid and had teeth..Well now not so much..and I can understand why.. When you dance with the Corporate devils you will dance to their tune and pretty soon the song you once sang slowly becomes their music..Just as fame changes people so does the sleeping with the enemy...The studios seem to want to bully all with threats for reporting or leaking pictures..Look don't get me wrong Harry I love your site and what you keep doing but things have changed as far as content and the way it is handed down..I know dealing with the studios and their minions is a double edged sword but no one should have to worry about expressing their opinion on this site in fear of studio revenge ..That was not what A.I.C.N. was ever about..
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You know it's right...
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and their uncanny voice casting. They don't just cast name stars for marquee value. Sure, Bruce Willis was cool in Over The Hedge, but Patton Oswalt starring in a Pixar film!! Too cool. Kinda like Dave Foley in Bug's Life.
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It's not actually closing, they're just moving locations because the rent is more than they want to pay for the current location. And, to be honest, it's a pretty crappy ass location. It's moving to a much better location, so I'm sure when it opens we can look forward to all kinds of grand opening events as well. Plus, it's not the ONLY Alamo Drafthouse and quite a few of them aren't owned by Tim.
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Or is there anyone else out there that thinks that with the unbelievable technological advancements being made in CG animation, that there should be films released that AREN'T rated G and family friendly? Or even PG? How 'bout an R rated flick - something with some balls, yet brilliantly animated? Think of the possibilities... Meanwhile, looking forward to Ratatouille.
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Yea, great idea. Something along the lines of a full length single story Heavy Metal feature with the animation akin to Final Fantasy.
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LOL! Yeah, that really bugged me too, she (JC) lost a lot of her hotness when she skinnied down. Some women seem to confuse the Hollywood female-ideal of "slim" with "emaciated".
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Yeah, same story told in numerous westerns before but Bugs Life was just palin fun - far better then what Tres Amigos ever was. My top Pixars ..... #1 Incredibles, #2 Toy Story 2, #3 Bugs Life, #4Nemo, #5 tied, Monsters Inc and Toy Story 1. I hope this is as much fun as the Incredubles was. I love that damn movie.
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I don't think you're wrong, SOMEONE will do it eventually. But it will have to be a good film. Most studios are reluctant to do adult animation because Final Fantasy tanked big time.
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I'm sorry the guy lost his job, but part of his job is respecting the confidentiality requirements set by the studio and his employers. This isn't a free speech issue.
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Ralph Bakshi could do with computer animation. He's working on a crime drama called Last Days Of Coney Island, but know very little of it.
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The whole _____ word thing is Ausiello's schtick. And it bugs me when the skinny dork from TV Guide does it, and now Fat Boy too? Oy.
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He never signed anything in that regard...If your out there Memflix can you confirm that?
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straight up.... best theater in America.
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his crazy chef guy reminds me of that short stocky cab driver from oliver and company, also linguini looks like bing crosby's ichabod crane from the adventures of ichabod and mr.toad. from the 50's. and peter o'toole's food critic looks like frollo from the hunchback of notre dame.
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was it the same people who made "Shrek?" All those movies seem to follow a similar formula, and at the end they all dance to a contemporary dance number. My kid watched Shrek the other day, or was it Shrek 2, and hearing Eddie Murphy sing "La Vida Loca" was bad on multiple levels. Whereas with a Pixar film, the movies simply have nice, classy endings, like when Sullivan gets the chance to visit Boo again and the movie stops with him opening the door and smiling. Brilliant! Oh, and count me in with those who feel Pixar should start doing pornotype films for the big kids. Oh BTW advance tix for Die Hard onsale now. Thank you Sly
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..in fact, it was almost great. Even if it is the least of the Pixar films, anything they churn out is better than whatever crap Dreamworks puts out. Incredibles is my favorite animated film of all time.
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So PIXAR visits The Alamo and we hear wonderful things about them and their movies. Hmmm... good to see a$$ kissing is still in these days. Nothing like free publicity to get the drones into the theaters.
By the way... could care less about CARS or INCREDIBLES. They were long and tired stories that have already been done better.
But I still think TOY STORY, FINDING NEMO and MONSTERS INC. are good films.
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Because it's my 3-year-old's favorite Pixar movie, I've seen it at least 20 times, and it still holds up just swell for me. (He also likes the Toy Stories, but everything else from Pixar is "too scary!!!") If, like me, you are a sucker for cool CARS, the Southwest, neon, speed, action, Altmanesque camera work and overall great design, then Cars is for you. Sorry that so many people tore their hair out over it somehow signifying the DEATH OF PIXAR's SOUL, but I thought it was awesome and is my favorite of all of their flicks, so far. I've been pretty underwhelmed by the trailers for the Paris Rat movie (am much more looking forward to WALL-E, TS3 and JC OF MARS), but I imagine that it will be worth seeing like all of 'em.
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This isn't the place for this, but since it was asked here,-I did not sign anything. I was never told not to write or express opinions. In fact all of the reviews I have written for this site were under the same circumstances and not one word was said.
Looking forward to this one -
I loved Cars. I really look at it as a coming of age stroy, akin to a John Hughes 80's movie, a 'discover who I really am" movie see I actually enjoy it more then I did Monster's Inc or Nemo...here's how I would rank Pixar's work 3 way tie for first Incredialbes and TS 1&2 (because it's a continuation of the same story), 4 Bugs Life, 5)Cars, 6/7(2 way tie) Nemo/Monster's Inc.Ratatouille looks like fun to me because a)I love to cook b)it's Brad Bird who I trust c)Patton Oswald who I think is funny, not a god among comedians like some belive here (that would go to Larry the Cable guy--I'm kidding of course), but I think he's funny and his voice work seems to work well with the char. That's the thing you can always count on with Pixar, the voice work is always top notch. I can't think of better voice work in a Disney movie by a celebrity except for perhaps the Rescuaers.
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another reason i will not see this movie.I'm with you, man. And parents make your children grown with great taste in movies!!!!
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piece of shit
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Jun 12, 2007 6:09:07 PM CDT
oh and robots was produced by blue sky studio
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
for fox
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It just seems... unlikely, though we did get a sequel to Toy Story. I don't know, Brad Bird seems like the kind of guy that would want to try new material, rather than a re-hash, but then again, I've been underwhelmed by what I've seen of Ratatouille. I'll still see it, obviously, but I'm hoping for some excellent Sci-Fi out of this team. Something on par with Ender's Game or smililar...
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And keep Tim Story the hell away from it.
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Yeah, I said it!
But, if thats what he was fired for, and he didn't sign a contract saying he COULDN'T post a review, then he should get some nice settlement money at some point. -
"Brain Fried By the jet ski on Diamonds Awesomeness"... is just someone trying way too hard to crete a new AICN catch phrase. I just got off the phone on a conference call with flames on damn you Blu-Ray and nipples on this years Little Miss Gotta Eat Brother, and they said we should never speak of this again.
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don't know exactly how adult those two will be but they might just pave the way for an interesting all ages animation future. Cameron is going to blow our minds wide open.
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Doubt it. Most states mandate "at will" employment. Not sayin' it's right, just sayin' it's as it is.
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I LOVE (< sarcasm) how they have to explain how to say the name of the film...and I wonder how many people actually know that its a dish???
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looks AWESOME!!! Can't wait for that one. Stellar voices, as well...
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...is going to be awesome. I have a friend who worked on this, creating several of the wire models that are used in the motion capture process along with live actors. This movie is going to take this kind of animation to the next level for ImageMovers, an evolution you can see going from their Polar Express to Monster House, and now Beowulf. Would be nice to get a few reports on this. What is it going to be rated?
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