Pixar 24-Feature Film Challenge!!! Thanks For Playing ~ Now In Theatres: Lightyear!!!

Falling a bit behind myself in the analyses even though I've watched them, I'll probably give a few random thoughts from the past two before continuing on with the next entry: WALL-E!!! I'll update the completion boards soon as well, it's getting too many images to load on the post...

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007) ~ 10/13-10/25

Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Tuesday through to 24:00 Monday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Wednesday); This will help keep the conversation moving.

Film Schedule​

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/28: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
Future Schedule TBA.

Click to expand...

A few things happened over the weekend so I’ve pushed back this weeks analysis due date. Amongst them, my former place of employment had a huge fire(being investigated as an arson). I’m lucky to be say that my rental unit there wasn’t one of the unlucky ones but I’m still sorting out stuff for heavy smoke damage…

Oh my.

Just a friendly reminder that WALL-E analyses will be due by Wednesday 24:00 DLR time. This was the movie that garnered a lot of attention(and snubs) during the academy awards so I hope to hear some thoughts from you…

2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

Auto (Otto)– He is the baddest cat of the AI community aboard the Axiom (although GO-4R came in a close second). First impressions lead the viewer to believe that Auto is just another helpful piece of technology, created to assist the captain with the management of the Axiom. But as the story progresses, he definitely slides into the “evil bad guy” category. And yet…we all know computers are a product of their programming. Or are they? There is always speculation of the potential for self-awareness. Did Auto achieve that level? I don’t believe so. Auto’s bad-guy persona is a result of his adherence to his programming. In reality Auto is simply taking his last orders to…the…letter. He was told to keep the Axiom out in space, away from Earth to protect the remnants of humanity and that is what he intends to do – even if it kills them.

3. Choose one specific scene or sequence to analyze – tell me what response is it trying to evoke from the viewer and how does it go about getting that response?

The opening sequences – It is easy to look through rose-colored glasses at this film because it is Disney. In fact, the jaunty music from the Michael Crawford/Barbara Streisand film Hello Dolly initially gives you that Happy, feel-good mood.

Then you see Earth…mood killed. Despite the music you find a disturbing, destroyed, dystopian junkyard world. As you soar in through the atmosphere you find it is littered with space junk – a billion and one broken satellites floating about. The camera shot smashes through them because they are in the way.

The closer to the planet we get, the worse it gets. What look like majestic mountains with windmills are quickly discovered to be massive piles of garbage and junk. Ironic that the junkpiles (long time symbols of humanity’s excesses and wastefulness) are topped with windmills (symbols of clean living and care for the planet.) It’s as if humanity tried to fix it but it was way too late by that time. We did it to ourselves. My how art imitates life…

6. Choose a single line of dialogue that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why.

“You came a long way for a drink of water. You just needed someone to look after you, that’s all.” – Captain of the Axiom

Well, if that doesn’t speak volumes on so many levels that real-life humanity is facing right now. This pair of lines is when the captain realizes that after 700 years of humanity running away from Earth, that it is time to go back – no matter the consequences. The key in all of this is “…someone to look after you…” This entire movie is about the consequences of not having looked after the planet. BnL corporation destroyed everything with their mismanagement, and realized it too late. A five-year clean-up program (obviously doomed to fail due to the level of destruction) wasn’t enough. Instead of extending the timeline, and/or going a new route to save the planet, they gave up. And lied to the people of Earth. The message to never return was sent to the autopilots of the star cruisers, not the captains. (The Axiom wasn’t the only one, but it was the flagship.) So probes were still sent to check on the planet and people continued to believe that maybe someday humanity would go home.

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

This scene is most iconic in my opinion. (First put aside reality and forget that Wall-E had to cut through a fridge door. How did that plant grow with no sun or water?)

It’s what this scene represents – that life will find a way. And this is the crux of this tale; the return of life to a once believed dead planet.

(http://imgur.com/bg9Aekz)
10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

Wall-E was a film that showed us that we only have one place to call home – here on Earth. We must do what we can to keep it from becoming the apocalyptic nightmare that it was in the movie. What better way to promote Earth Day than by using the robotic power couple who tried to show us the way!

Pin# 108499 - Wall-E and Eve - Earth Day 2015

(http://imgur.com/5ACSZga)

1. What is your overall impression of the film? Some possible talking points include: what you did or did not like about it; what about the film has stuck with you; what did you find different on this viewing; how would modern audiences respond to this (for the older films)… The list goes on. Hahah!

This is one of the films that had gone under the radar for me as I was just out of High School when in came out; I guess I was surprised how much I came out liking it and recognize why it is one of Pixar's finest films. Act one plays very much like a silent film with each robot saying a nonsensical rendition of their name bar some exclusions; the film later continues with major Dialogue once we reach the Axion. The intro itself seems very reminiscent of an episode of the twilight zone, with past video playing along a dystopian view of the now current future; plot wise, I'm actually reminded a bit of the Lorax if it had added a dash of Star Wars. We are then introduced to the lonely robot(still active after his comrades have stopped working) who has since developed a quirky personality(it took Bicentennial man 200 years, Wall-E had 700) and who later falls for the new robot on the block, Eve.

The current setting of Earth is very much a monochromatic mush of brown, with introduction of color such as Eve's blue eyes, the television, or Xmas lights offering a true pop when we see it. We are only offered a much broader and exciting color palette once he and Eve go back into space with the surrounding space trek offering some of the most colorful amounts of color contrast. This far into Pixar's film chronology, I'm starting to differentiate the style of each composers. Randy Newman is probly the quintissential Pixar Story Telling (if Toy Storyish) experience while Michael Giaccone offers a lot more action(much more techincal and dynamic differences) with a tendancy for international jazzy flair. The films Thomas Newman has worked on speaks more environmental and world building aspect with his score, Wall-E itself shares that in Thomas' previous film Finding Nemo. I rate this film 10/10.



5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze. A symbol is typically something inanimate, an object, rather than a character. So don’t say “Brer Bear represents dumb people,” as that’s more of a character analysis than a symbol. Rather, think about specific objects (jewelry, clothing, houses, food, weapons, etc.) What does this symbol mean and how does that meaning impact the film?
The roach is considered to be one of the hardiest insects in the world and is said that they will last far longer after humans are extinct from Earth. Roaches may be considered pests but are a vital part of the ecosystem breaking down organic matter which provide nutrients for the soil and even playing a part in pollinating plants in forests. In the film the insect is primarily shown to be attracted to Wall-e's electronic warmth(which Roaches are attracted to in real life), but plays the part of loyal friend as he is the only living thing that Wall-E is able to interact with.

6. Choose a single line of dialog that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why. You can be a little loose with the “single line” bit, but let’s not go for Maleficent’s entire monologue to Philip... Rather, something like Stitch’s “This is my family. I found it all on my own. It’s little, and broken, but still good. Yeah – still good.” (brb weeping).

“I Don’t Want to Survive, I want to Live.” – Captain
700 years is a long wait to realize that the cruise was not quite what it was made to seem. While every human's hierarchy of needs was thought to have been met, there was no real or significant stimulation to their existence. Behind the scenes, the reality for their robot counterparts was grimmer; after 700 years, breakdowns or unwanted changes from their prime directive would either end up with either the robot just being reprogrammed or risk being decommissioned...

7. What is this film’s overall goal? Is it to teach a specific lesson (what is it) or get an emotional response (such as)? Or both? And how well or poorly does the film succeed in that goal? Be specific!
While this is a undoubtedly primarily a romantic comedy between two androids, the background plot revolves along the breakdown of the earth and it's ecosystem due to unsustainable pollution caused by humans(note climate change is not really mentioned but implied). Undoubtedly we must do our part in ensuring that our world is safe for future generations or risk it becoming much like the dystopia mentioned in the film. The ending is very positive that we can still achieve a sustainable goal at remedying the current situation.

8. What connections or progressions do you see in this film to past films? Example: how does Sleeping Beauty progress (or digress?) the princess archetype built in Cinderella? Be specific!
One part of the film, has Wall-e traveling through space and passing through an ice field; It's very reminiscent of Mickey's dream sequence from the Sorcerer's Apprentice.


Stray Thoughts
*Beware, you will have the song "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" stuck in your head for days after watching it...
*Every now and then you'll find homages to Studio Ghibli in Pixar films. The scene in which the pudgy Captain stands up for the first time is quite similar to a scene in the film Spirited Away, in which Yubaba's giant-sized Baby manages to stand for the first time. There is also another Miyazaki film, Nausicca of the Valley of the Winds, that has quite a similar premise of a world set in the distant future that is somewhat dangerously uninhabitable after a apocalyptic catastrophe.
*If they don't have a pin of this scene, I would like to have one eventually…

coblj003 said:

A few things happened over the weekend so I’ve pushed back this weeks analysis due date. Amongst them, my former place of employment had a huge fire(being investigated as an arson). I’m lucky to be say that my rental unit there wasn’t one of the unlucky ones but I’m still sorting out stuff for heavy smoke damage…

Click to expand...

Just seeing this now and....Yikes! Glad to hear your stuff isn't in this pile, but sorry you have to deal with smoke damage.

...

And here we go to another Academy Award Winning Film and tear jerker, Up. I think this film brings so much emotion in just the beginning so I'm curious to see what your responses will be...

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy (2009) ~ 10/26-11/1



Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Tuesday through to 24:00 Monday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Wednesday); This will help keep the conversation moving.​

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2009)
Future TBA

Click to expand...

2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

Carl Frederickson – Normally, I avoid main characters but this guy…Stereotypical, crotchety, widower, turns his hearing aid off if he doesn’t want to listen to you, has a walking cane with tennis balls on the feet (keeps from scuffing the floor…I know that one!). And I believe the first elderly hero of a Disney cartoon.

Let’s back up to our first impression. Carl is a child in the movie opening. You immediately get that he is not the bravest of persons, nor one to normally do crazy things. Then comes Ellie. She gets him from the very beginning – even if he doesn’t immediately realize it. She likes him and wastes no time in telling him that. She is like a wild animal, far braver, and way more adventurous…and she wants to bring him along for the ride. This is a character builder for Carl as we see him progress into adulthood, marriage, caregiver, and eventually lonely, old age.

Elderly life is where we see Carl the most. He is snarky, crotchety, and – dare I say – bitter at the hand life has dealt to him in his later years. There is always that “one, old man” who seems to hate everybody and everything and Carl is it. But we do immediately see why is so cantankerous. Big business is trying to take his house because the land is worth a fortune. If anyone knows anything about the older generations, they will tell you that they carved their life out and they will fight for everything that they made into their homes. Carl is no exception.

Unfortunately, we see him lose the battle because of his temper. But we do see him win the war as he doesn’t let them take his house. He gets not one, not two, but three sidekicks along the way. The (initially unwelcome) additions of Russell, Dug, and Kevin. The adventure this foursome goes on breaks through that crusty exterior of Carl’s. He really wants to care, and finally gives into the realization that he has got to be the hero of others as much as himself. To this end we see the old man become the daring hero and savior of those who are depending on him.

And yet…his most heroic act is showing up at Russell’s award ceremony and pinning him with the “Ellie Badge.”

5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze.

Grape Pop Cap – You only really see it prominently three times, but each time it is a monumental event in Carl Frederickson’s life. The soda pop cap represents his friendship turned love with Ellie; his remembrance of her as he wears it on his lapel; and his passing it on to Russell (in place of the “Assisting the Elderly” badge).

The first event, was the happenstance meeting he and Ellie had as children. She was a wild child and invited him into her club. She was his opposite, and yet his match. That bottle cap gift had meaning beyond ceremony for him.

The second time we see it, Ellie has passed form this world. It is the tiny reminder of her that he clings to in the craziness that has become of the world they had shared.

Passing the esteemed cap on to Russell speaks volumes about how much Carl has come to care for the boy. It’s only a bottle cap but Russell understands the meaning it holds for Mr. Frederickson, and he is proud to wear it.

6. Choose a single line of dialogue that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why.

“That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most.” – Russell

Out of the mouths of babes. How quickly we forget that life is NOT full of big exciting events. The big events may accent it, but it is the filler of little things that make up our lives as we live them. Or in this case – the boring things. Russell obviously loves his dad, but from conversation with Carl we can deduce that his dad isn’t always around when he should be. Why? That part doesn’t matter…just the fact that a young boy has already learned that the boring things in life are as important as the exciting things.

This was a concept that Carl lost when Ellie passed. He forgot how to live without her. Her passing was a big event, and for him the little things after that just didn’t seem to matter. Then Russell said this to him. It didn’t hit Carl enough until he was going back through Ellie’s Adventure Book. There were things in there he hadn’t seen, little, boring things he had dismissed. Her not to him to go begin his own adventure changed his tune. He needed that approval to know that it was okay to be without her. Had he been paying more attention to the boring things, he may have found it sooner.

8. Connections/progressions between this film and past films?

This was a totally non-traditional film in regards to the hero. No pretty princesses, young bugs, cool cars, cute animals (well…there was Dug…) but as the main hero…uh-huh. This was a cranky, old, man who could have been anyone’s grandfather. There are no comparisons. This film progressed beyond the stereotype of pretty, cute, young male/female, and dropped the viewer right into the “salty old dog” group usually reserved for the mentor, father, neighbor – secondary character. Funny thing is that Carl is a mentor, and a father-figure (even if he never was a father, he handles Russell pretty well.)

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

This shot is the best! It says it all in regards to what the film really is about. It is more than just a house with balloons. It is about the triumph of the little guy over adversity (saving his house from the wrecking ball), over evil (from the clutches of unrestrained big business, and Muntz), and ultimately, over heartache (he finally lets the house go, and comes to terms with Ellie’s death to go save Russell, Dug, and Kevin.)

(http://imgur.com/R6E4Anc)

10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

Was there ever really any question? Up is about the boring things that bring us together and allow us to bond. This is my bond.

1. What is your overall impression of the film? Some possible talking points include: what you did or did not like about it; what about the film has stuck with you; what did you find different on this viewing; how would modern audiences respond to this (for the older films)… The list goes on. Hahah!

One of my favorite Pixar Films to date, it's not hard to see how it got nominated for best picture(not just animated) in that years Oscars. Primarily, it gives us a meet-cute of two kids who go on to later marry, though the films eventually in turns into how Carl's Journey of dealing with his grief of Ellie passing away just short of her introduction. "Married Life" is probably one of my favorite musical themes featured throughout the film as it’s invokes a lot of emotion from sadness, joy, etc. In all honestly that segment might as well be a short film within as is and it would have still won an oscar. I think one bittersweet aspect going into watching this film was that both voice actors for Carl/Charles (Ed Asner/Christopher Plummer) passed away this year, though we also got the new series on Disney plus that showcases the voice of Ed Asner as Carl at least one more time. 10/10

2. Choose one specific character to analyze. You can explore how a character acts, what they say, how they dress, etc. to explain what they may represent or their function and meaning in the narrative. Try to avoid obvious "plot" stuff (ex: the Evil Queen is a villain, so her purpose is to be bad...), but explore unique and specific elements about the character (ex: the EQ is surrounded by images of peacocks, further suggesting her obsession with vanity). You may also use these elements to explain why you connected or disconnected from the character.

Charles Muntz is showcased as the formerly respected debonair adventurer at the beginning of the film; his famous catch-phrase for all intents is "Adventure is Out There" and becomes the inspiration for how Carl and Ellie lead their lives. When we meet up with him again, his genius/wealth has led him to a somewhat life of comfort(can we call it a glamping standard?) and also develop new technology; for instance Dog's the ability to talk and though much of his day to day feels like it’s stuck in the era of the 1930's(dirigible, multi-ply airplanes) etc. Eventually we are shown his dramatic Machiavellian character when he shows his starts to share that nothing will get in his way of rid of capturing Kevin, even implying of murdering random odd fellows that he across, never mind that many of those looked up to him as a fellow explorer/inspiration. If you actually listen through the credits, his subverted character is actually revealed slightly in his theme song "Spirit of Adventure" when it mentions the tidbit " I’ve hung a hundred heads on my wall!"

One modern element that sticks out was his eagerness to share how he was able to pilfer/smuggle artifacts for monetary gain/prestige/ to adorn his personal collection on his ship. While expeditions of that era usually swept the allegations of antiquities theft under the rug, it’s a a very hot topic now currently to and investigate the origins of many of the world’s museum catalog and auction houses and return prices of dubious origins. Currently there is is a lot of news of political goodwill going to repatriating artwork or artifacts of cultural significance back to their home of origin. One of biggest names, the British Museum, refuses to budge on many of their artifacts relating to colonial conquests acquisitions…

3. Choose one specific scene or sequence to analyze—tell me what response is it trying to evoke from the viewer and how does it go about getting that response? Your analysis could include the scene’s use of color, action, camera angles, music, character development, setting, backdrop, style, etc. If you can justify it with evidence from the scene, then it’s an analysis!

When the two nursing home guards come to escort Carl to Shady pines(I know it’s not that), the home itself is surrounded by dark and monochromatic construction. The house itself is pastel regarded and could be weathered but is in shade surrounded by the construction area. The guards make some Age-ist remarks regarding the disrepair that the house has gotten into(what do you expect from a 100 year old house?). The first glimpse of bright color then erupt from the balloons as they lift the house off it’s foundation bringing the house now into the sunlight and showcasing it’s brightly colored siding. The main theme plays triumphantly signifying a new chapter of Carl’s pact of taking Ellie to Paradise Falls .


6. Choose a single line of dialog that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why. You can be a little loose with the “single line” bit, but let’s not go for Maleficent’s entire monologue to Philip... Rather, something like Stitch’s “This is my family. I found it all on my own. It’s little, and broken, but still good. Yeah – still good.” (brb weeping).

“Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one.”​

It plays off of their first interaction with each other(Adventure is Out There), but fittingly doesn’t repeat the now sullied quote of Muntz. As it happens as a reprise of the montage, this moment probably may have the audience burst into tears…

8. What connections or progressions do you see in this film to past films? Example: how does Sleeping Beauty progress (or digress?) the princess archetype built in Cinderella? Be specific!

The montage is completely silent of voicing, completely making it almost a silent film akin to how Wall/e was at the beginning.
As with most Pixar films, Joe Ratzenburger makes a voiced cameo as the foreman of the construction crew.
We also get another huge nod to Studio Ghibli (Howl's Moving Castle) with the flying Frederickson house; interestingly the Japanese title for the film is "Grandpa's Flying House," an alliteration of the original Ghibli Title...

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why? Post it! You can check out this link to find some great screencaps to help!

Yours is probably the most iconic shot in the movie, If I were to have to choose another, it would be of the house on it’s final testing place of Paradise Falls…


10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why? Give us the pin number and post a picture!

I agree, the Ellie Badge is probably the most iconic pin from this movie. The 2nd most iconic one Is tge Frederickson house pins. This pin showcases the quote: “Adventure is Out There”

And now were back to what's considered another Pixar great: Toy Story 3. This was the first Pixar film I remember watching in Theaters so I have a bit of Nostalgia for this. Going forward, I think it’s best changing the turn in date to Midweek as it seems to have ended up benefiting the both of us.

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: Toy Story 3(2010); Day & Night (2009) ~ 11/4 -11/10



Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Thursday through to 24:00 Wednesday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Friday); This will help keep the conversation moving.​

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2009)
11/4-11/10: Toy Story 3; Day & Night
Future TBA

Click to expand...

Not a lot to do yesterday. Rained all day, no (satellite) TV or Internet. So we watched TS3


2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

Big Baby – This character was an integral part of the story as a supporting character. She was the muscle for the main villain – Lotso. As the physically largest of the “action figure” style toys, she could accomplish what the other toys might not have been able to handle. We do get a slight glimpse right from the start that although Baby seems loyal to Lotso, she doesn’t always seem to agree with him 100% on his actions and what he wants her to do. It’s nothing more than a very subtle look and/or hesitation before she carries out his orders.

The main premise of Lotso’s control over her is that they were simply thrown away by their kid, and then replaced. It was Lotso who became angry and bitter, finally convincing Baby that she was no longer wanted by their kid either. That was the beginning of Baby’s subservience to Lotso. Like always though, the truth comes out and we learn Baby, Lotso, and Chuckles were actually not thrown away, but accidently lost. When confronted with the truth and that their kid – Daisy – only replaced Lotso, Baby realizes that she could have gone home. Recognizing that Lotso had lied to her, and turned her into some monster regarding the other toys, she then turns on him – throwing him into the garbage dumpster a la Darth Vader and the Emperor from Star Wars Return of the Jedi.

5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze.

Mrs. Potatohead’s missing Eye – A bit of a bizarre thing to choose to analyze, but an important one. When all the toys are packed up we already know that Mrs. Potatohead was missing her eye. It was alluded to that she had lost it a little bit before the events in the movie. What makes it so critical is that she is able to see the confrontation between Andy and his mom when he realizes that she threw the toys in the trash. Up until that point they believed that Andy had wanted to get rid of all of them – except Woody, of course. That changes the entire group’s mindset. They had resigned themselves to the fate of the daycare, but now they only want to get home back to Andy.

6. Choose a single line of dialogue that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why.

“I wish that I could always be with you.” – Andy’s Mom

This is said near the very end of the movie – after all the escapades of the daycare, the escape, and their return home to Andy. Woody repacks himself into the box bound for college, after helping the other toys all pack up to head for the attic. But then Andy’s mom comes in, sees the bare room, and gets all choked up when Andy walks in. She gives the classic reaction of a parent realizing that their child has grown up and they are heading out on their own. The impact of this scene on Woody is that he realizes that he should be with the other toys. Andy doesn’t need him anymore…although he may want him, reality is, he doesn’t need him, and there are better things and brighter days for the toys. It also gives Woody the idea to pen the note telling Andy to give the toys up.

The entire line is revisited and reinforced when Andy tells Bonnie: “Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you... ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what.”

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

For me, this is the scene that hits home. Andy is headed for college, and stops to give his childhood toys away. Realizing Woody is in the box, gives him pause. The movie really is about growing up and moving on. This shot solidifies that.

(http://imgur.com/RS86Ewd)
10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

Doesn’t get any better than this…where there’s a bad guy, there’s a wanted poster. It’s perfect for Lotso – not all those cutsie pins of him. He wasn’t cute, he wasn’t nice. This pin is the best representation of him.

Pin# 126256 - WDW - Cast Member Exclusive - Wanted Collection - Monthly Pin

(http://imgur.com/9BqewoZ)

Post Saved, just haven't been able to upload an analysis but will update with one for non-credit...

And a bit late uploading but work has been killer with the amount of incoming freight for the upcoming holidays. Here we come to a clearly divisive film that I find most critics and fans don't care much for; it was paired theatrically with the follow-up short from the previous Toy Story film that pretty much started its own short toon series.

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: Cars 2(2011); Hawaiian Vacation(2011) ~ 11/11 -11/17



Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Thursday through to 24:00 Wednesday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Friday); This will help keep the conversation moving.

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2008)
11/4-11/10: Toy Story 3(2010); Day & Night(2009)
11/11-11/17: Cars 2(2011); Hawaiian Vacation(2011)
11/18-11/23: Brave(2012); La Luna(2011)
11/24-12/1: Monster's University(2013); The Blue Umbrella(2012)
Future TBA

Click to expand...

2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

Finn MacMissile (British Intelligence) – He’s got the suave. He’s got the accent. He’s got the looks. He’s got the toys. He’s got the car…oh wait – he is the car. If ever there was a car version of James Bond, this guy is it! And this car closely resembles the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 – which Bond drives in his movies. But not completely, it is also is based on the 1958 Peerless GT. That’s where it gets its rear fin – hence the car’s first name.

Finn is as cool of a car as they come. His demeaner is spot on for a battle tested spy. The attachments he has are as awesome as he is; missile launcher, magnetic explosives, machineguns, omnidirectional winch with four grappling hooks, spy probes, holographic disguise emitter, spy camera, glass cutter, harpoon gun, and steel magnet wheels. He can run both on and under the water as a hydrofoil or as a submarine. This guy does all but fly – something he laments with his analyst-turned-field-agent partner Holly Shiftwell, when she sprouts wings and a tail. His response – “You kids get all the good hardware.”

5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze.

The Enigma Engine – Who does this belong to? That was the question. The mystery engine was referred to several times over the course of the movie. The coloring of the sheet metal around the engine kind of leads the viewer to think maybe the mystery boss is actually Professor Zündapp because he is that color paint scheme. That theory crashes (no pun intended) when they discover that he cannot diffuse the bomb attached to Mater.

This engine is the key to finding who is behind the sabotage of the races, and the injuries to the racers. Holly finds information that there are roughly 35,000 cars with that engine. Strangely enough though, it is Mater who can really hone in on the specifics of this particular piece of junk car. To start with, he straight up says that they are lemons and always in need of maintenance. He continues on with noticing that whomever this car is, is able to get rare, vintage parts. The engine and the owner are eventually identified – by Mater – when they use the same bolts that attach the engine into the frame – to strap a bomb to Mater in place of his air filter. He identifies the engine as belonging to Sir Axelrod.

6. Choose a single line of dialogue that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why.

“No fight more important than friendship.” – Uncle Topolino

One thing I have always said about Pixar movies – they are about friendship…and this one is no exception. In Cars, Mater declared Lightning as his best friend. Lightning shares that sentiment as well. But he is still so wanting to be “the cool car” and to fit in that sometimes Mater and his antics are embarrassing to the hotshot racer. So once again Lightning has to learn that being friends means taking someone as they are. Friends accept each other in all their heroics, craziness, ups, downs, truths, and faults. He had not quite realized that about Mater, and in turn hurt his feelings and sent him away.

His conversation with Uncle Topolino brought all that back into perspective. Lightning spends the end of the movie trying to make that up to Mater.

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

This shot is from the very end of Cars when Lightning is racing for fun in Radiator Springs with the other racers from the Allinol races. Mater got to keep his rockets and joins the race. He catches up to Lightning and you can just tell as they banter back and forth that they are friends for life, and nothing is going to change that or challenge that – not ever again.

(http://imgur.com/WsvIiOB)
10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

Lightning is headed to a series of international races. He is often referred to as “the American” so what better than Lightning with the American flag!

Pin #83762

(http://imgur.com/n0c2v5j)

1. What is your overall impression of the film? Some possible talking points include: what you did or did not like about it; what about the film has with you; what did you find different on this viewing; how would modern audiences respond to this (for the older films)… The list goes on. Haha.
Well, that wasn't so bad, though I could clearly see where there is room for criticism; If you as an audience member are going into this thinking it's going to be one of Pixars best and thought-provoking films, you may leave right now. How does one come up with a sequel for an anthropomorphic Nascar racing movie? Make it a World Grand Prix. I will say one thing to going for this film was the Marketing aspect for its toy line; I recall all of Matchbox style cars that were promoted during this film and the international diversity was one of the biggest features(Lightning McQueen probably sold the most by far though). How does the film itself play out though?

For all intents and purposes racing is the main premise of Cars and both of its sequels. Pixar films have a human element it explores that grounds each of their film, for this its played out through McQueen trying to mend his friendship with Mater after their big fight as well as to be true be one's self versus a projected persona. This plays 2nd fiddle to Mater's A-plot of unintentionally becoming a undercover agent ala Larry the Cable Guy meets James Bond(it would probably be a parody movie in itself akin to his other movies). The format itself itself plays out like a larger Cars shorts Mater's Tall Tales, and while it is entertaining it leaves the rest of the original cast of Cars as a small set of Cameos. The settings themselves were interesting, I liked seeing the original rundown pit-stop of Radiator Springs from the first movie as a now exclusive restaurant; emphasis seemed to be put on the exotic east(Japan) and the rest of the flm taking place more with James Bond in mind on the Italian Rivera and London. The music itself seemed like it was going for a James Bond/Incredibles feel. I appreciated the homage to Doc Hudson with the passing of Paul Newman prior to development. Overall, I feel that most audience members will gloss over it like the comment of people overlooking Mater for being different. 6/10

2. Choose one specific character to analyze. You can explore how a character acts, what they say, how they dress, etc. to explain what they may represent or their function and meaning in the narrative. Try to avoid obvious "plot" stuff (ex: the Evil Queen is a villain, so her purpose is to be bad...), but explore unique and specific elements about the character (ex: the EQ is surrounded by images of peacocks, further suggesting her obsession with vanity). You may also use these elements to explain why you connected or disconnected from the character.

If Finn McMissel is based on 007 James Bond, Holly Shiftwell is clearly Agent Moneypenny, M's Secretary and occasional flirt of James Bond. As a desk agent turned Field Rookie, while she is cautious and guarded in to maintain her cover; thus she seems the exact the opposite archetype character to be paired with Mater in terms of romantic interest, though that could be considered a thematic trope in and of itself. While I feel her status as Mater's unintentional girlfriend is really up in the air after this film, he did show her the self appreciation of of battle-scars(dents) if they remind them of a great memory, which has her wishing to keep the dents from her first mission. One particular Studio Ghibli nod is that her voice actress, Emily Mortimer, is also the VA for young Sophie in Disney's English dub of Howl's Moving Castle...

8. What connections or progressions do you see in this film to past films? Example: how does Sleeping Beauty progress (or digress?) the princess archetype built in Cinderella? Be specific.
As with other Pixar films there are nods to past Disney/Pixar films; for instance when they travel through France, there is a nod to Ratatouille with the resturaunt Gastou's in the backdrop . Another nod to previous Pixar films the films plays with the fact that both Mater(albeit with a sail) and Holly can fly akin to Walle and Eve, though they don't dance together persay. That aspect is instead explores the friendship of Mater and McQueen when the latter chooses not to let-go(albeit for dear life) until he mends his friendship with Mater. As is also shared from the first film, Luigi's Car Model(1957 Fiat 500) and coloring is modeled after same car from Miyazaki's Lupin the 3rd: Castle of Caligiostro...

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why? Post it! You can check out this link to find some great screencaps to help!
There isn't really a great screencap of this scence but when I don't think anything else can top Mater's Status as a newly minted undercover agent then him flying through the air with Lightning in tow. The 3D pop-up book actually shows it in a much better angle.


10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why? Give us the pin number and post a picture!
There aren’t a lot of Cars 2 specific pins, outside of the pin you mentioned I even get the beloved tales wasn’t really representative. I went with the generic marquee…

Pin 84949 DSF - Cars 2 - Marquee​

And here we are on Thanksgiving Week, I believe that many of us have extended plans(Work/Holiday/Black Friday[?]Prep have been extremely busy) so I think I think it's a good idea to push back Brave's analysis till next week. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Everyone ....

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: Brave(2012); La Luna(2011) ~ 11/24 -12/1





Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Thursday through to 24:00 Wednesday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Friday); This will help keep the conversation moving.
​

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2008)
11/4-11/10: Toy Story 3(2010); Day & Night(2009)
11/11-11/17: Cars 2(2011); Hawaiian Vacation(2011)
11/24-12/1: Brave(2012); La Luna(2011)
12/2-12/8: Monster's University2(013); The Blue Umbrella(2012)
Future TBA

Click to expand...

2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

Mor’du – Myths and legends always have some modicum of truth and this was no different. Mor’du had been a man once – one of four brothers – and because of greed had caused the destruction of the kingdom. The references of him and his three brothers always set him apart visually. It’s almost as if he was an outcast long before he became a bear. He represents the evil in the story and he is given the stereotypical characteristics to that end. He is deformed, mangy looking, missing an eye, full of the arrows that have been shot into him over the years, and larger than life – even for a big bear. In the ruins of the castle Merida finds the tablet that depicts him with his brothers. The tablet has damage to it, separating Mor’du from the other three; isolating him, and reinforcing that outcast design. Any modicum of humanity that may have been in him was long gone – lost to the malevolent monster he had become. Only at the very end, when he was finally slain do we see him for who he once was. As the bear died, the spirit of the man rose from the body and in a brief moment, gave Merida a respectful nod – as if thanking her for freeing him from the curse that he’d been living. Then he seemed to disappear as a wisp.

3. Choose one specific scene or sequence to analyze – tell me what response is it trying to evoke from the viewer and how does it go about getting that response?

Merida teaching Elinor how to fish like a bear – This sequence of events is literally and figuratively a teaching moment – for mothers and daughters. I say that specifically because that “female to female” relationship is a different dynamic than one of father and son. The river and highlands are a great backdrop but it is the evolution of characters in these scenes that pushes the emotional buttons.

In this case the viewer is wrongly set up for one emotional response – to side completely with Merida, and have some form of disdain for Elinor and her stiff-backed old-fashioned discipline and beliefs. The story is a traditional rebel vs authority scenario. We are given that base to work from as we see the bickering and rising animosity. The entire beginning of the film shows the head-butting between them. Elinor is trying to raise Mereida as she was – a proper lady. And of course, Merida is rebelling against the restrictions placed on her. (It doesn’t really help Elinor’s case that Fergus allows his daughter to run wild.)

That austere authority really pushes Merida over the proverbial edge and into recklessness. Obtaining the spell and actually using it reveals just how far she thinks she is willing to go to change her fate.

The ramifications of her actions are immediate.

Once the deed is done and Elinor has turned into a bear, Merida realizes her mistake. Instead of just letting it be what it’s going to be, she works hard to counteract the spell. So, in this case, the viewer is left changing emotional direction as the bond between them becomes stronger with the adversity of the situation.

Elinor knows nothing of the wilds, nor being a bear, so Merida has to become her teacher. In the beginning of the river and salmon run scenes Elinor is reluctant to get in the water and go after the fish. Even eating them raw was definitely a hard “no.” Catching a few by accident, she finds how good they are and then goes on autopilot. Instinct takes over, as does the full characteristic of the bear. She nearly takes out Merida in the end of this sequence.

You can’t help but feel a bit sorry for Elinor at first. As the interplay evolves, things become alarming as Elinor cannot fully control the bear instincts that come to the surface. They both realize the timebomb that this disagreement has become and must overcome their own ideals to fix it before it becomes irreversible.

5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze.

Will-O’-the-Wisp – They can lead you to your fate or to your doom, depending on which folklore tale you read. In Brave, wisps are not a being that falls into a category of good or bad – they simply are. Legends say they lead one to where they need to be. In this case they are portrayed as tiny blue spirits, with a very air elemental look to them.

The wisps are seen six times in Brave. Each time there is specific purpose to their appearance:

1) They lead a very young Merida to her missing arrow, and out of the woods, away from the clutches of the stalking Mor’du.

2) After Merida has the fight with her mother: They lead her to the witch/woodcarver’s cabin where she acquires the spell.

3) The third time is to the ruins of the castle where Mor’du is. Here is where she realizes that there are truths behind the legends her mother told her.

4) They take her directly to the stone ring where Fergus and the clans have captured Elinor. They lead her there just in time to save her mother…and reveal that her brothers are in the same mess.

5) The spirit of Mor’du rises as a wisp from the carcass of the monster he has been trapped in for untold years.

6) The final wisp is a loner, giving the viewer a knowing laugh and a wave good-by.

Each time the wisps appear they bring about life changing events. Some were concerning as to their intentions but all were for the better in the end.

6. Choose a single line of dialogue that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why.

“Your father doesn’t believe in magic.” – Elinor

If Fergus didn’t in the beginning of the movie, he certainly did by the end! Merida is a small child when her mother tells her this. She had just seen her first wisps – and they had saved her from Mor’du. The fact that Merida and Elinor both do believe in magic is important. It drives the story. When Merida realizes the woodcarver is a witch she begins to negotiate for a spell. Elinor, of course, is a bear – something that’s not going to happen without magic. However, she recovers nicely upon learning that it was a spell (even if it was a gammy one.) When Merida admits giving it to her, she gives her daughter one helluva mother’s dirty look that comes right through the bear face.

Knowing that the transformation is a work of magic means there is a way to undo it. As believers in magic, they know this and together they look for the counter-spell – or at least the witch who created the spell so they can overturn it.

The never do find the witch but what they find is a short riddle that tells them how to reverse the spell. “Fate be changed. Look inside. Mend the bond, torn by pride.”

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

Merida shooting her bow while on Angus going at a flat run is my pick. That shot is everything that is Merida. It’s everything she is, wants to be, and more.

(http://imgur.com/SpZ6cfW)
10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

The tapestry. Even though it is before Merida cut it, the tapestry represents family, and togetherness – something that Merida had to lose to learn to love.

1. What is your overall impression of the film? Some possible talking points include: what you did or did not like about it; what about the film has with you; what did you find different on this viewing; how would modern audiences respond to this (for the older films)… The list goes on. Haha.
This was a film that we did not initially watch in theaters as daughter was just born that year; we instead took my sister in-law to watch Wreck it Ralph that year and was surprised by how it seemed that the two films seemed switched development teams with the subject-matter between the two; it definitely seemed to advance the thought the Academy of Motion Pictures was skewered towards the Pixar name when Brave won the animation oscar as we felt that WiR was the overall better movie(by a huge margin). Brave was originally billed as the anti-princess film(not musical inspired) but ended up becoming marketed as one of them afterwards; my eldest even went as Merida for halloween that following year. Bar the Scottish theming(Braveheart immediately comes to mind), the movie felt directly inspired by a similar plot of a Ghibli Film(Howl's Moving Castle), whereas the heroine is on a quest to cure herself after being cursed with a life-altering spell. Going in I knew that there was a change in directorship(the original was replaced toward the end) and wonder if that explains part were the story pacing doesn't seem cohesive; as such the movie is overall one of Pixar's weaker offerings. The main plots of Merida/mother and Mordu felt well grounded but other aspects such secondary character development(such as the clans) really felt like an afterthought and only delegated slapstick humor. The animation is still Pixar at it's finest and the score is a good change of pace from the typical Pixar sound(if stereotypical Scottish) 6/10.

2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

The eccentric woodcarver definitely feels directly inspired by the witches from Studio Ghibi's Spirited away is the one character that doesn't speak with a Scottish accent. She definitely projects an otherworldly mystical appearance regardless of trying to blend in, but eventually succumbs to Merida's badgering for a lifechanging spell for a price. She is not really billed as a force for good or evil(akin to the sorceress from Beauty and the Beast) as she indirectly responsible for Mordu's fate, though she does give Merida a way of breaking the spell before the time runs out.

5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze.
Merida's hair is seen as unkept/untamed and and is only slightly covered up by her mother when it is time to present her; by contrast, Elinor's is seen as carefully braided and in control up until she becomes a bear. At the end of the film, she lets it flow freely like her daughter as they ride off on their horses as a means of showing off her newly found free-spirted nature.

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

I always thought her shooting her bow and arrow was one of the iconic parts of this movie, I felt the moment her showing off her skills to fight for her way out of marriage would be it's top memorable.

10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

43035 - Artland - Brave
In terms of pins, I really liked the artland pin that shows the production artwork of Merida and her Mother bear. I love how the background red of her hair pops.

Stray thoughts
The pop-up book showcases the fight between Merida, Elinor, and Mordu quite well. I halfway wish there was a good animation screencap of these scenes.

And here we are with probably our 3rd Pixar series with a sequel(well prequel): the Monsters University. While the true sequel to the movie was a tv continuation that just premiered on Disney+, this film further explored the world of Monstropolis and it's inner workings...

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: Monsters University(2013); The Blue Umbrella(2012) ~ 12/2 -12/10





Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Thursday through to 24:00 Wednesday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Friday); This will help keep the conversation moving.
​

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2008)
11/4-11/10: Toy Story 3(2010); Day & Night(2009)
11/11-11/17: Cars 2(2011); Hawaiian Vacation(2011)
11/24-12/1: Brave(2012); La Luna(2011)
12/2-12/8: Monster's University(2013); The Blue Umbrella(2012)
Future TBA

Click to expand...

2. Choose one specific character to analyze.

Dean Hardscrabble – Hardscrabble is one tough, scary monster. She comes off as very demanding in her desires for the MU Scare Program. To a certain extent she has the right to. Dean Hardscrabble was a top-notch scarer at Monsters, Inc. and wants only the best scarers for her program. She has high standards and high expectations, and won’t accept anything less. In the beginning she seems to have no equal. Even the university’s scaring professor is a tiny bit afraid, and intimidated by her when she shows up in his class.

She’s also an innovator with a creative notion. It was Dean Hardscrabble who created the Scare Games when she was still a student at MU. She is not to be challenged, messed with, lied to, nor can she be impressed – or so it seems. When Mike makes the bet with her for himself and the Oozma Kappa crew she actually takes it – but the caveat for Mike is steep. She makes it clear that he is gone completely from the school if he loses. Her attitude with defending the MU Scare Program makes her unrelenting, a bit bullish, and gives her a certain amount of tunnel vision. She has preconceived notions of what a scarer should look and act like. Mikey and crew do not fit that ideal.

This character keeps her core behavior, but does relent a tiny bit in the end when proven wrong. Mike and Sully are out of MU regardless – however Hardscrabble admits to being surprised by the tenacity, and desire of the students to be part of the scare curriculum.

5. Choose one specific symbol in the film to analyze.

MU Baseball Hat – During a tour of the energy giant Monsters, Inc. Mike Wazowski gets into trouble on the scare floor. He follows a top scarer – Frank McKay – through the closet door into a child’s bedroom. All of the staff knows it happened, but Frank doesn’t and admits as much. Little Mikey earns the scarer’s respect for the crazy stunt. McKay gives him his beat up, raggedy Monsters University baseball cap. This hat is a symbol of desire, a goal to attain for Mikey. He is wearing it when he walks onto campus as a freshman college student at MU. He also freaks out when the Fear Tech pig swipes his hat and takes off with it through the MU quad. After some crazy trick riding – of aforementioned pig – Mikey gets his hat back. For him it is a treasured gift that set him on the path he wanted to follow.

6. Choose a single line of dialogue that you find to be the most significant/impactful line in the film and why.

“Wow. I didn’t even know you were in there.” – Frank McKay, Scarer

What every scarer wants to attain – the ability to go into the human world and no one to know… Those words set off a mission to a lifelong dream for one little monster. It gave him immediate respect from his fellow elementary students, as well as a bit of admiration from a famous scarer at Monsters, Inc. Now if only the rest of us could have found our calling so early in life…

7. What is the film’s overall goal? Is it to teach a specific lesson (what is it) or get an emotional response (such as)? Or both? And how well or how poorly does the film succeed in that goal?

Ultimately, I think the goal here is to Believe…in your friends, your capabilities, yourself as a whole. Mike and the entire Oozma Kappa frat are ridiculed, teased, and horribly bullied by the students, staff, and even Dean Hardscrabble. Everyone else has preconceived notions of what scarers should look like and the frat crew just doesn’t fit the profile. The hazing from the other frats in unconscionable but they get away with it because the school staff is just as bad.

Sully’s final attempt at cheating really undermines the advancements the frat had made. Owning up to his dishonesty was a huge character builder for Sully – he had been spoon-fed the scare profession because of his famous father, and he blew it. It really cost them. But Mike, Sully, and the Oozma Kappa frat push through and in the end blow to hell the predetermined ideals of the perfect scarer. They prove that they can push aside everyone else’s doubts, and their own fears, and come out as champs. This would not have been possible if they didn’t believe in themselves.

Mike and Sully were still expelled, and rightly so; such is the consequences of their action. But they learned from it and bounced back at Monsters, Inc. They came into the company at the bottom, worked hard, moved up, worked harder, and eventually earned their places on the scare floor.

9. What is the iconic shot of the film? What single frame of animation do you find to be the most memorable and why?

Little Mikey right after Frank McCay gave him the Monsters University ballcap. That right there is a life changing event for a small monster. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most.

(http://imgur.com/aAioSmF)
10. What single pin do you think best represents this film for you? Why?

I come back to the Monsters University baseball hat. Although this is in a set, the pin that represents the film is the ballcap. The hat is really what set Mikey on this journey.

Pin # 134632

(http://imgur.com/LUizo2J)

I finally managed to actually watch another film in the allotted window! This is definitely not on the caliber of these other film analysis I’ve enjoyed reading, but since I did finish watching - I figured I would at least take a pass at writing something before the clock strikes midnight and I turn into a pumpkin:

1. I hadn’t actually seen this one before and quite liked the backstory on Mike and Sully. while it does explain some of Sully’s history, I think it does a much more through job of explaining Mike. Having seen the original Monsters Inc, visually Mike did always look a bit too ’plain’ to be a monster. He’s small with one eye - not much to frighten a small child. Creating the backstory on why scaring was his dream, how he worked to get there, how it failed, how he got there in the end - all fits quite nicely with his personality. He knows what he wants to do, he doesn’t have the usual scare attributes but he’s got the brains to do it, so he approaches things differently.

2. Mike Wazowski - initial introduction is to him as a youngster trying to be just like everyone else and learn what’s going on. When he initially follows a scarer through a door and comes out undetected is the first clue that he will surprise you with his ability to do things slightly differently than others. That theme follows throughout as he helps the other OK members figure out how to use the strengths they have to be good scarers. Or when he and Sully get caught in the camp cabin. Mike isn’t large enough to scare all the adults but he is the mastermind behind the plan that he and Sully can execute together.

3. The teacher is mid-presentation when you hear wings snap open, a shadow falls over the class, and you hear and see a dragon like monster come flying down to land on the floor and begin creeping around the room on many clicking nails. This is the intro to Dean Hardscrabble and the first lesson in how seriously she takes her job as Dean of the Scare school.

5. For the symbolism- the line that Mike has to cross. First there’s the line to the scare floor they aren’t supposed to cross unless they are a scarer. You can see that value instilled in Mike as he crosses future lines - when he is headed to MU - he hesitates before stepping over the “line” (gutter) between the road and the sidewalk. When he has been thrown out and realizes he has to go be something else he again hesitates a second before stepping over the line. And then when he officially becomes a scarer, he pauses at the line for just a second before confidently stepping over. It’s a bit of a self-check: am I ready for this next step.

6. “I’m OK with being OK” is the pivotal moment when Mike realizes he doesn’t have to be the scariest monster. He can just be himself and that’s ok. Eventually he is able to use the skills he does have and reach his goal in his own way on his own time. A good lesson for anyone.

I want to thank everyone for your patience, due to some unforseen events I wasn't on DPF that much the past month; as such the main Pixar Feature Challenge itself will be on hold till after the start of the New Year(Inside Out). Very unintentionally, the updated calender will coincide with the next Pixar Feature release of "Turning Red". As such here is a side project of watching the two Toy Story TV specials, one of which coincides with Christmas...

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: Toy Story of Terror; Toy Story That Time Forgot ~ 12/15 -12/31





Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Thursday through to 24:00 Wednesday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Friday); This will help keep the conversation moving.

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2008)
11/4-11/10: Toy Story 3(2010); Day & Night(2009)
11/11-11/17: Cars 2(2011); Hawaiian Vacation(2011)
11/24-12/1: Brave(2012); La Luna(2011)
12/2-12/8: Monster's University(2013); The Blue Umbrella(2012)
Future TBA

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Now that it's the New Year, I figured it would be good to get back on the ball with finishing the Pixar Movie Challenge(it helps that I actually have some free time from work at the moment). The calender has been updated in full so It looks like the challenge will be ending around the time of "Turning Red's" release, though it's completion with the challenge will depend on whether it is a Theatre only or Disney+ release like the previous films...

coblj003 said:

Now Playing: Inside Out(2015); Lava(2014) ~ 1/6 -1/12

Please remember that you may post your analysis during the one week window starting 00:00 Thursday through to 24:00 Wednesday DLR Time, and any responses/comments for that film by the "wrap-up" day(the following Friday); This will help keep the conversation moving.

Film Schedule

8/9-8/16: Toy Story(1995)
8/17-8/23: A Bug's Life(1998); Geri's Game(1997)
8/24-8/30: Toy Story 2(1999); Luxo Jr.(1986)
8/31-9/6: Monster's Inc(2001); For the Birds(2000)
9/7-9/13: Finding Nemo(2003); Knick Knack (1989)
9/14-9/21: The Incredibles(2004); Boundin'(2003)
9/22-10/4: Cars(2006); One Man Band(2005)
10/5-10/12: Ratatouille(2007); Lifted(2006)
10/13-10/25: WALL-E(2008); Presto(2007)
10/26-11/1: UP(2009); Partly Cloudy(2008)
11/4-11/10: Toy Story 3(2010); Day & Night(2009)
11/11-11/17: Cars 2(2011); Hawaiian Vacation(2011)
11/24-12/1: Brave(2012); La Luna(2011)
12/2-12/8: Monster's University(2013); The Blue Umbrella(2012)
Winter Break: Toy Story of Terror(2013); Toy Story That Time Forgot(2014)
1/6-1/12: Inside Out(2015); Lava(2014)
1/13-1/19: The Good Dinosaur(2015); Sanjay's Super Team(2015)
1/20-1/26: Finding Dory(2016); Piper(2016)
1/27-2/2: Cars 3(2017); Lou(2017)
2/3-2/9: Coco(2017); Toy Story of Terror(TV Special-2013)**
2/10-2/16: Incredibles 2(2018); Bao(2018)
2/17-2/23: Toy Story 4(2019); Toy Story That Time Forgot(TV Special-2014)**
2/24-3/2: Onward(2020);Kitbull**(2019)
3/3-3/9: Soul(2020); Out**(2020)
3/10-3/16: Luca(2021); Burrow**(2020)
3/11: Turning Red(2022);**
**These Films did not have an accompanied Pixar Short associated with their release; I've paired the remaining with Oscar nominated short films/tv specials.
+Coco: Initially paired with Olaf's Frozen Adventure before it was cut a week after it's premier; I've paired it with the Toy Story of Terror .
+Toy Story 4: did not have a short premier during it's initial release; I've paired it with Toy Story That Time Forgot.
+Onward: Premiered with a non Pixar Short: The Simpsons-Playmate with Destiny; I've paired it with Oscar Nominated short "Kitbull".
+Soul: Not released in theaters; I've paired it with Oscar shortlist short "Out".
+Luca: Not released in theaters; I've paired it with Oscar nominated short "Burrow"

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P.S. I missed reviewing the Monster's Inc. series but it really was good and it's new Disney+ series is a great expansion. I've already spoken a bit of the other films giving an homage to Studio Ghibli so it's only fitting to include what Monster's Inc's homage; the plot device is a bit similar to My Neighbor Totoro and it's sequel-short(young girl somehow falls into another realm populated by spirit monsters). Pixar even had an April Fools joke of including My Neighbor Totoro in the Monster's Inc prequel during it's development as he had in Toy Story 3. The picture made it's round again on social media last year explaining that Totoro would make a an appearance in the Disney + series...


Totoro May Make a Cameo Appearance in Pixar's Monsters University