I freaking love Pixar. The company does churn out a few duds here and there I don't think that any of their films are bad. With that being said, however, their sequels worry me. Monsters University was pretty good but I couldn't even finish Cars 2. Needless to say, I was cautious coming into Finding Dory. They did not disappoint as this film might just be just as great as the original.

Finding Dory isn't about finding Dory. It's actually about Dory's quest to find her long lost family. I don't want to go into it too much in fear of spoilers but let's just say that this film hits you in the gut with the opening scene. Finding Nemo's first scene is sad but, because we've gotten to know Dory, this opener is just heartbreaking. Moving past that, Finding Dory really surprised me with the way it went with its story. I knew the basic outline because of the trailers: Dory gets the help of various new sea friends to find her parents. This film takes this scenario and rolls with it so hard. Frankly, that's what all movies should do with their given outline, but this one thoroughly surprised me with the locations that they go to and the adventures that they have. That is something that I've been missing from a Pixar movie. Is it just nostalgia? Maybe. I did enjoy Inside Out, despite its predictability and The Good Dinosaur... was... definitely a movie, but Finding Dory surprised me with every turn it took regarding its story. 

Finding Nemo possesses possibly my favorite movie soundtrack of all time. At least, that's what I would've told you yesterday. Now I would tell you that Finding Dory might just be better... but I can't let go of the original. Is it nostalgia? Heck yes and I don't care. The Finding Nemo soundtrack will always be closer to my heart but Finding Dory just sounds new and improved in every way. Bigger instrument variety and a bigger emphasis on set pieces which is a nice change. I may be a minority by saying it's better but it is certainly a welcome change. 

This film looks amazing. The animation is fluid and easy to keep track of and each character gives off so much emotion through their facial expressions. This does lead me, however, to my biggest gripe with the film. The set pieces were a little boring. That isn't the animators fault and I do like how this movie feels more contained than Finding Nemo but that doesn't let the animation really shine like it did in Finding Nemo. There isn't a vast and beautiful ocean that the characters explore in this one. It isn't  really the movie itself but rather its relationship with its predecessor that makes this part really stand out while watching it. Maybe that is something that I can get over with more viewings? Whatever the case, good or bad, it is different and worth mentioning.

Finding Dory is a great movie and a great sequel. Is it better? I don't think so but I sure as hell don't think it's worse. 

Finding Dory is gripping right to the end.

dory ellen degeneres finding dory finding nemo marlin nemo pixar review 2016

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

It has been quite a long time since I've seen The Incredibles, or any Pixar film for that matter, and boy does this film bring me back. This was, and still is, not just one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my favorite films of all time. This awesome piece of Pixar history has great character interactions, wonderful themes and styles, and set pieces, all thanks to Brad Bird.

Without giving away too much of the plot for those few who haven't seen it, its surprisingly pretty simple. It starts off with a funny interview of a couple of what this world calls 'Supers', which explains what goes on in this world. Simply put, its a 1960's-esk style world where Superpowers and Superheroes are abundant. The main star is Mr. Incredible who lives for fighting crime and saving lives. His whole life gets turned on it's head though when he saves someone who never wanted to be saved and is sued! After this incident Supers left and right are being sued and blamed for being the cause for everyone's problems instead of the solution. Cut fifteen years later and Mr. Incredible, or Bob Parr as he's now known, has settled down with a wife with super stretch powers and three kids, one with super speed, one with invisibility, and one baby with no powers. This is where the film's comedy and characters shine. When the whole family is on screen they really feel like an ordinary family. One that argues and bickers and plays with each other. Even when their fighting or running from the bad guys later in the movie they still have these same character interactions which are genuinely entertaining.

Though you may not notice it your first time watching, The Incredibles takes place in a 60s style world. The directors of this movie made it pretty hard to get that, however, as it only really tells you in the very beginning which takes place in the 50s. The rest of the movie takes place fifteen years later which sets the state of the world quite well. It actually runs a pretty well put together parallel with our world. In The Incredibles world, there is mention to a sort of Superhero civil rights, which is kind of like our own civil rights during the same time period. The movie doesn't make this apparent and doesn't dive into it all that deep, but it is just a fun note. The set pieces in this movie are also just really fun to look at. A lush tropical island in one scene can be quickly opposed with a bustling city in another scene. This constant switching of environments really gives this world a unique feel.

This movie is wonderful. It has a deceptively simple premise that pays off awesomely. The character interactions are great, the animation is fun, and the style looks great even today. If you haven't picked it up or seen it yet, please do. You will not be disappointed.

I thought The Incredibles was incredible!

pixar review the incredibles

Saturday, August 29, 2015