The Toy Stories (1995) (1999) (2010)

It’s hard to imagine that back in 1995 Disney and Pixar knew they were creating a new classic. Fifteen years later and we have a trio of amazing stories filled with genuine heart and authentic characters that everyone (with a soul) connects with. The main characters just happen to be toys and the story very personal.

In the first story, we meet our toys. ‘Old faithful’ a cowboy known as Woody (Tom Hanks) feels threatened when his boy Andy gets space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). Intimidated and insecure, Woody takes an immediate dislike to the bells and whistles of Buzz. The film excels on many different levels. But for a babysitting junior high-schooler (me) watching it with her charges, it was funny to them and heartwarming for me. In retrospect, there was and still is an immediate connection to your childhood and those toys you held most dear. The ones that had a special place on the bed when you were told to clean up while the rest when in the box.

Toy Story 2 rolled out in 1999. Skeptical of the sequel—I didn’t see this film until 2000—I shrugged it off as a ‘Disney Pixar money grab’. How very wrong. Again, I was amazed at how emotionally connected I was to this story of toys director by John Lasseter. At 20, you’re not quite old enough for nostalgia, but toys are clearly in the rearview mirror. Still, the storyline of Woody being a collector’s item and being held hostage by one resonated for a time when eBay was at its peak and my brother and I are visiting every Wal-Mart to complete a Star Wars figures collection.

2010 and along comes Toy Story 3. I laughed when friends mentioned ‘crying’ at the film’s climax. My nieces mentioned it being scary. Somewhere between 20 and 30, nostalgia set in. For me, Toy Story 3 is not only another adventure for Buzz, Woody, T-Rex and the Potato Heads it’s a trip down memory lane. It’s revisiting that special bond between a child and their toys. Not all of them—just the special ones. Parents and kids alike will identify with this film on some level. Maybe it's the toys, maybe it is Andy. Regardless, there is something special here, something to be treasured, and something not to be missed.

Partly Cloudy (2009)

For those that don't know... storks deliver infants of all sorts and {new to me} apparently clouds make them. That is the premise of Pixar's new animated short found on the front end of Up.

Partly Cloudy, with its effects only sounds, is cute and clever. We have a myriad of happy 'births' across the clouds with beaming storks all too happy to deliver. The partnership between cloud and stork is one of happiness and joy. One dark and lonely cloud, it seems, is responsible for the making of any number of particularly dangerous infants. Baby eels, rams, porcupines, sharks, and alligators makes one stork's job extremely hazardous.

As I see it, Partly Cloudy is an enjoyable short with the perfect blend of humor and sweetness that makes a great addition to the canon of Pixar.

Just for Tom: 2½ stars

Up (2009)

Widowed curmudgeon Carl Fredrickson has dreamed of traveling the world. When his beloved wife Ellie died, Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) all but gave up the dream that he shared with her. Fate lures him into an unbelievable adventure as Carl sets out to realize Ellie's wish. As he floats away, Carl discovers an annoying 8-year old Wilderness Explorer, Russell, has tagged along in an effort to help old people.

Pixar's latest offering, Up, is a tender, but thrilling story of love and rough terrain. It's heartwarming story that allows Pixar genius to shine through.

The story is endearing--had me weeping in the theatre in the first five minutes--and despite themes of death, loss, obsession, and disappointment, the film celebrates all the good. Christopher Plummer is the voice of baddie and fellow explorer, Charles Muntz.   Muntz, the character is a huge letdown.  He is disappointing as is his army of talking dogs. Doug--the good dog--is the Jar-Jar Binks of the film.

Pixar is known for the souls in their movies and Up is imbued with the best.  It joins the ranks of WALL*E, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles for its spirit.
Visually, Up is beautiful to behold--the balloons especially. Their jewel tones are so vivid and life-like. Watch closely and you see how smartly they are utilized--physically and symbolically. Subtle homages to pop culture makes for a great treasure hunt.

As I see it, Up is technically perfect. All elements of effective animation are here. It's the weak story and lack of character development that are HUGE disappointments. Up isn't an entire waste of time--it's pretty to look at, but ultimately, the film is overinflated.


Postscript 12.26.09  Perhaps one of the truest stories of the year, the crew at Pixar has successfully created a film that appeals to all ages and culls the best elements of ever movie genre.  It has the depth of the finest dramas, the humor of the oddest indies, the silliness of the classic children's movies, the technicality of the most intricate sci-fi.  I was wrong.  But... I still think that Muntz and Doug are the films weakest points.  They still irritate me.

Wall*E (2008)

In a world abandoned to trash, Wall*E is the last robot standing. Humankind, having mucked it up, left long ago. The Waste Allocation Lift Loader, Earth-Class was brought in to save Earth from garbage. Wall*E is essentially a trash-compactor, but after 700 years on Earth, this little robot has developed a personality and a penchant for collecting odd human things. Wall*E is curious, yet lonely and amuses himself by watching a Hello, Dolly! VHS tape--that is until Eve arrives. Eve, an Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator comes to Earth with a simple directive: find plant life to prove Earth is safe again. Fascinated by Eve, Wall*E immediately falls in love. When Eve completes her mission, love takes Wall*E to across the universe for her and ultimately, to save the humans.

The creators at Pixar are unabashed at examining society through the animated lens. Their latest, Wall*E is no different. But for a film with so little dialogue, Wall*E has a lot to say. Consumerism and commericalism top the list. Obesity, mass media, and environmental issues aren't far behind. The film is far from preachy. Smart choice. In not bashing the general audiences with that, Wall*E ultimately becomes whatever the viewer wants it to be.

The animation is, of course, flawless. Everything is top-notch in form and design. Thanks to DLP, is even more wonderfully realistic. Judging by the characters in Wall*E, Pixar animators are influenced by pop-culture. Wall*E is a E.T.-esque in looks, robotic by nature. Auto, the Axiom's pilot looks suspiciously like Hal 9000 and sleek, sexy Eve looks like a cross between an IKEA trash can and Apple's Ipod.

The feel of Wall*E is decidedly human and hopeful. The creators have managed to bring true emotion to these little robots. Afterwards, you feel silly for 'almost' losing it over certain points in the film.

Wall*E is a delightful, entertaining piece of animation. It's a a sci-fi epic that pays homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey and Charlie Chaplin. Pixar has found the perfect blend of elements to create classics for generations to come.

Also of note, the opening short rocks old school--evoking Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.