Andy is all grown up and going off to college. The most recent installment of the Toy Story series is not for children, but rather for the inner children of those who have grown up. “Toy Story 3” is a somewhat dark and could be scary for young ones at times. There is enough silliness and slapstick to hold a child’s attention, but it doesn’t compare to the brilliant script that more mature viewers will appreciate. I dare not give any of the clever surprises away so, please, PLEASE, see it for yourself.
Two summers ago, Pixar released, “Wall-E”: an emotionally touching, visually arresting dialogue-less marvel. They have somehow upped the ante twice consecutively since then, first with “Up” and now “Toy Story 3.” Pixar has certainly set the bar very high and is dominating the animated film market, but they are well aware that they are not the only ones making magic.
Toy Story 3 features many new toys. One of them is a Totoro doll. Many people might not notice it (it has no lines), but anime fans will recognize the creature from Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film “My Neighbor Totoro.” Pixar didn’t need to acknowledge Miyazaki- or anyone for the matter- they have worked their way to the absolute top of the film world. They have consistently made high quality work right from the get go. They didn’t need to recognize anyone else- but they chose to.
For all of Pixar’s great works, they understand that others have paved their way, and without much recognition. Miyazaki is a Japanese filmmaker that continues to make terrific animated films after 30 years. Miyazaki’s hand drawn films lack the computer animation of Pixar, but their magic is absolutely undeniable. And, like “Toy Story 3,” they often offer just as much to adults as they do to children- if not more. Including the Totoro doll was a subtle, but very appropriate nod to one of the all time great filmmakers. I was so glad that the folks at Pixar, for all their success, knew to acknowledge the master.
No comments:
Post a Comment