Commentary 28 May 2009 07:58 am
Up and Up
- I’ve read three different reviews for Up, all very positive.
. Tom McCarthy in Variety reviews the film we all expect to see: another feel-good, light and airy cartoon done by those wizards at Pixar. All positive.
. Michael Rechtshaffen in The Hollywood Reporter writes a less specific but much more buoyant review. “Despite the innate sentimentality, director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”) and co- director-writer Bob Peterson keep the laughs coming at an agreeably ticklish pace.”
. Robert Wilonsky in the Village Voice reviews a film that slyly works more as a film for adults than for children. “Pixar movies have been moving in this direction for years—adult animation sprinkled with just enough shenanigans to entertain the kids while we get our weep on.” All positive.
The best written review was the Village Voice, and it’s also the one that makes me most curious to see it. Two of the reviews suggest that 3D is probably a hindrance more than a help:
Variety: In fact, the film’s overall loveliness presents a conceivable argument in favor of seeing it in 2-D: Even with the strongest possible projector bulbs, the 3-D glasses reduce the image’s brightness by 20%. At the very least, the incentive for seeing “Up” in 3-D would seem less powerful than it is for other films.
Voice: Do not see Up in 3-D. It’s inessential to the tale and altogether distracting.
The Hollywood Reporter spends much of its review promoting the 3D experience: “… those attending theaters equipped with the Disney Digital 3-D technology will have the added bonus of experiencing a three-dimensional process that is less concerned with the usual “comin’ at ya” razzle-dazzle than it is with creating exquisitely detailed textures and appropriately expansive depths of field.”
The film opens tomorrow, and I’ll look forward to some of the other more mainstream reviews. I’ll see the film at an Academy screening on Saturday. It’ll be shown in 2D at the screening, so I won’t have the option of seeing it in 3D. (Perhaps the Academy should update?) Regardless, I’d like not to see it wearing polarized glasses that dim the design’s colors to offer an unnecessary effect. You pay $5 more for 20% less, in my estimation.
I’m not sold on the character design in the trailers and stills I’ve seen, and the character animation I’ve seen has not won me over. But that all becomes moot if the story is solidly engaging as both of these reviews suggest. I can hope as well as anyone.
Meanwhile in another story about Up, The NY Post offers a Q&A with Ed Asner, as well as a-not-very-positive article about Pixar’s attempt to do more daring kinds of movies: a “… rodent-driven “Ratatouille” and continuing with last year’s “WALL-E” — an amazing, mostly wordless film about a robot tidying up after an environmental apocalypse.”
And now a film about a 78 year old man.:
“The movie’s premise is so unusual that Thinkway Toys, Pixar’s partner since 1995, has decided to sit this one out.
‘That really tells you something,’ says David A. Price, author of ‘The Pixar Touch.’ ‘Everybody likes their grandpa, but the consumer product folks don’t think that grandpa is gonna sell as a doll.’
Docter says he and the other creative staff at Pixar don’t think in terms of marketing and merchandising.”
I wonder if Bob Iger would say the same.
But then this has been the story on many of the entertanment blogs (eg: this one) over the past few months. Personally, I don’t think it’s fair to judge a film on its marketablity quotient, but then I’m not sure that a film that costs upward of $150 million shouldn’t concern itself with that factor.
Originally, Toy Story premiered without any dolls on the market. Disney seemed to have been showing their lack of support for that first big Pixar effort. The success of the film caught them unaware, and they weren’t able to truly capitalize on the dolls until after the success. (Making Toy Story 2 all the more important.)
Perhaps children will be craving for rubberized Carls and they’ll have to make Up 2 to encourage them. Of course, that’d have to wait until Toy Story 3 and Cars 2 hit theaters.
on 28 May 2009 at 8:58 am 1.Tim Rauch said …
This movie sounds/looks like fun to me. I would have to guess you could sell dolls of the characters, but I’m no marketing agent… if it’s a good movie and the characters are strong, won’t the kids want ‘em?
on 28 May 2009 at 10:31 am 2.Larry Levine said …
“Up” looks awesome, doll or no doll.
on 28 May 2009 at 1:59 pm 3.Mihai Luchian said …
Hey!
Today i stumbled upon one of your past past past posts…
http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/splog/?p=114 – this one. There you write about a scene in Spirited Away where the girl is going down the stairs.
Maybe in 3 years you found out who animated it, but just in case – it was animated by Shinya Ohira, my favorite japanese animator.
If you would like to find out more about this visit
http://www.pelleas.net/animators/ – a unique blog in western culture about japanese animation.
on 28 May 2009 at 2:21 pm 4.keith lango said …
For a less than glowing review, check out http://ourtownny.com/?p=3110
The writer seems overly angry for some reason, but does raise some valid critiques of Pixar’s overall storytelling trend lately.
on 28 May 2009 at 3:48 pm 5.Michael said …
I’d read this review in the NY Press, where Armond White has been writing for years. It’s good to see his material goes elsewhere. Thanks for the link, Keith.
I don’t frequently agree with his reviews, but I respect much of his thinking. I’m prepared to dislike this film (especially in as much as I hate the character designs I’ve seen), however I am trying to give the film every opportunity to be wonderful. I’ll know on Saturday.
The first 20 minutes of Wall-E wasa exceptional. Hopefully this film will offer more than 20 minutes.
on 29 May 2009 at 12:40 am 6.Mac said …
I actually like Carl’s design, it is much more interesting to me than the hundreds of humans in Wall-e. I’m also excited that it takes place over many varied locations, at least it looks that way in the trailer. It definitely has potential.
on 29 May 2009 at 2:20 am 7.MiloG said …
“You pay $5 more for 20% less, in my estimation”
No, it’s 25% percent less. That’s what both the projection and goggles of 3D do to the image. I’m glad the reviews (a lot of them) mention the 3D is OK, but it’s better in 2D.
Armond White doesn’t make a cogent argument for his disdain of Up. If you’re going to be a critic, spell it out. CRITIQUE. His “writing” is shallow, and he comes across as not much more than an angry racist. A little secondary education might have helped.
As far as the toys for Up issue, there’s a little thing called the “bush economic meltdown going on.” NO one is spending money–consumers OR toy makers! Movie toys haven’t sold well since Cars ($5 billion and counting), and even that was a fluke. The new Star Wars toys were mostly returned–but Lucas got paid upfront. Even Harry Potter toys do not sell well enough. Manufacturers and distributers get burned on these very limited issue products. Toy companies are instead re-evaluating their in-house product, which is why, in the next few years, you’ll be seeing movies based on some of these toys (G.I. Joe, Candyland, Monopoly…yes, they’re all coming).
Saw UP last night. Aside from Toy Story, it’s Pixar’s best film, the best film so far this year by far, and one of the most emotional films I’ve ever seen. The characterzations are spot on, the animation the very definition of CHARACTER ANIMATION, and the design elegant, simple, and clear. Supporting all of this is the superb technical achievements which never overtake the film. I cannot wait to see it again. In 2D.
on 29 May 2009 at 7:22 am 8.Michael said …
Mac, I’m glad you like Carl’s design, but comparing it to the humans in Wall-E is a no-brainer plus for Carl. I look forward to seeing the film, for myself, and hope I end up agreeing with you.
Thanks, MiloG, for your comments. I agree with you on Armond White’s piece (without having seen the film). He often searches for heavy intellectualism on the surface of the film and pans movies that don’t offer it. Any balloon in a movie, obviously is a reference to “The Red Balloon.”
Of course, I still haven’t seen it but will tomorrow.
on 29 May 2009 at 12:50 pm 9.Tommy said …
I saw UP at midnight last night and was simply amazed.
on 29 May 2009 at 3:28 pm 10.KC Sanders said …
Some very fun new UP art at the below link.
http://www.sandersartstudio.com/servlet/the-Disney–fdsh–Pixar%27s-UP/Categories?category_name=Disney+%2F+Pixar%27s+UP
on 12 Oct 2015 at 10:45 pm 11.try this said …
I simply want to mention I’m all new to blogging and site-building and certainly loved you’re page. Likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You certainly have outstanding well written articles. Regards for sharing with us your website.
on 14 Oct 2015 at 1:26 pm 12.read link said …
I simply want to say I am beginner to blogs and definitely enjoyed your page. Likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly have terrific articles. With thanks for sharing your website page.
on 14 Oct 2015 at 1:47 pm 13.full article said …
I simply want to tell you that I am very new to blogging and site-building and definitely loved you’re web page. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your site . You certainly have impressive well written articles. Thanks for sharing with us your web site.
on 14 Oct 2015 at 2:09 pm 14.great page said …
I just want to mention I’m newbie to weblog and seriously enjoyed your blog site. Likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly come with amazing articles and reviews. Bless you for sharing with us your web site.
on 19 Oct 2015 at 11:44 pm 15.kitchen design said …
Helpful information. Fortunate me I found your site accidentally, and I am surprised why this coincidence did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
on 13 Nov 2015 at 12:36 am 16.led sign trailer said …
This is some great details. I expect additional facts like this was distributed across the internet today.
on 21 Nov 2015 at 5:31 pm 17.Eddie Pellicone said …
great points altogether, you simply received a new reader. What might you suggest about your put up that you simply made a few days ago? Any sure?
on 22 Nov 2015 at 3:49 am 18.minneapolis travel said …
This really is the best weblog for everyone who wishes to be familiar with this subject. You’re aware of a fantastic deal of its virtually tricky to argue to you (not too I personally would want…HaHa). You in fact put a new spin utilizing a subject thats been written about for several years. Great stuff, just excellent!
on 22 Nov 2015 at 12:00 pm 19.Lawrence Damberger said …
I really enjoy reading through on this website , it has fantastic blog posts. “I have a new philosophy. I’m only going to dread one day at a time.” by Charles M. Schulz.
on 22 Nov 2015 at 2:29 pm 20.Tamara Dewolfe said …
I gotta bookmark this web site it seems invaluable handy
on 24 Nov 2015 at 10:35 pm 21.home theater design said …
I¡¦ve recently started a web site, the info you provide on this web site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
on 24 Nov 2015 at 10:54 pm 22.contemporary home decor said …
You made certain good points there. I did a search on the theme and found mainly persons will have the same opinion with your blog.
on 24 Nov 2015 at 11:06 pm 23.floor plans said …
I am not certain the place you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic info I was searching for this information for my mission.
on 02 Dec 2015 at 12:37 am 24.Airport Taxis Henley on Thames said …
I gotta favorite this web site it seems invaluable very valuable
on 17 Dec 2015 at 3:13 am 25.truc tiep bong da said …
The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and data.
on 25 Dec 2015 at 1:15 am 26.padi idc Indonesia said …
Great blog here! Additionally your website a lot up very fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink on your host? I want my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
on 25 Dec 2015 at 3:00 am 27.padi idc gili trawangan said …
Greetings, super job, basically wasnt so busy with my looking I just read your full blog. I should say i’ve to express gratitude!
on 31 Dec 2015 at 8:52 am 28.Samson said …
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back down the road. I want to encourage you to continue your great writing, have a nice morning!
on 01 Feb 2016 at 12:33 pm 29.Daron Brafman said …
I would like to express appreciation to the writer for rescuing me from this type of instance. After looking out through the world-wide-web and seeing strategies that were not productive, I figured my life was over. Being alive without the presence of answers to the difficulties you have solved as a result of the article content is a crucial case, and those that might have adversely damaged my entire career if I hadn’t discovered your web page. Your own personal knowledge and kindness in touching all the pieces was important. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a solution like this. I can now look forward to my future. Thanks a lot very much for the specialized and effective guide. I won’t think twice to endorse the sites to any person who needs support about this situation.
on 23 Feb 2016 at 1:14 am 30.loft conversions surrey said …
Excellent weblog here! Also your site lots up rapidly! What host are you the use of? Can I’m acquiring your affiliate hyperlink for your host? I wish my web website loaded up as rapidly as yours lol
on 24 Feb 2016 at 4:13 am 31.Chauffeur Hire said …
The Twitter application page will open. This is very good if you’ve got several thousand followers, but as you get far more and much more the usefulness of this tool is downgraded.
on 26 Feb 2016 at 1:23 am 32.heathrow london taxi said …
Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past couple of posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
on 22 Apr 2016 at 7:11 pm 33.Shantae Jaurequi said …
Its wonderful as your other content : D, appreciate it for posting . “Before borrowing money from a friend it’s best to decide which you need most.” by Joe Moore.
on 03 Jun 2016 at 11:41 pm 34.Maria Vastine said …
wonderful points altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What may you recommend about your put up that you simply made some days in the past? Any certain?
on 29 Aug 2017 at 8:49 am 35.velcro.co.uk said …
obviously like your website however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth however I’ll definitely come back again.
on 21 Oct 2019 at 2:19 am 36.brio eisenbahn said …
I conceive you have observed some very interesting details , regards for the post.
on 21 Oct 2019 at 2:22 am 37.whale watching said …
I like this website so much, saved to favorites. “Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.” by Peter De Vries.
on 26 Feb 2020 at 9:21 am 38.Hugo Koda said …
Website help needed? We solve problems in websites erroresweb.com
on 23 Apr 2023 at 12:22 pm 39.???????? pg ?????????? ???10???100 said …
I pay a visit each dayy some web sites and sites to read articles,
but this weblog provides feature based content.