Bolt, from the S*N*O*W*T*H Rant Files

[D'Snowth]

I remember a while back Drtooth talking about seeing a preview for an animated movie called Fly Me to the Moon, featuring three fly brothers, who are pretty much fly versions of The Chipmunks (one's the leader with a big ego, the other is the smart one with the large glasses, then there's the little chubby one who eats all the time).

Well, while at the movies today, I saw a preview for another animated movie (that features the voice of Miley Cyrus, so I don't think I'll be seeing, AND NOT SARGE, IT DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR THREAD) about a dog who plays a superhero canine on TV, but he thinks it's all real; during the preview, there were three pigeons: one with a greenish head, one with a silver head, and one with a purpleish head. Remind you of anything? Yep. The Goodfeathers from Animaniacs!

I guess it's official. Hollywood is running out of ideas and ripping other people off left and right.

[Oscarfan]

Like they said in The Simpsons episode "The Day The Violence Died", Animation is built on plagarism.

[Hope Mills]

I remember a while back Drtooth talking about seeing a preview for an animated movie called Fly Me to the Moon, featuring three fly brothers, who are pretty much fly versions of The Chipmunks (one's the leader with a big ego, the other is the smart one with the large glasses, then there's the little chubby one who eats all the time).

Well, while at the movies today, I saw a preview for another animated movie (that features the voice of Miley Cyrus, so I don't think I'll be seeing, AND NOT SARGE, IT DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR THREAD) about a dog who plays a superhero canine on TV, but he thinks it's all real; during the preview, there were three pigeons: one with a greenish head,
one with a silver head, and one with a purpleish head. Remind you of anything? Yep. The Goodfeathers from Animaniacs!
I guess it's official. Hollywood is running out of ideas and ripping other people off left and right.





Good luck with this project, D'!

[Hope Mills]

Like they said in The Simpsons episode "The Day The Violence Died", Animation is built on plagarism.





Oscarfan, plagiarism is serious but very hard to define in terms of what's of or relating to the law. And, as I have published my works of fiction literature only a few times, as a writer I would not mind lending my words or thoughts to anyone who is interested in story writing.

[heralde]

Yeah I think in the business plagarism has to be very specific. The same ideas are used quite often but it's legal if the proper guidelines are followed.

[SSLFan]

Good luck with this project, D'!

Wow. You know I like that nickname for him.;) Hey D'Snowth, can I call you D' from now on?:D

[Hope Mills]

Wow. You know I like that nickname for him.;) Hey D'Snowth, can I call you D' from now on?:D



lol, SSLFan, I'm just a little sluggish at the moment (I ate way too much ice cream, talked too much, and laughed way too hardily earlier today). Please advise me to proceed with caution when in the company of Cold Stone Creamery :batty:.

Ask D'Snowth's permission before you change his alias. ((((D')))) forgive, please!

I write way too much at times, though, and a shortcut is nice at times.

Nite all!

[Ilikemuppets]

I guess it's official. Hollywood is running out of ideas and ripping other people off left and right.Honestly? I mean your just noticing this? By the way it wil be funny if the title doesn't get changed! :D

Please advise me to proceed with caution when in the company of Cold Stone Creamery :batty:.

Nite all!I love Cold Stone creamery and goodnight!:)

[Drtooth]

Well, while at the movies today, I saw a preview for another animated movie (that features the voice of Miley Cyrus, so I don't think I'll be seeing, AND NOT SARGE, IT DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR THREAD) about a dog who plays a superhero canine on TV, but he thinks it's all real; during the preview, there were three pigeons: one with a greenish head, one with a silver head, and one with a purpleish head. Remind you of anything? Yep. The Goodfeathers from Animaniacs!

I guess it's official. Hollywood is running out of ideas and ripping other people off left and right.

BOLT.... the movie is called BOLT. And it looks pretty terrible. Like a good idea that went through lots of little bad ideas to become something that clearly will flop... well, until they casted a certain Cash cow doing a "I'll do anything for money that my father will wind up squandering" in a lip service voice role.

I liked the idea of a shell shocked TV star thinking he's his character. I liked it back when I came up with something similar 10 years ago.

[Redsonga]

The idea for the movie would have been better if it was kept simple, with a more Homeward Bound type feeling than if it was trying so hard to be funny it needed a hamster in a ball...Bolt would be be better IMHO with just he and the cat and without someone saying 'you're just a tv star' ever two mins also. *lol* :)

[Oscarfan]

Oscarfan, plagiarism is serious but very hard to define in terms of what's of or relating to the law. And, as I have published my works of fiction literature only a few times, as a writer I would not mind lending my words or thoughts to anyone who is interested in story writing.

You know my statement was a joke, right?

[Xerus]

I remember reading in a MAD Magazine where it showed behind the scenes at Pixar Studios. One of the staff members told everyone to be on the lookout for Dreamworks spies posing as employees. For when Pixar came out with A Bug's Life, Dreamworks came out with Antz. And when Pixar came out with Finding Nemo, Dreamworks came out with Shark Tale.

[Redsonga]

*lol* I must be the only person in the world that liked Antz more than A Bugs Life -.-

[Ilikemuppets]

I love Cold Stone creamery and goodnight!:)Whoa! That did not look right when I reread it, Hope. It looked like I was happy to see you leave or something and I just wanted to state that that was not purpose on intention at all:o

I've never heard about this BOLT film film before. But am interested in finding out just exactly what it's about. I looked up the story and it doesn't sound all that bad to me...

[Barry Lee]

Supposedly Bolt was originally a 2D film by the director of Lilo & Stitch, but of course, Disney CANNED that and decided to go with this mediocre pile of trash. :grouchy:

[Ilikemuppets]

That really like mediocre a lot now days don't they? :smirk: It hasn't even come out but I guess you know what to expect from Disney now a days. *Sigh*

By the way, nice choice for the name of this thread. :D

[D'Snowth]

*lol* I must be the only person in the world that liked Antz more than A Bugs Life -.-

No, I'm with you, I always considered A Bug's Life to be one of Pixar's weaker movies (that and Cars), but Antz was pretty awesome! But then again, DreamWork's movies are always a bit edgier than Pixar's, and I like a little edginess.


I remember reading in a MAD Magazine where it showed behind the scenes at Pixar Studios. One of the staff members told everyone to be on the lookout for Dreamworks spies posing as employees. For when Pixar came out with A Bug's Life, Dreamworks came out with Antz. And when Pixar came out with Finding Nemo, Dreamworks came out with Shark Tale.And let us not forget when Warner Brothers came out with Happy Feet, some other offbeat animation company came out with that Surf's Up.

[Ilikemuppets]

I actually have sen both and I have to say that I like "A Bugs Life" better. But "Antz" was not a bad movie at all.

[Redsonga]

I loved Happy Feet, Surf's Up was just sort of meh-ish to me. I didn't like how it was so serious it might have just as well been about humans wearing animal suits..I like when the characters being animals effects a movie a lot more :).

[Ilikemuppets]

I wanted to see happy feet and the I-Max at Christmas time when it can out.

[frogboy4]

I liked the hamster bits in the Bolt ad. This is from the same part of the studio that brought us the enjoyable (but void of the Pixar touch) Chicken Little and Meet the Robinsons films. I have to admit to really enjoying both of those movies. They existed for more than mere CG status. Both films had unique messages not found in other films at the time that I could relate to.

Chicken Little had to do with the challenges of a single parent and a father's love for his unconventional son. Robinsons revolved around another unconventional family, adoption and that love comes from acceptance and moving forward. They are both universal themes set to more realistic life situations told in an “other-worldly” language for kids and adults to enjoy. There was no talking down to the audience. I like that. The animation itself is about B+ level, but Pixar has the market covered in that area.

Back to Bolt. I see this ingredient missing in the ads for Bolt. Everything else looks up to snuff, but there doesn't seem to be a good reason or unique perspective for this sort of story to be told again.

I don't like that all CG animation is compared to Pixar (even though I do a healthy bit of it myself) because they not only pioneered the art, but also have a special branding touch that cannot and should not be mimicked. That just comes off as sad. I think other studios should have the chances of Pixar and it takes good stories to do that.

I wouldn't dare consider any of these films plagiarized. All film storytelling is influenced by what has come before. I just don't see anything truly unique about Bolt and that's my main complaint. Heck, at least it isn't Space Chimps! I wish Bolt well and will give it a theatrical viewing.

These are the films from Disney's non-Pixar CG animation department. It was to be their plan B. I am glad they kept both studios. Reportedly Lassiter and others have some fingerprints on the studio now that might more visibly filter through with more time. I just hope it doesn't make this a "Pixar-light" studio.

As for Happy Feet - I hated the (lack of) story and can't stand the film. Surf's Up had some fun moments. That was the one that should have received more exposure and accolades. Happy Feet managed to make penguins (that I love so much) creepy to me. That film is why I hold back from the F grading for other poorly constructed films – so that it may be utilized for such a dreadful pandering film. Of course IMHO. Many of these different studios don't know what to do by way of story. That's the core of success - not the technology. Story, story, story. ;)

[Redsonga]

Chicken Little and Meet the Robinsons are my least liked two Disney films so I guess that answers if I should see it :(

[Colbynfriends]

And let us not forget when Warner Brothers came out with Happy Feet, some other offbeat animation company came out with that Surf's Up.

What about that Ratatollie(sp) ripoff, Ratatoing? that company also did rippoffs of Cars (Little Cars) and Bee Movie (The Little Bee).

[Redsonga]

What about that Ratatollie(sp) ripoff, Ratatoing? that company also did rippoffs of Cars (Little Cars) and Bee Movie (The Little Bee).
OMG, the horror, the horror! *dies* I didn't even know about those :eek:

[Colbynfriends]

OMG, the horror, the horror! *dies* I didn't even know about those :eek:

yeah, unfortunatly, they do exist. the only way i k now about them, are from youtube poops. they were made in Brazil and they have very bad production value. Also I checked, and they not only riped of those movies, but also Kung Fu Panda (The Little Panda Fighter), Robots and WALL.E in Tiny Robots, and Transformors (Gladiformers) thats just horrable. your right Redsonga. THE HORROR *dies as well*

[frogboy4]

No, I'm with you, I always considered A Bug's Life to be one of Pixar's weaker movies (that and Cars), but Antz was pretty awesome! But then again, DreamWork's movies are always a bit edgier than Pixar's, and I like a little edginess.

And let us not forget when Warner Brothers came out with Happy Feet, some other offbeat animation company came out with that Surf's Up.

I like Antz edge too. The Danny Glover ant's decapitation scene still creeps me out. He kept talking for a while after! Eeeek!

Surf's Up (actually from Sony's fledgling animation studio) and Happy Feet (from Warners) were released less than 6 months apart. We all know animated films (even the ones like Happy Feet using motion capture) take years to make. If anything they both took a cue from 2005's March of the Penguins. That documentary still had more of a cohesive story than Happy Feet.

Man, I can't tell you my disappointment with that film. I was really excited about Feet from the teasers and had every indication that it would be great. It's the first animated Oscar winner I will never purchase. Everything about it rubbed me the wrong way. If it weren't for the Surf's Up ads containing the freaky Chicken Joe character I would have passed. It still lacked a lot of substance, but it was more fun, colorful and structured than Feet.

To me Happy Feet is to the computer animation bar set by Pixar what HR Puff N Stuff is to the Muppets. There's just no comparison.

Brad Bird has it right about animation being a format rather than a genre or gimmick. There needs to be an interesting story worth telling. Every Pixar film has one. Most other companies work from the outside-in. I remember Seinfeld boasting that Bee Movie was sold on its name and the film came later and was constantly altered during its creation. Kung Fu Panda is DreamWorks saving grace. That was a beautiful film with colorful characters and enough of a story…and now it will be getting a sequel. Sigh. I hope they don’t Shrek it! :rolleyes:

[Ilikemuppets]

What about that Ratatollie(sp) ripoff, Ratatoing? that company also did rippoffs of Cars (Little Cars) and Bee Movie (The Little Bee).Ugh! Dont remind me. :rolleyes:

If anything they both took a cue from 2005's March of the Penguins. That documentary still had more of a cohesive story than Happy Feet. Now theres a good Penguin story, Imo!

Kung Fu Panda is DreamWorks saving grace. You got that right! Hope they can come up with more good films in the future!

and now it will be getting a sequel. Sigh. I hope they don’t Shrek it! :rolleyes:I really wish they would stop relying so muhc on sequels!:smirk:

[Drtooth]

No, I'm with you, I always considered A Bug's Life to be one of Pixar's weaker movies (that and Cars), but Antz was pretty awesome! But then again, DreamWork's movies are always a bit edgier than Pixar's, and I like a little edginess.


I felt that Antz had a stronger story line, and I just liked its concepts better. It had a much darker tone to it too. Plus, Bug's Life was just a cuter film.

Also I checked, and they not only riped of those movies, but also Kung Fu Panda (The Little Panda Fighter), Robots and WALL.E in Tiny Robots, and Transformors (Gladiformers) thats just horrable. your right Redsonga. THE HORROR *dies as well*

And an Irish cartoon company came out with a TV series called Skunk Fu.... take a wild guess how they stole that one.

Kung Fu Panda is DreamWorks saving grace. That was a beautiful film with colorful characters and enough of a story…and now it will be getting a sequel. Sigh. I hope they don’t Shrek it!


When I first heard of Kung Fu Panda, I did want to see it. But after seeing the ultra-Muddled and clearly rushed Shrek 3* I was opposed to seeing it. I just though, oh boy... another celebrity driven pop culture reference goof fest... but after seeing it, they actually tried to make it an honest to Panda action/comedy film. The story was brilliant, and the animation was great (though, I think the best part of the film was the 2-D opening), and the Panda came off as a self-hating underdog that could really be sympathetic (unlike the "poor me! I'm an ogre, and ogres ______ !" Shrek). I wish they'd make less film like Shark Tale and Shrek 3 and make more like Panda.

Surf's Up (actually from Sony's fledgling animation studio) and Happy Feet (from Warners) were released less than 6 months apart. We all know animated films (even the ones like Happy Feet using motion capture) take years to make. If anything they both took a cue from 2005's March of the Penguins. That documentary still had more of a cohesive story than Happy Feet.

Man, I can't tell you my disappointment with that film. I was really excited about Feet from the teasers and had every indication that it would be great. It's the first animated Oscar winner I will never purchase. Everything about it rubbed me the wrong way. If it weren't for the Surf's Up ads containing the freaky Chicken Joe character I would have passed. It still lacked a lot of substance, but it was more fun, colorful and structured than Feet.


Personally, I wouldn't want to see either, and my love of Robin Williams wouldn't be enough for me to see Happy Feet. They both just seem loud, and using fad popular animals. Had Surf's Up came out 3 years earlier, it would have featured Surfing Monkeys. I just get sick and tired of all these new CGI animation studios popping up (most didn't even have 2-D studios in the 80's or 90's). I saw so many terrible previews before Kung Fu Panda... Something about flies, something about Mice, and Bolt. It seems more like a cash grab at Pixar than a true animation triumph.

I of course did think Imagi had potential... but I'm just disappointed in it now. They took on some ex-Dreamworks guy who got Paul Dini and Kevin Monroe to leave their projects, and shoved random celebrity voice actors into Astroboy (what the shell is Nathan Lane doing there?)... and I'm still shuddering at the possible ways they can screw up Gatchaman. And if there's a TMNT 5 (if you count the last one as 4) it sure won't be done by them... and I think they did a fantastic job.

* Shrek 3 would have been better if they spent more time on it. They basically crammed in too many irrellivant pop songs... Live and Let Die should never have been considered at the King's funeral... and the part with Puss and Donkey switching bodies and complaining about it should have been a short gag, not a half hour dead joke.

[Redsonga]

I liked all the Shrek movies, but I agree Live and Let Die just seemed..not right to me. Like they were stepping on the memory of the king or something :\. The only thing I don't like about Shrek is both how everyone wanted/wants to copy it and how their version of Puss In Boots is the only version anyone ever thinks of anymore :(. Since I was a little girl Puss in Boots has always been one of my favorite fairy tales, and I wish so many people did not just think of him as just a little Zorro :(... Not that I don't love that version of him, but he is not the be all and end all :(

[Drtooth]

The only thing I don't like about Shrek is both how everyone wanted/wants to copy it and how their version of Puss In Boots is the only version anyone ever thinks of anymore

I can't say Puss in Boots is obscure.... it just never hit the heights of Pinocchio, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, or Snow White. Particularly because there wasn't a Disney movie. And even if there was, the only version of Puss in Boots people would know would be the Disney version. Sort of like how Alice in Wonderland will forever be a mashup of AIW and Through the Looking Glass, and how Oz will always be linked to the Judy Garland film...

I wonder how these movies played in Japan, specifically because Toei animation's version of Puss (known as Perault, after the author of the original story) is so popular, it's their studio's logo. There were at least 3 Puss in Boots films made by Toei. And that's where that horrible Nintendo game and the subesquent Captain N apperance came from. The Third movie specifically (Perault's Journey Around the World in 80 Days).

I just think the Third Shrek was sloppy, and could have been punched up a lot more. it also should have been the end. I can't see myself wanting to see part 4, unless the plotline is really interresting.

[Redsonga]

I love the Canon Movie Tales versions of all the fairy tales :). But then, I love musicals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_1TctY-78Q) :3!

[Beakerfan]

Okay, I haven't read through the entire thread, so this is just my take on what Snowth said.

Snowthie, in theatre we have what are known as "Stock Characters". Characters that are basically the same and or used to bring the same effect on a play. They are not often used nowadays, but when they are used the plays may at first seem like copies of plays that have come before them because they use the same basic characters. The character styles work well together and provide a pleasant balance to the performance.

Now, think of this: the same idea can be and has been used in books, film, animation, etc.

The snobby, self-absorbed character; the brainiac; the cute one; the rational, advice-giving one; they all work well together to create a very smoothe plot-line. These characters were actually originally used in theatre during the French Renaissance.

As far as animation goes, these characters can be seen in many cartoons. The plot may be changed, but generally the "stock characters" are used, from Mickey Mouse to Scooby Doo to the Smurfs to Alvin. It isn't plagiarism. It's tradition, and it's what works.

[Ilikemuppets]

And an Irish cartoon company came out with a TV series called Skunk Fu.... take a wild guess how they stole that one. I wonder what other martial arts chopping animal they'll think of next? Get an idea, people. :p

[Beauregard]

I wonder what other martial arts chopping animal they'll think of next? Get an idea, people. :p
I have to agree with what Beakerfan is saying...Is it plagerism that 101 Dalmations has a tall and a short burgler...the same as Home Alone? Is it plagerism that Peter Pan and the Starcatchers has a tall and a short pirate, one smart and one dumb? Or in Flushed Away...the tall and the short rat. Oh, and in Chicken Run. OH! And in Prawnie's Fan-Fiction with the new Muppet monsters where one is dumb and one is smart.

This is used because it's funnier to put contrasting characters together. Smart, dumb. Tall, short. Fat, thin.

Make it three characters, and you have a new pattern. Which is why the Chipmonks *APPEAR* to be ripped off in other films with a trio of similar characters. But originally the Chipmonks were ripping off the Three Stooges...so what the heck are you on, guys...It's not ripping off, it's working from a pattern.

[Redsonga]

The tall and short stupid and smart characters always make me think of Of Mice and Men, that is where all of the "I will love him and hug him and call him George!" characters seem to come from IMHO :).

[frogboy4]

Stories, books and screenplays old and new rely on arc-types. There's a fine line between them and stereotypes because arc-types are meant to have depth and to develop something along the way they didn't necessarily have at the beginning. Most of the time it is something that strengthens their character.

The trio of leader, brain and goof-off isn't rare. Most every type of story and character has already been told but it's the mixing of the ingredients in a different perspective that makes a project unique.

That’s what that bugs in space project looks to be missing. It appears to be a cynical assembly of parts in order to cash in on the success of other better projects rather than creating something new for an audience. That’s what I don’t care for. I find films like Happy Feet and Space Chimps to have such cynicism while pictures from Pixar and the recent DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda have a heartbeat to them.

Panda really worked a beautiful unique style, color palette and Jack Black branding with high quality animation not yet seen before. Wall-E worked its beautiful state-of-the-art techniques in with an endearing robot and an almost dialogue-free movie! Happy Feet said – hey, penguins are hot right now because of that documentary so lets make some CG models, get some famous voices and use motion capture and hope a story falls into place. That kind of corporate-decision filmmaking is cinematic cynicism at its worst.

[Ilikemuppets]

so what the heck are you on, guys...It's not ripping off, it's working from a pattern.Okay. But this is like not ever a pattern or based something else. It's not even an idea. I mean give me a job and I'll make a from, than and show with a lizard, and one with a chicken. All whee they do Kung Fu. $ecues$ every time! Somehow I feel like I'm ripping viewers off and I don't ever care. $ :D

[Oscarfan]

During the preview, there were three pigeons: one with a greenish head, one with a silver head, and one with a purpleish head. Remind you of anything? Yep. The Goodfeathers from Animaniacs!

I guess it's official. Hollywood is running out of ideas and ripping other people off left and right.

Unless they have Italian accents and beat each other up at the drop of a hat, I don't think they're ripping them off.

[Redsonga]

Happy Feet said – hey, penguins are hot right now because of that documentary so lets make some CG models, get some famous voices and use motion capture and hope a story falls into place.
I really don't think Happy Feet was a rip off with no story :\. But then I love CATS The Musical which is often bashed for having no story (since it is based on a book of peoms put together to music), and finding stories in movies and shows that have the barebones of a plotline that you can fill in with imagination :). I think that is why I like writing fanfic so much...
I did not like Chicken Little because to me it tried to be too many stories at once, and forgot I think, the better of the two plotlines once the other started happening :(...
Maybe that is why I did not like the 3rd POTC movie ether after loving the first two (Besides the fact that it became "The Elizabeth Movie" guest starring Jack -.-) too..much..going..on..*dies*

[Drtooth]

The trio of leader, brain and goof-off isn't rare. Most every type of story and character has already been told but it's the mixing of the ingredients in a different perspective that makes a project unique.

Actually, I brought it up myself. I honestly wouldn't have lumped it together, but it seemed way too close to Alvin Simon and Theodore, the hit movie of last Christmas to be shrugged off as coincidence, or even old playing old characters.

That’s what that bugs in space project looks to be missing. It appears to be a cynical assembly of parts in order to cash in on the success of other better projects rather than creating something new for an audience. That’s what I don’t care for. I find films like Happy Feet and Space Chimps to have such cynicism while pictures from Pixar and the recent DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda have a heartbeat to them.

I don't even know why they bothered with Space Chimps. When people were flocking to Dark Knight, and younger audiences could find a safer haven in Panda and Wall E, Chimps looked like the same third party animatied film tossed together with the same type of characters and the same type of lame pop culture jokes. Shell, I've seen the video game commercial on television longer than I've seen the commercial for the actual movie. Maybe that film tanking will be a sign.

The Fly movie seems to be even more pathetic. it's based off a crappy pun, and it was created (not kidding) by people who work making 3-D films for theme park attraction rides. And at least with those attractions, they have someone else's characters to use... not a bunch of flat stereotypes. And the animation doesn't look that good either. It seems like it should have been on home video and released in 1998 with Bug's Life.

Can you say oversaturization?

[Beakerfan]

The tall and short stupid and smart characters always make me think of Of Mice and Men, that is where all of the "I will love him and hug him and call him George!" characters seem to come from IMHO :).

I love that book........ it's so sad......

[Redsonga]

I love that book........ it's so sad......

I..sort of do:o. I always had to play Curly's wife in class and everyone loved my accent but..getting your neck broken is painful:eek:

[Drtooth]

Anyway, you think this is only going to be a smach shince Miley was shoehorned into it? It seems like it would have been a good movie if it had much better casting. And if it was released like it was supposed to.

Funny thing, Disney's going through this entire thing about how they're preserving the studio by making 2-D traditional films, and so far, I've seen the CGI line up for the next 5 years, and other than Frog Prince, there isn't a single 2-D in the bunch.

[Redsonga]

I guess it would take a while to switch back from CGI all the time to more 2D movies again since they have to work on such a long plan:\...

[ryhoyarbie]

Funny thing, Disney's going through this entire thing about how they're preserving the studio by making 2-D traditional films, and so far, I've seen the CGI line up for the next 5 years, and other than Frog Prince, there isn't a single 2-D in the bunch.
Disney might have some ideas up their sleeves about some 2-D animation stories they want to tell/do but might wait and see how The Frog Prince does in the theaters as a way of testing the waters of traditional animation films and how it does with the public since the public hasn't been exposed to regular animation films in years.

But I do have to say I would much rather see 2D animation films compared to computer animation films. The 2D animation films seemed to have better storylines that took you to another place such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, The Land Before Time, Little Nemo, and others. Although there are some 2D stinker films too.

[Baby Gonzo]

As for the movie Bolt, I have to say that once upon a time, I was looking forward to this movie. When I heard that Chris Sanders was involved in this new movie and saw the concept art, I was thrilled. But then Chris Sanders was tossed aside and the trailer came out... Ugh. Now I can say that I really don't have a desire to see this film now.

[Ilikemuppets]

I would have to say that both traditional amimation and CI have both had good story telling in there movies. My main thing it that their is just way to much Computer imaging out there for my taste. There needs to be a better balance. GC or what ever is just becoming too cheap and easy to come by these days and it show as a lot of it is not done very well for the most part. But when done well I have no complaints.

[Drtooth]

But I do have to say I would much rather see 2D animation films compared to computer animation films. The 2D animation films seemed to have better storylines that took you to another place such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, The Land Before Time, Little Nemo, and others. Although there are some 2D stinker films too.

A lot of them, unfortunately animated by Don Bluth. Of course, I don't mean Land Before time, All Dogs go to Heaven, or the American Tale films... but anyone ever see Thumbellina? I only went to that to see the Animaniacs short. But that film was terrible. Clearly, they just wanted to go on Disney's turf.

Personally, I bring up the same 2 French Films every time... Asterix and the Vikings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNTFSHAxAk4&feature=related) 2005 and Lucky Luke! Go West! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjZIN-QSchg) 2007....

look at how beautiful the animation is on these films. What? Are we still snubbing the French or something? We didn't even get these on DVD over here.

[Redsonga]

I loved Thumbelina..it's all a matter of tastes I guess :).

We don't get many cartoons from different parts of the world besides Japan anymore...I love the older russian animation but most of it is not shown here *sigh*

Maybe Disney does have something to do with which films get noticed to be sold in the US...

[ryhoyarbie]

I loved Thumbelina..it's all a matter of tastes I guess :).

We don't get many cartoons from different parts of the world besides Japan anymore...I love the older russian animation but most of it is not shown here *sigh*

Maybe Disney does have something to do with which films get noticed to be sold in the US...

I can't really stand Japan anime. Every character on every show looks the same. That and half the words the characters say don't even match the movement with their mouths. It's like watching one of those old Godzilla movies where the lines are dubbed by someone but the characters mouths in the movie are not moving correctly.

[ryhoyarbie]

I would have to say that both traditional amimation and CI have both had good story telling in there movies. My main thing it that their is just way to much Computer imaging out there for my taste. There needs to be a better balance. GC or what ever is just becoming too cheap and easy to come by these days and it show as a lot of it is not done very well for the most part. But when done well I have no complaints.

I think in the last 5 years or so the storytelling on a lot of cgi movies, save the Pixar films, have horrible stories.

[Baby Gonzo]

I can't really stand Japan anime. Every character on every show looks the same. That and half the words the characters say don't even match the movement with their mouths. It's like watching one of those old Godzilla movies where the lines are dubbed by someone but the characters mouths in the movie are not moving correctly.


I think that depends on the studio or the production quality. Yes, quite a lot of anime is as you say, but to group an entire country's animation into one category isn't fair. That's like saying "I don't like American animation cause shows like Family Guy and South Park are so limited in animation." It's a very broad field. Though you are totally free to your opinion, but I just hope you don't completely close your mind off to an entire field just because of one genre. Just as there are some very ugly or blah anime, there are some really beautiful movies and even animation meant for tv that have come from Japan.


As far as Don Bluth animation, the college I attend received a very generous donation of millions of pieces of art from Don Bluth's collection a few years ago. I have always been a fan of Don Bluth, but some films, like Thumbellina just weren't to my liking. However, upon looking at the beautiful layouts from those movies, I gained a whole new respect for those movies. They were really beautiful, and some of the most beautiful were unused. (This really doesn't have much to do with the discussion. I just wanted to throw that out there)

[D'Snowth]

The more I really stop to think about the new title for this thread... I think somebody's trying to tell me something...

[Drtooth]

I think that depends on the studio or the production quality. Yes, quite a lot of anime is as you say, but to group an entire country's animation into one category isn't fair. That's like saying "I don't like American animation cause shows like Family Guy and South Park are so limited in animation." It's a very broad field. Though you are totally free to your opinion, but I just hope you don't completely close your mind off to an entire field just because of one genre. Just as there are some very ugly or blah anime, there are some really beautiful movies and even animation meant for tv that have come from Japan.


Personally, I think its just what we're getting, and what's popular... I mean, how many of us have seen a Japanese program on American television like this (http://www.koredeiinoda.net/bakabon.html)? We basically get everything made in the last 10 years. Save for One Piece, Bleach, naruto, and Crayon Shin-chan, we've been getting mostly Japanese toy commercials on television (cough cough Pokemon, Yugioh-I know it was based off a comic, I don't care- Beyblade). I like anime, but I just think if you want something really good, you have to look for it yourself. Man, do I wish we'd get Kochikame or Yattaman over here....

Even then, I'm seeing less and less anime on television (mainly due to 4Kids systematically alienating every animation studio in Japan). if anything, we've been getting a lot of Italian shows, and a couple French series that have Japanese style animation...(and why shoulding French cartoons copy that style? The French have been watching Kinnikuman and Saint Seyia while the only animes were lame fariy tales on dollar store video tapes).

Now we're going to get stuff from (not making this up) Russia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smeshariki) and Ireland (http://www.skunkfu.tv). Not to mention Canada, but we've had them for a while. in fact, there are more cartoons from Europe in the US than ever before.

Of course, I doubt we'd see The NEw Adventures of Lucky Luke in the US... they did have it dubbed in English in Canada (using a lot of principles from Arthur). But let's just say the way Indians and (especially) the Chinese are portrayed, the PC police would be all over them. Seriously, I saw an episode called Liki Liki (the one with the Chinese) and I blushed through the entire thing. I wonder if the movie's any more sensitive...

[ryhoyarbie]

Personally, I think its just what we're getting, and what's popular... I mean, how many of us have seen a Japanese program on American television like this (http://www.koredeiinoda.net/bakabon.html)? We basically get everything made in the last 10 years. Save for One Piece, Bleach, naruto, and Crayon Shin-chan, we've been getting mostly Japanese toy commercials on television (cough cough Pokemon, Yugioh-I know it was based off a comic, I don't care- Beyblade).

That's exactly what I was getting at. You get those Pokemons and Yugiohs which all look and seem the same. I'm sure there are some good anime out there, it's just you get the same crap all the time and it gets old. I think cartoons shown here in America have digressed compared to cartoons 10, 20, or 30 years ago.

The same thing can be applied to television shows now a days or lack there of. Television has digressed into nothing but stupid reality shows compared to what we had coming out 10 or 20 years ago.

[Redsonga]

I can't really stand Japan anime. Every character on every show looks the same. That and half the words the characters say don't even match the movement with their mouths. It's like watching one of those old Godzilla movies where the lines are dubbed by someone but the characters mouths in the movie are not moving correctly.

Not really:). Even many styles that look 'the same' aren't really that way, there are actually many different styles within them. It's like saying all American cartoons are the same style, it's just not true. But I have a feeling anything I would say about the rate of mouth flaps in japanese vs. english and other things about really getting into the stoyline so much that even if there are bad spots you don't notice them would just fall on deaf ears, so I won't go on that rant :).

It weird, I saw so many parodies of Speed Racer before I saw it I thought it would be awful..But then I saw the dub and I actually ended up liking it and not finding the way they talked annoying at all..It was the parodies that made it sound twice as badly dubbed ^.^.

I love Pokemon, but the first two seasons were my favorite :). But then, some of my favorite american cartoons were "toy commercials", and very good ones IMHO.

[Oscarfan]

The more I really stop to think about the new title for this thread... I think somebody's trying to tell me something...

That you rant some much there's a whole file cabnit full of 'em?

[D'Snowth]

Possibly.

[Redsonga]

We rant so here much we need a filing system? O.o That is a lot of ranting...

[ryhoyarbie]

But then, some of my favorite american cartoons were "toy commercials", and very good ones IMHO.

He-Man and G.I. Joe come to mind!:cool::):D

[Drtooth]

He-Man and G.I. Joe come to mind!:cool::):D

I like Transformers (which, a little known fact, was actually a co-production between the US and Japan... hense why they got Toei to animate it in its first conception)... but I never did care for GI Joe (not going into it) or He-man. But yeah, cartoons no matter from what country seems to vary. Personally, I'd love to see more One Pieces Shaman Kings and Kinnikumans over here than Pokemons... but kids love those stupid toys, and it really hinges on stuff that can be easily marketable (considering you can't really turn much of a profit on kid's shows anymore (not going into that either).

I doubt we' see little kids clammoring for little Doraemon plushes... no matter how much I dream it.

But getting back to the subject... isn't it ironic that (not counting flash cartoons) that CGI cartoons just didn't have as much an impact on TV as they do in the movies? the only really successful ones that come to mind are Reboot (which came out in like 1995 or so) and Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius... and those were both years appart.

[Redsonga]

Pokemon. More than one pokemon, two pokemon :) (Sorry, being one of the oldest members of my home pokemon forum for the last seven years knee jerk reaction). And it is not just toys (which we kids do collect *looks at army of pikachus under her tv*) but the video games, which are nicer and more addicting than many video games nowadays ;).
Did Shaman King ever have an ending in the anime I wonder? (I don't want to have it ruined for me, I just wonder)

Tarzan use to be one of my least favorite Disney movies, but after some of the newer movies they've made since then, like the 2nd Jungle Book, I have a new love for it :).

[Ilikemuppets]

I think in the last 5 years or so the storytelling on a lot of cgi movies, save the Pixar films, have horrible stories.
I agree with this statement. witch is why I say not all CGI moving are bad.
It's like watching one of those old Godzilla movies where the lines are dubbed by someone but the characters mouths in the movie are not moving correctly.
Aw! But I love those! that are classic!
The more I really stop to think about the new title for this thread... I think somebody's trying to tell me something...

I find it rather hilarious myself

[Redsonga]

It seems like they think CGI on it's own makes a good movie :\

[The Count]

*Sigh... If you have any suggestions for better thread titles for this, you know I'm open to it Fluffy erm, Snowtheye.

BTW: Some comments of mine.
Would much rather prefer if they brought Onepiece back to Toonami. They got rid of it from the Fox Kids lineup because it was ceeded to Toonami, then the Funimation story arcs kicked in... Then it was yanked to make way for Blue Dragon, originally given a timeslot on Saturday mornings and a second spot in Toonami which irked me, now neither are on the network. I have to go to the Onepiece Wiki to get update on the overall story. And what's worse? They bring in The Misadventures of Flapjack to make up for it. Miss adventures is right. Ugh.

Would also like it if they stopped jerking us around with the removal of series to bring in other additions to the lineup. I missed out on the last eight episodes of Winks Club last year due to class scheduling on Saturdays. Now that it was brought back I hoped to get the entire third season finished. And now it seems like it's out to make room for the return of Diganda Defendors and Biker Mice from Mars, whether the classic or new version I have yet to know.

At least I still have Kaotic on Jettix and Yugio GX on Kids CW. Sorry, CW for Kids.

[Redsonga]

Argh, Flapjack..I can even stand to watch Camp Lazlo more than that..thing :P

[The Count]

Yeah... The only reason I'm counting down today Thursday is for TDI, Total Drama Island. That's one of my new faves.

[Ilikemuppets]

It seems like they think CGI on it's own makes a good movie :\Yeah! That seems to be the consensus anymore. :rolleyes:

[D'Snowth]

I agree... I mean Chicken Little? Meet the Robinsons? Open Season? Barnyard?

*Holds nose and waves hand&

[frogboy4]

I agree... I mean Chicken Little? Meet the Robinsons? Open Season? Barnyard?

*Holds nose and waves hand&

Hey! :mad: I really liked Meet the Robinsons. Did you actually see that film? There's a touching sentiment not contained in any other animated film I've ever seen. Chicken Little had a little bit of it too.

I can agree with you on Barnyard. The company just purchased the technology and made a CG movie. Open Season just had a lot of one-note jokes with stylish animation.

But Robinsons, while imperfect, is a very sweet film with relatable characters and eyepopping animation. :excited:

[Drtooth]

And now it seems like it's out to make room for the return of Diganda Defendors and Biker Mice from Mars, whether the classic or new version I have yet to know.

The Biker Mice is new, and it has been in the UK for at least 2 years before we got it. I'm anxiously waiting to see it.

Of course, as far as One Piece goes, they have the DVD's, but at 13 episodes every few months, we'll probably never get anywhere close to where it is in years. And there's no way we'll ever get that Thriller Bark arc. But at least the new company's dub isn't ticking off fans. But hey, it's Cartoon network. They don't know what the shell they're doing when it comes to the schedual... especially those Disney shows that they feel that they have to compete with....


Did Shaman King ever have an ending in the anime I wonder? (I don't want to have it ruined for me, I just wonder)


Considering it just got a Manga ending, I doubt it. Theoretically, it could get a movie... But it took Saint Seyia, a cartoon from 1987 to get an ending until THIS year.

[The Count]

Huh? You mean Knights of the Zodiac? There's another show I liked that totally got the scheduling staff. And Ravemaster too, though that one was sort of an occasional watch for me.

[Baby Gonzo]

Meet the Robinsons was an enjoyable film with a sincere message. Yes, I will admit that some parts of the story or the way the movie came across were all over the place, but the morel of the story was sincere. And that sincerity is a big part of what is missing in animation today. Yes, every kid's film seems to have some message that they just want to shove down your throat, but it comes off as being very fake and unneeded. In the very least, while the message was reiterated and told throughout, it was still sincere. And I respect and admire that.

[frogboy4]

Meet the Robinsons was an enjoyable film with a sincere message. Yes, I will admit that some parts of the story or the way the movie came across were all over the place, but the morel of the story was sincere. And that sincerity is a big part of what is missing in animation today. Yes, every kid's film seems to have some message that they just want to shove down your throat, but it comes off as being very fake and unneeded. In the very least, while the message was reiterated and told throughout, it was still sincere. And I respect and admire that.

I agree. The story elements in Robinsons are scattered. It does have spectacular animation (a rung under Pixar, but better than other studios), Danny Elfman composition, a heartwarming message and relatable characters. The “bad-smelling” accusation from Snowth was a bit much. I can understand it not being a favorite of anyone, but it does follow the heroic journey theme that hails back to the very origins of storytelling. It’s a fine film that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

I try to go into each film wanting to like it (for what it is) and will never critique a film I haven’t actually seen - from start to finish. I saw Chicken Little, Barnyard and Open Season and all of them theatrically (I live next to a cinemaplex). There are many films I’d like to dismiss and judge out-of-hand due to the mere advertising, but I don’t because that would be misleading. I watched every frame of the mind-numbing Shrek 3, Bee Movie, Barnyard and Happy Feet and hoped they would get better with every scene, but they didn’t. I even stayed through the credits to see if there was a payoff that would make them better. Nothing did. I’m fairly easy to please too. I’ve seen enough bad film student pieces to make everything else look like high-art!

[Drtooth]

Huh? You mean Knights of the Zodiac? There's another show I liked that totally got the scheduling staff. And Ravemaster too, though that one was sort of an occasional watch for me.

Don't get me started on what happened to Saint Seiya (the official Japanese title, Knights of the Zodiac is a translation to the 1980's French title, Les chevaliers du zodiaque (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws5c7NiRSFs#) ) . Let's just say it confirms why we never get any animes past the late 90's anymore.

Of course, in Japan, the show suffered low ratings near the end of the second season, and was abruptly cancelled. After enough complaints from fans, the Hades Chapter was made into a Direct to DVD OVA series (which was also broadcast on a Japanese pay per view station). They JUST finished the last episode, and it should be avialable in Japan by now.

I agree. The story elements in Robinsons are scattered. It does have spectacular animation (a rung under Pixar, but better than other studios), Danny Elfman composition, a heartwarming message and relatable characters. The “bad-smelling” accusation from Snowth was a bit much. I can understand it not being a favorite of anyone, but it does follow the heroic journey theme that hails back to the very origins of storytelling. It’s a fine film that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.


Personally, I hated the fact it came out a week after TMNT, and it colearly stole its core audience. I'm sure Robinsons is a good movie, and I really did want to see it, if only to thumb my nose at some "knickers in a twist" adoption people who were having a problem with the concept. But I still think TMNT could have had at least one more good week.

[Ilikemuppets]

I think Meet The Robinsons looks like an interesting film. But I have to admit hat the Break Dancing T-Rex in the ad really turned me off of it. I already saw a break dancing the Chicken Little ad's. :p

There are many films I’d like to dismiss and judge out-of-hand due to the mere advertising, but I don’t because that would be misleading. Tell me about it. I just saw an advertisement for the bugs in space movie, and it looked to say the least uninspiring.It's like they Knew space was being made or something and decided to put bugs in space instead of monkeys. Huzzah...:p

[Redsonga]

For what it's worth I did see Meet the Robinsons and dislike it. I actually love things with messages (I am a big FR fan of course) but with Meet the Robinsons I did feel like I was being clubbed over the head with the message every two mins when the movie was not moving at fifty miles an hour :\.

I love messages, but this on seemed more than a bit tacked on and they said it over and over and over again the same way :(...and then at the end when they showed that it was a Walt Disney quote I felt like 1) It was one of the least favorite quotes I'd heard him say :(, and that there are many better ones to make a movie about. and 2) They were just using it to justify the movie rather than add depth to a story. Like "See? Disney said the quote, so that makes our movie so much more meaningful...and oh, "moving forward" means hundreds of more CGI movies, so get use to them! Like them darn you! Like them! *forcefeeds*:P"

I dunno, of all my friends I was the one who wanted to go see Meet the Robinsons and was telling them to give it a chance and of all my friends I think I liked it the least...

Maybe it is because I am a writer and could see the twist coming from the start..But I tried :).

[frogboy4]

Personally, I hated the fact it came out a week after TMNT, and it colearly stole its core audience. I'm sure Robinsons is a good movie, and I really did want to see it, if only to thumb my nose at some "knickers in a twist" adoption people who were having a problem with the concept. But I still think TMNT could have had at least one more good week.

If not for my love of movies (and the original songs by Danny Elfman and my partner's favorite Rufus Wainwright) Robinsons would likely have passed me by too. Some of the advertising made it look like a wannabe Pixar kiddie fluff piece, but I was pleasantly surprised to see there was more to the film. Were people actually objecting to the adoption message? As a child of adoption I found that section truly touching and in a way I had never seen on film. I began life with that forward-thinking philosophy. It wasn't slapped on; it was threaded throughout the film (based on a book). The director was reportedly very deliberate about that being adopted himself. :cool:

My main complaint is that little is actually explored with the other characters and we are only merely introduced to the Robinsons rather than actually meeting them. My partner just got a beautiful Sony hi-def widescreen and I'm choosing Robinsons to be the first Blu-ray movie we watch on it! Oh, and the film also contained a classic 3D Donald short if seen in a 3D theater. The whole experience of that film was a rare treat. :flirt:

Bolt, on the other hand, just looks odd. But I'll likely see it. Maybe the ads are misleading?

I also enjoyed the TNMT movie. The animation wasn't perfect and the head of the film was weighted down with a little too much plot exposition for my taste, but once it started going I was glued! I really like the look of the city and the character design. It appears to be the most faithful telling of the comic to date. I hope they continue making them. Any word on that? :confused:

[Redsonga]

Were people actually objecting to the adoption message? As a child of adoption I found that section truly touching and in a way I had never seen on film.
I wasn't objecting to it, but I am not adopted so it did not really touch me as deeply I guess..maybe that is the sort of thing you have to live with to know about...
Oh course, to say the all adopted people have dark, lonely, pasts they want to forget and move forward from all the time might have gotten a few people up in arms I guess, because everyones adoption story would be different :).
I began life with that forward-thinking philosophy.
I always liked learning about the past more than the future ever since I was little myself :).
It wasn't slapped on; it was threaded throughout the film (based on a book). The director was reportedly very deliberate about that being adopted himself.

I wasn't talking about the adoption though, the message of the about moving forward all the time over and over and over was just very heavy handed to me and felt like it was pushed onto the story IMHO, even if it was not meant to be :(...

[frogboy4]

I wasn't objecting to it, but I am not adopted so it did not really touch me as deeply I guess..maybe that is the sort of thing you have to live with to know about...
Oh course, to say the all adopted people have dark, lonely, pasts they want to forget and move forward from all the time might have gotten a few people up in arms I guess, because everyones adoption story would be different.

I always liked learning about the past more than the future ever since I was little myself.


I wasn't talking about the adoption though, the message of the about moving forward all the time over and over and over was just very heavy handed to me and felt like it was pushed onto the story IMHO, even if it was not meant to be...

I really was referring to DrTooth's comment about some adoption people being upset at the film. It had no bearing on your perspective. I guess you misread that part or erroneously think my last couple of posts were to you. Sorry about that misunderstanding.

However, you must not have gotten the message of the film if you think the lead character had a dark and lonely past that he'd rather simply forget. That wasn't it at all and the film was quite clear to everyone I’ve spoken with about it.

The message was like many good Muppety things. It was about acceptance of your situation in life instead of dwelling in it. It is about knowing what's important - the journey. It's not the past, not the future - it's about right now and moving forward from there with the people who love and care about you. The filmmakers admit to having tied the themes of moving forward to the protagonist's circumstances.

It is clear we saw two different movies – one with a sweet way of tackling a difficult subject and another that rudely clobbers viewers over the head with a tacked-on inane message. Now I too will move on to discussing other animated pictures or talking Robinsons with someone who enjoyed the picture. ;)

[Drtooth]

I really was referring to DrTooth's comment about some adoption people being upset at the film. It had no bearing on your perspective. I guess you misread that part or erroneously think my last couple of posts were to you. Sorry about that misunderstanding.

yeha. A bunch of people thought it would be a bad message... but its a cartoon. I'd love to meet the kid who builds a real working time machine to get better foster parents because of this movie... :smirk:


I also enjoyed the TNMT movie. The animation wasn't perfect and the head of the film was weighted down with a little too much plot exposition for my taste, but once it started going I was glued! I really like the look of the city and the character design. It appears to be the most faithful telling of the comic to date. I hope they continue making them. Any word on that?


The way Imagi's going, I doubt it. There is talk of a fifth movie, but without Imagi's help (and possibly Kevin Monroe, who left Imagi in a huff). Seems the company was taken over by an idiotic Ex-dreamworks exec who wants to dumb down all the current projects with irrelivant Celebrity voice actors and more "kid appealing" stories. Like anyone under the age of 20 has heard of Science Team Gathcaman. Playmates, the toys company, was so sure a sequal would happen, it at one time posted wild rumors about a Live action/CGi hybrid movie (one of the directions they're looking at) coming out next year. Mirage came down and told them it wasn't true.

Of course, since Playmates is still playing the movie version characters card, instead of focusing on the next season of TMNT, it's no wonder.

[Redsonga]

I really was referring to DrTooth's comment about some adoption people being upset at the film. It had no bearing on your perspective. I guess you misread that part or erroneously think my last couple of posts were to you. Sorry about that misunderstanding.

I did think the last post had something to do with mine, sorry :)!

However, you must not have gotten the message of the film if you think the lead character had a dark and lonely past that he'd rather simply forget. That wasn't it at all and the film was quite clear to everyone I’ve spoken with about it.
That wasn't exactly what I got from the movie ether, it was mostly the pov I've heard most of the time from people that disliked it for the adoption part of the story...but I don't really see it that way...
t is clear we saw two different movies – one with a sweet way of tackling a difficult subject and another that rudely clobbers viewers over the head with a tacked-on inane message.
I see movies very different than most people most of the time..it's a weird habit of mine *lol*

[frogboy4]

yeha. A bunch of people thought it would be a bad message... but its a cartoon. I'd love to meet the kid who builds a real working time machine to get better foster parents because of this movie... :smirk:

SPOILER (for anyone who hasn't seen Robinsons):

I found the film refreshing that the protagonist decides not to see his birth mother after creating a time machine and the fact that she passes right in front of him. It's standard exploitive television and film fare for the subject to be about reuniting that I think some audiences felt cheated at that stroke of brilliance. It sums up my personal view on the subject as well. I also despise coverage about adoptions gone wrong when it is such a rare case contrary to the norm.

I didn't know about the getting better foster parents angle some viewers thought the film contained. That's funny. In another thread about Frank Oz he speaks about making Sesame Street too PC for kids. I feel the same way. Robinsons was quite brave in the way they handled this without giving it a slapped-on solution. The scene in the rain when Lewis turns away is quite profound and not dumbed down for mass consumption.

For a minute I thought you might have confused the Robinsons issues with the Horton Hears a Who pro-life activists co-opting the film's message without consent of the Seuss family or the filmmakers (both deny a relation to that particular issue). The group had flyers printed up in the same PMS color and font in hopes of deceiving audiences outside theaters that they were promoters of the movie. I'm not going to open that social/political can of worms, but those tactics were rather sleazy. My partner actually got a pamphlet by mistake and was really disturbed by it. I knew something was up and declined any interaction with the activists.

The way Imagi's going, I doubt it. There is talk of a fifth movie, but without Imagi's help (and possibly Kevin Monroe, who left Imagi in a huff). Seems the company was taken over by an idiotic Ex-dreamworks exec who wants to dumb down all the current projects with irrelivant Celebrity voice actors and more "kid appealing" stories. Like anyone under the age of 20 has heard of Science Team Gathcaman. Playmates, the toys company, was so sure a sequal would happen, it at one time posted wild rumors about a Live action/CGi hybrid movie (one of the directions they're looking at) coming out next year. Mirage came down and told them it wasn't true.

Of course, since Playmates is still playing the movie version characters card, instead of focusing on the next season of TMNT, it's no wonder.

That is so unfortunate. It's the kind of cynical filmmaking that saddens me. TMNT made back its budget and then some. I had every notion there was something in the works.

When will these people learn that the best "kid-appealing" stories are ones that can appeal to all audiences? That's what makes them successful. So basically these guys are going from a successful wider appeal to a more limited scope? Wow. I just hope someone does another film as good as the last one.

[Redsonga]

I'm not sure what to think about The Princess and The Frog yet (http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/):\. I like everything but the firefly so far :)

[Baby Gonzo]

I have been looking forward to The Princess and the Frog for years. Though I really hope the movie doesn't rely too much on southern stereotypes. I don't think anything will keep me from seeing it though. I love the princess design, and the frog is really cute.

[Ilikemuppets]

I'm not sure what to think about The Princess and The Frog yet (http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/):\. I like everything but the firefly so far :)It looks cool to me!

[frogboy4]

This appears to be just a teaser, but I like what I see here. It sets the world up a little bit without telling too much. That will come later - a lot of marketing. :)

The lightening bug looks kin to Pepe! :rolleyes:

I wish they'd kept the Frog Prince or Frog Princess title. It just seems a little odd.

I'm excited about this picture.

[Redsonga]

This appears to be just a teaser, but I like what I see here. It sets the world up a little bit without telling too much. That will come later - a lot of marketing. :)

The lightening bug looks kin to Pepe! :rolleyes:

I wish they'd kept the Frog Prince or Frog Princess title. It just seems a little odd.

I'm excited about this picture.

The Princess and The Frog sounds like someone over thinked the title to me... Why not use the real story title? It worked for so many other Disney fairy tales:excited:...

[Baby Gonzo]

Well, if the final product is solid, I can forgive the title change. I do like the font of the title however.

[Ilikemuppets]

Yeah, I think I like the name "The Frog Princess" better too!

[Vic Romano]

I saw a clip of that fly movie the other night on Letterman I think, and wasn't really impressed with the look of it. Robinson's was fun, but a little too hyper. I agree with someone's comments about not expanding more on the family, they were really entertaining.

[Ilikemuppets]

Well I hearing now on the commercials that the fly things in only in 3D. I honestly have to say that that does not look like something I would want to see in 3D if at all.:p

[Sgt Floyd]

I have not seen this commercial for the fly movie, but I do think I remember seeig something for Bolt. I want to say it was Miley talking about it on wanna says Starz, but again, I dont remember. I dont think I want to see it. And what I'm reading, I dont want to see the fly movie either :smirk:

[Ilikemuppets]

I haven't sen commercial for Bolt either. But as far as the other movie goes, I keep forgetting the name of it.:p

[Baby Gonzo]

What's up with this mediocre animals in space trend this year? First monkies, now flies. What next? Pigs? Wait. Strike that. That could be pretty cool. ;)

[Ilikemuppets]

It's below mediocre if you ask me. It's just plain ol' terrible. :p

[Sgt Floyd]

I saw the commecrical for the fly movie...I think I lost a few IQ points :(

[Ilikemuppets]

I saw the commecrical for the fly movie...I think I lost a few IQ points :(Haha! Makes sense to me! :p

[Drtooth]

I saw the commecrical for the fly movie...I think I lost a few IQ points :(

And the animation was TERRIBLE. It looked like something that someone did as a hobby. the only thing worse are those generic Brazillian video ripoffs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeNOupmGN5g#)

Seriously, I HAVE to go to Brazil and have this studio shut down. They HAVE to shut it down. Where are the copyright lawyers when you REALLY need them?

And of COURSE they're making animal in space films. A direct knockoff of Wall*E, as a huge portion of the film takes place in a Space Ship.

[Ilikemuppets]

Wow! You know I can't wait for them until they start ripping off the bad CG films. :p

[frogboy4]

And the animation was TERRIBLE. It looked like something that someone did as a hobby. the only thing worse are those generic Brazillian video ripoffs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeNOupmGN5g#)

Seriously, I HAVE to go to Brazil and have this studio shut down. They HAVE to shut it down. Where are the copyright lawyers when you REALLY need them?

And of COURSE they're making animal in space films. A direct knockoff of Wall*E, as a huge portion of the film takes place in a Space Ship.

OMG! You must be kidding. I have never actually seen those clips before. Wow...just wow. This animation would fail a freshman animation class assignment. I know this for a fact. Terrible. My eyes are still bleeding. Make it stop! :eek:

[Ilikemuppets]

OMG! You must be kidding. I have never actually seen those clips before. Wow...just wow. This animation would fail a freshman animation class assignment.You called it right! Man, people will buy just... anything...:p

[Drtooth]

OMG! You must be kidding. I have never actually seen those clips before. Wow...just wow. This animation would fail a freshman animation class assignment. I know this for a fact. Terrible. My eyes are still bleeding. Make it stop! :eek:


Hey! If I were Dreamworks, I'd team up with Pixar and Disney to start a class action copyright lawsuit to shut these guys down. Other than near sighted grandparents who aren't up on current movies buying them for their 5 year old grandchildren, who would ever mistakenly buy those films?

[Colbynfriends]

And the animation was TERRIBLE. It looked like something that someone did as a hobby. the only thing worse are those generic Brazillian video ripoffs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeNOupmGN5g#)

Seriously, I HAVE to go to Brazil and have this studio shut down. They HAVE to shut it down. Where are the copyright lawyers when you REALLY need them?


oh gees, these are bad. They need origionality or better computers or something. but i agree with you Drtooth, that place needs to be shut down.

[frogboy4]

Hey! If I were Dreamworks, I'd team up with Pixar and Disney to start a class action copyright lawsuit to shut these guys down. Other than near sighted grandparents who aren't up on current movies buying them for their 5 year old grandchildren, who would ever mistakenly buy those films?

I suppose DreamWorks and Pixar think their brands are safe because nobody in their right mind would confuse the original pictures with these icky things upon viewing. The money it would take to persue legal problems (especially foreign) would probably not be worth it. However, I have seen many of these on store shelves in this city.

[Xerus]

I was reading in a Curtis comic strip a few weeks ago where Curtis was in a sandwich shop and he meets two sandwich making guys who were once Disney animators. They were angry because when Disney switched to CGI, a lot of the animators got fired including them.

[Ilikemuppets]

oh gees, these are bad. They need origionality or better computers or something.Either that, or just never to have happened at all.:p

[Ilikemuppets]

I was reading in a Curtis comic strip a few weeks ago where Curtis was in a sandwich shop and he meets two sandwich making guys who were once Disney animators. They were angry because when Disney switched to CGI, a lot of the animators got fired including them.I... I don't know weather to laugh of to cry? :confused:

[Sgt Floyd]

I... I don't know weather to laugh of to cry? :confused:

me neither :o

[Ilikemuppets]

It really is like the sad truth in a lot of ways. I'm sure there are a few more than upset Disney animators out there. I'm just glad they have John Lassiter at the helm or the animation division and that he still believes in traditional animation!:)

[Drtooth]

I suppose DreamWorks and Pixar think their brands are safe because nobody in their right mind would confuse the original pictures with these icky things upon viewing. The money it would take to persue legal problems (especially foreign) would probably not be worth it. However, I have seen many of these on store shelves in this city.

But they'd take legal action when a day care center puts up an unlicenced mural of Mickey Mouse? I think the copyright law is terribly broken in that aspect. I mean, this Brazillian company is willfully trying to seize Disney and Dreamworks' properties for a quick buck. They seem to churn these out with NO effort whatsoever (hense the animation). Costly as it would be, I'd sue their butts off, or threaten legal action to shut the studio down. Or at least try to come up with ORIGINAL concepts.

[ryhoyarbie]

Kunfu Panda 2 is about to be greenlighted.

[Drtooth]

Kunfu Panda 2 is about to be greenlighted.


I hope they can keep to the integrity of the first one. It seems they dropped most of the things that started to make Shrek annoying, and most of the Dreamworks films predictable, and made a great animated film. they almost made it like a semi-serious kung fu picture. In fact, it was one of their finest works yet.

Just as long as they don't shove in random pop culture jokes, irrelevant pop music cues, and other crap like that into the script, I'm anxious to see what's going on.

[Ilikemuppets]

Kunfu Panda 2 is about to be greenlighted.Well, as long as there is not a three and four and five, etc... :p Then it's understandable.:smirk: