Megamind (2010) As their home planet died, Megamind (Will Ferrell) and Metro Man (Brad Pitt) were sent to Earth, where the two outsiders embarked on opposite paths. Metro Man became a beloved super hero, while Megamind chose a life of villainy. After discovering Metro Man’s weakness, Megamind sets a trap and destroys his nemesis, but… Continue reading Don’t mind the tall, dark stranger
Tag: Animation
Ernest and the we and the I am Sam
The We and the I (2012) On the last day of school, a group of teenagers experience petty jealousies, bullying, and sexual insecurities. In other words, it’s a typical day for an adolescent finding their way in the world. The problem is, I didn’t care about any of the characters. Most of them were broad… Continue reading Ernest and the we and the I am Sam
It’s time for you to get a horse!
About Time (2013) When Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) turns twenty-one, he learns the men in his family can travel back in time and uses this newly discovered skill to court Mary (Rachel McAdams) in this mashup of the romantic comedy and science fiction genres. Director Richard Curtis breaks most of the “rules” of time travel, but… Continue reading It’s time for you to get a horse!
We took a picture at the beach
Beaches (1988) The friendship between C.C. Bloom (Bette Midler) and Hilary Whitney (Barbara Hershey) survives cultural differences, social inequalities, petty jealousies, torrid affairs, bitter fights, and death. Midler’s public persona is so similar to C.C., the movie feels like a parody. “Wind Beneath my Wings,” was such a massive hit, it’s difficult to remember she… Continue reading We took a picture at the beach
Porky used to be fat, now he’s just a pig
Bosko and Bruno (1932) Another short film featuring Warner Bros. erstwhile star, Bosko, who chases his runaway dog down a railroad track, and, along the way, also chases a chicken. Bosko the Lumberjack (1932) This Bosko short illustrates how lazy these early Warner Bros. efforts were. Bosko’s girlfriend is a cheap imitation of Minnie Mouse,… Continue reading Porky used to be fat, now he’s just a pig
Flying in a trance
Fur of Flying (2010) As is the case with other recent efforts involving Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, this 3D, CGI short feels flat compared to the original Chuck Jones films. It’s too brief and feels like going through the motions. It’s okay as nostalgia, or a gateway to introduce children to the Looney Tunes oeuvre, but it’s… Continue reading Flying in a trance
The rabid fear of the coolest guy is bigger than grand
The Cooler (2003) To pay off an old gambling debt, Bernie Lootz (William H. Macey) works for Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin), the old school head of the Shangri-La casino, as a “cooler,” a gambler so unlucky he causes everyone around him to lose. After he pays off his debt, Bernie plans to leave Vegas. To… Continue reading The rabid fear of the coolest guy is bigger than grand
Jurassic wonder years
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993) Simon Wells, the great-grandson of H.G. Wells, directed this film about time-travelling dinosaurs. He also directed An American Tale: Fievel Goes West (1991), Balto (1995), and The Prince of Egypt (1998). Based on a children’s book, this schizophrenic film can’t decide if it wants to be a movie about dinosaurs, a movie… Continue reading Jurassic wonder years
Cloning your husband in post-apocalyptic Tokyo
Husbands and Wives (1992) When Jack (Sydney Pollack) and Sally (Judy Davis) casually announce their marriage has ended, it forces Gabe (Woody Allen) and Judy Roth (Mia Farrow) to question their own relationship. Gabe flirts with Rain (Juliette Lewis), one of his students, while Judy eyes a relationship with Michael Gates (Liam Neeson). Filmed as a… Continue reading Cloning your husband in post-apocalyptic Tokyo
Wagging the dog in the jungle
The Jungle Book (1967) Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s novel, Bagheera, a black panther, takes an orphaned boy he finds in the jungle to live with a pack of wolves. Years later, the wolf tribe learns Shere Khan (George Saunders) has returned to the jungle and realize the young boy, Mowgli, is in danger. Despite his protests,… Continue reading Wagging the dog in the jungle