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Blu-Ray Review: Pixar’s HD Collection Continues With ‘Monsters, Inc.’

BrianTT — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:49:17 -0700

CHICAGO – As Disney/Pixar continues to release new films on Blu-Ray, they often “piggy-back” one title with another from their catalog, choosing to release Pete Docter’s first directorial effort for the company, “Monsters, Inc.” in HD on the same day that they release his new film, “Up”. In a beautiful 4-disc combo pack that includes Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital copies of the film, “Monsters, Inc.” continues the Pixar Blu-Ray tradition.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

John Goodman and Billy Crystal star as the lovable-and-gigantic Sulley and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski, respectively. Sulley and Mike work for a scream-processing factory in Monstropolis known as “Monsters, Inc.” A little girl named Boo finds her way into the world, scaring the monsters in return, and it’s up to Sulley and Mike to restore order and get the wee one back home where she belongs.

Monsters, Inc. was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Home Video

Released in between two of my favorite animated films of all time, “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo,” I’ve always viewed “Monsters, Inc.” as a bit of a valley between giant peaks in the medium. Watching the film again on Blu-Ray, I realized that I may have been too harsh the first time and that even a Pixar valley is higher than most animated films. I still don’t think the film is the best of Pixar, but that wouldn’t stop me from including it in my Blu-Ray collection. Not everything can be “Nemo” or “WALL-E” and “Monsters, Inc.” is a fun, heartwarming family film that would make a nice addition to any Blu-Ray shelf this season.

Monsters, Inc. was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Home Video

“Monsters, Inc.” has been available on DVD before and the special features that were previously available have been imported to this edition along with a few new exclusive bonuses. True Pixar-holics are probably most interested in the HD transfer and what’s new, so that’s where we’ll start.

As for the picture, it’s typical-for-Disney-HD. In other words, it’s perfect. The audio in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is similarly perfect. Fans may want to upgrade “Monsters, Inc.” just for the new technical specs and the flexibility allowed by a combo pack that provides versions of the film for Blu-Ray, DVD, and your device of choice for digital copy.

The new special features run the gamut from filler to fascinating. There’s a new game for the little ones called “Roz’s 100-Door Challenge,” a look behind-the-scenes at a movie-themed attraction at Tokyo Disneyland called “Monsters, Inc. Hide and Go Seek: Building Monstropolis in Japan,” an audio commentary, and a filmmaker’s roundtable, in which many of the creators of the film reflect on its production. The filmmaker’s piece is a must-see for true Pixar nuts.

Imported original DVD bonus features include “For the Birds,” the 2001 Academy Award-winning short, and a 2002 nominee called “Mike’s New Car,” “Pixar Fun Factory Tour,” “Banished Concepts,” and much more.

With ten films released by Pixar, there are now six on Blu-Ray - “Monsters, Inc.,” “Up,” “WALL-E,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Ratatouille,” and “Cars”. I expect the “Toy Story” films to be released with the theatrical debut of “Toy Story 3” next year, leaving only “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles” waiting for their HD debut. I make no promises and have no inside information, but I would expect one or two with the BD release of “Toy Story 3” at the end of next year. That means that by this time next year, you could have a complete collection of arguably the most important studio output of films in the last twenty years. Don’t forget to include “Monsters, Inc.”.

‘Monsters, Inc.’ is released by Walt Disney Home Video and stars the voice work of John Goodman and Billy Crystal. It was written by Andrew Stanton and directed by Pete Docter. It was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: Pixar’s Beloved ‘Up’ Continues HD Dominance

BrianTT — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:21:30 -0700

CHICAGO – One of the most beloved films of the year and a likely contender for the Oscar for Best Picture now that the category has expanded to ten nominees, Pixar’s “Up” was recently released on Blu-Ray in yet another lovingly produced set from a company that has been a pioneer in the next-gen format. “Up” doesn’t exceed expectations but also doesn’t falter from the critically-acclaimed pattern.

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

Pixar has built a reputation by taking unexpected character models and turning them into movie magic. Whether it be toys that come to life, a refined rat, a family of superheroes, or a lovable robot, one never can judge a Pixar character by its cover. Such is the case with Carl Fredericksen (Ed Asner), the delightful hero of “Up” who just happens to be a crotchety old man.

Up was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Home Video

It’s hard to truly capture the magic of “Up” in a plot description, which is why the advertising has focused so heavily on the colorful balloons. There’s a lot more to Pete Docter’s film than a house that flies.

Up was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Home Video

The film opens with a young Carl fawning over the exploits of adventurer Charles Muntz. The silent-but-wide-eyed Carl finds himself entangled with another young dreamer named Ellie and the two form a bond that will last nearly a century. A spectacular, heart-breaking montage details the life of Carl and Ellie, ending with her passing, which leaves our hero grumpy, creaky, and alone. When the nursing home comes to take him away, he follows through on a promise he made to a young Ellie and uses helium balloons to fly away from this cruel world and find happiness somewhere else. Along for the ride are a junior explorer (Jordan Nagai), a talking dog, and a colorful bird.

There’s a lot to love about “Up” but an element that has been missed in much of the copious praise is that Docter’s film is simply hilarious. “WALL-E” was a sci-fi adventure, “The Incredibles” was an action movie, and “Ratatouille” was a film about culinary passion, but “Up” is primarily a comedy. There are dramatic themes but fans will revisit this movie and laugh out loud as they fall in love with the importance of never letting life get in the way of your spirit of adventure.

The first two acts of “Up” are as perfect as anything released this year but the film somewhat falters in the final one. Action has never been a strength of Pixar and the film gets a bit too goofy for its own good in the final act as dozens of talking dogs, a blimp, and the balloon-buoyed house are forced into a somewhat awkwardly-conceived action sequence. The ending also lacks a bit of the emotional undercurrent of not just the best of Pixar but the rest of the film.

Up was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Home Video

I may be harder on “Up” than I would be if it were a Sony or Fox film and there’s MORE than enough here to warrant a recommendation. The fact that “Up” is “merely” one of the most entertaining films of the year is only a viable criticism when one considers the bar set by what Pixar had produced before. (“WALL-E” was my number one film of 2008 and both “Toy Story”s, “Finding Nemo,” “Ratatouille,” and “The Incredibles” are among my favorite films of the last twenty years.)

Ultimately, what has allowed Pixar to shine is the fact that they recognize that animation is a medium, not a genre, You can make action films, dramas, sci-fi adventures, or whatever your imagination can dream up within that medium. With “Up,” Pixar produced a beautiful, heartwarming, comedy adventure that shouldn’t be missed.

Technically, the Blu-Ray release for “Up” is a beauty. Disney and Pixar films always look amazing in HD and this one’s perfect, as is the audio mix.

Special features for “Up” include a commentary by Docter and co-director Bob Peterson, the mildly-amusing “Dug’s Special Mission” short film, the great “Partly Cloudy” short film that played in theaters, “The Many Endings of Muntz” (which proves that perhaps there were a few problems with the development of the final act of the film), “Adventure is Out There,” the “Cine-Explore” feature, “Geriatric Hero,” “Canine Companions,” “Russell: Wilderness Explorer,” “Our Giant Flightless Friend, Kevin,” “Homemakers of Pixar,” “Balloons and Flight,” “Composing for Characters,” “Married Life,” and “The Global Guardian Badge Game”.

The combo pack release for “Up” also includes a DVD and digital copy of the film, continuing Pixar/Disney’s fantastic trend of providing their films in every format, recognizing that families need options when it comes to entertainment. Don’t miss the option to add “Up” to your collection.

‘Up’ is released by Walt Disney Home Video and stars the voice work of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, and Delroy Lindo. It was written by Bob Peterson and directed by Pete Docter. It was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 10th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Oscars: Best Picture Category to Expand to 10 Nominees in 2010

BrianTT — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:12:49 -0600

CHICAGO – In a shocking announcement today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that there will be ten nominees for Best Picture next year instead of the usual five. The move comes a year too late for “WALL-E” and “The Dark Knight,” both of which were notoriously snubbed last year but that one has to assume would have made it in with ten. (Although this makes a nod for “Up” far more likely.)

Variety reported, “There will be 10 best picture nominees starting with the 82nd Oscar ceremony, skedded for March 7, at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.” Sid Ganis, President of the Academy, released a press release, reprinted by the great Awards Daily:

“After more than six decades, the Academy is returning to some of its earlier roots, when a wider field competed for the top award of the year,” said Ganis. “The final outcome, of course, will be the same – one Best Picture winner – but the race to the finish line will feature 10, not just five, great movies from 2009.”

Having 10 Best Picture nominees is going allow Academy voters to recognize and include some of the fantastic movies that often show up in the other Oscar categories, but have been squeezed out of the race for the top prize,” commented Ganis. “I can’t wait to see what that list of ten looks like when the nominees are announced in February.”

The TEN nominees for Best Picture of 2009 will be announced on February 2nd, 2010.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Video Game Review: Wii Version of ‘Up’ Delightful Companion to Beloved Film

BrianTT — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:33:56 -0600

CHICAGO – Pixar movie tie-ins can be hard to review simply due to the strength of their source material. Pete Docter’s “Up” is the most critically acclaimed and brilliantly written films of the year. How can a game possibly match “Up”?

The answer is, of course, that it can’t and it shouldn’t even try. No game, especially one using the graphics engine of the Wii, is going to look as good as a Pixar film and it would be the game of the year if it had the same witty dialogue and storytelling. Most movie tie-in games fail completely when compared to the actual film but it would be downright unfair to attempt that with a Pixar title.

Up
Photo credit: THQ

Once you let that expectation go and you view the video game version of “Up” as more of a companion piece than a direct tie-in to the film, the game by THQ and devloper Heavy Iron Studios works on its own terms, as a child-friendly diversion for little ones who just want to spend a little more time with Carl, Russell, Kevin, and Dug.

The game follows much of the action of the film but opens with one of the final scenes, an aerial “dog fight” as Dug tries to save Carl, Russell, and their house from attack.

After the prologue, the meat of the game kicks in. The elderly Carl and adventurous Russell must work together to navigate the treacherous terrain in the jungles of South America. The primary focus of “Up” is teamwork and the game is better enjoyed if two players take on the lead characters. If not, a single player can switch back and forth, but the drive of the game is how Carl and Russell must work together to combat enemies or even get from point A to point B.

For example, sometimes you’ll need to use Carl’s cane to lift him up to a higher point or perhaps switch to Russell to lower a rope down to the most charming elderly character of the year. Even Kevin and Dug will come into play with the puzzle-solving aspects of the game.

Up
Photo credit: THQ

“Up” is also a collection game. Cleverly playing off the movie version of Russell’s wilderness explorer background, players have to collect rare bugs and merit badges that will earn them “Quest Cards”. Artifacts and mementos are also cleverly hidden throughout the levels, adding to the replay value of the title.

As for Wii-mote control, “Up” is a mixed bag. The ways in which the Wii-mote comes into play get pretty repetitive quickly, but kids will enjoy swinging the controller to mimic cutting a rope with their knife or lowering one down to save their partner.

The levels of “Up” are almost entirely puzzle-solving based. Yes, the player will occasionally have to battle a talking dog or a man-eating plant but the majority of the gameplay is about how to get Carl and Russell from point A to point B, complete with voice work by the film’s actors and even a few clever quips. Unlike a lot of movie tie-ins, I actually laughed out loud a few times at the dialogue in “Up” and didn’t grow too weary of the repetitive dialogue that often hampers a title like this one.

What’s wrong with “Up”? Even for a Wii movie tie-in aimed at kids, it is disturbingly short. Even casual players will finish it in under 3 hours, which is unacceptable for a $40 game. The dog fights are bizarrely incomplete. The player stands and waits for a dog to attack, hits B a few times, fight ends. And the camera can be shockingly frustrating in its angle choices, which is not good for a game that requires the player to often jump precisely from rock formation to rock formation.

Up
Photo credit: THQ

Ultimately, perhaps I’m not as hard on “Up” as I was last year’s awful “WALL-E” tie-in or other movie tie-in games, because of increasingly lowered expectations with a title like this one. Could the game version of “Up” have been better? Certainly. There could have been more creativity with the controls and level design and it should be at least twice as long. But what “Up” does right - original actor voice work and even the score from the film stand out - makes for a pleasant diversion, a companion to the more complete experience in theaters.

The game version of a Pixar film is probably never going to be better than the theatrical experience. Yes, the developers of “Up” the game could have tried a bit harder to come closer, but judged as a diverting desert after the main meal of the actual film, a lot players will find this title a sweet treat.

‘Up’ was released by THQ and developed by Heavy Iron Studios. It is rated E (Everyone). The version reviewed was for the Nintendo Wii but the title is also available for the DS, PS3, PS2, PSP, PC and XBox 360. It was released on May 26th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 10-Image Gallery For Pixar’s 3-D ‘Up’

BrianTT — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:35:45 -0600

CHICAGO – This 10-image slideshow contains the official press images for Pixar’s 3-D “Up” featuring voice work by Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, and Christopher Plummer. The film, written by Bob Peterson and directed by Pete Docter, opens on May 29th, 2009.

Synopsis:

“From Disney•Pixar comes “Up,” a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. From the Academy Award®-nominated director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”), Disney•Pixar’s “Up” invites you on a hilarious journey into a lost world, with the least likely duo on Earth. “Up” will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D™ in select theaters.”

Up_01: (L-R) Russell and Carl Fredricksen.
Up_02: (L-R) Russell and Carl Fredricksen.
Up_03: (L-R) Russell and Carl Fredricksen.
Up_04: (L-R) Kevin, Russell, Dug, Carl Fredricksen.
Up_05: (L-R) Dug, Kevin, Russell, Carl Fredricksen.
Up_06: (L-R) Dug, Russell on the back of Kevin, Carl Fredricksen.
Up_07: Carl Fredericksen.
Up_08: (L- R) Dug, Russell, Carl Fredricksen.
Up_09: (L-R) Ellie, Carl.
Up_10: Russell (top), Carl Fredricksen (bottom).

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Moving on ‘Up’: Disney, Pixar Score Another Masterpiece in 3-D

Ebeth — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:08:52 -0600

CHICAGO – There is an art to music. There is an art to writing a story and an art to telling that story. There is art in a great drawing, a great painting and a great photograph. There is an art to communication. And it may only be a matter of time before museums expand to include a whole new category of modern art: the animated film from Disney and Pixar.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

For what the studio duo accomplished in 2008 with its “WALL-E,” which is known for its groundbreaking achievements in many of the above-listed categories, their newest film, “Up,” has also managed to ace much of the same. Though two very different films both strong for different reasons, the two establish the Disney and Pixar revolution of the animated genre.

A symphonic balance of captivating silence and clever dialogue, belly-laugh humor and tear-in-the-eye despair, fast-paced action scenes and scenes slowed for their precious detail, “Up” orchestrates the talents of the directors (Pete Docter, who wrote “WALL-E,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story,” and Bob Peterson, who wrote “Up,” “Ratatouille” and “Finding Nemo”), the artists (Scott Clark, Dave Mullins, Shawn Krause, Mike Venturini, Thomas Jordan and a team of nearly 70 animators) and the composer (Michael Giacchino) into one truly unforgettable piece.

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Up” in our reviews section.

The result: a simple smile as one strides from the theatre knowing this is life, there are versions of our dreams we can’t imagine and even the most unfortunate or insignificant interactions can lead to great things.

“Up” tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner): a 78-year-old retired balloon salesman who – after the loss of his wife – is left agitated by the world around him and regretful of desires unfulfilled. An unfortunate altercation pushes Carl to escape society and finally chase after the couple’s lifelong dream.

Carl quickly realizes he’s not alone in this adventure as 8-year-old wilderness explorer Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai) has secretly stowed away for the ride.

“Up,” which comes from director Pete Docter and co-director and writer Bob Peterson, features the voices of Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft, John Ratzenberger, David Kaye and Elie Docter. The film opened everywhere on May 29, 2009. “Up” is rated “PG” for some peril and action.

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Up” in our reviews section.

Carl Fredricksen in “Up” is voiced by Edward Asner.
Image credit: Disney, Pixar

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Up” in our reviews section.

Interview: Riding the Animated Wave ‘Up’ With Pixar Director Pete Docter

BrianTT — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:39:13 -0600

CHICAGO – Pixar’s “Up” recently became the first animated 3D film to open the Cannes Film Festival and the reviews were just as rapturous as those who had been tracking the latest Pixar offering expected them to be. Before he want to France, director Pete Docter sat down for an exclusive interview with HollywoodChicago.com.

Docter has been a part of the Pixar team since the beginning and remains one of the most prominent voices in the company along with John Lasseter (“Toy Story”), Brad Bird (“Ratatouille,” “The Incredibles”) and Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL-E”). Docter made a splash when he directed “Monsters Inc.” and will make waves with “Up”.

For someone who has made such vibrant, energetic, nearly-glowing films, Docter is a surprisingly humble and quiet man. It’s not an accident that he’s made a film about a man escaping the dangerous, depressing world on the ground by tying helium balloons to his house and fleeing for the jungle.

“UP” (L-R) Russell and Carl Fredricksen
Photo credit: ©Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“I’m just not an extroverted person,” says Docter. “I think a lot of us became animators because talking to people is kind of scary….especially girls. So it’s easier to draw. It’s easier to just communicate through drawing. It’s a way to communicate with people. It was really hard becoming a director on Monsters, Inc because up until then I had a chance to withdraw to my office and animate. As a director, you’re thrust out and you’re talking to people all day. And at the end of the day, I just want go hide under the bed or something and talk to nobody. This film was kind of born out of that.”

Pete Docter
Photo credit: ©Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“Up” features more human characters than most recent Pixar animation but the characters are highly stylized and more caricatured than any previous Pixar work. This was a challenge for Docter and his team. He told me, “We’ve always pushed caricature but in this one Carl is like three heads tall, which is quite stylized. Even his house - they seem like very realistic textures, but they’re basically like a dry-brush. Even the leaves in the jungle, it looks like someone went through and very theatrically painted. It was finding the balance between theatre and believability. We designed Carl’s house first. We built a miniature of the house interior and built all these little models and painted them. It really helped inform how we would build them in the computer. Then when you get to the wilderness, you can’t have that looking like a craft project. It has to be believable. You have to feel the wind in your face and smell the jungle. It was finding the balance between those two extremes.”

“Up” was partially born out of a surprising influence - Thomas McCarthy’s “The Station Agent,” another film about a man trying to escape the world and come out of his shell. Docter also cites “Casablanca,” “Lady and the Tramp,” and “101 Dalmatians” as influences. “Movies that had a beautiful simplicity to them and a focus on character.”

“Up” is the first Pixar film in 3D but the story had been developed and worked on for awhile before the new technology entered into it. An entirely different group was set up to study previous 3D films for their “pitfalls and successes”.

“UP” (L-R) Russell and Carl Fredricksen
Photo credit: ©Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“We tried to learn from all the films that had come before us and what makes it work. The things that were important to me as a director was not distract people with 3D. You don’t want to pop them out of the movie by going “ooga-booga”. We basically said, “Okay, the screen is like a window and you can see into it but let’s not bring too many things out.” That adds a certain sense of depth and I think, for a lot of people, they feel more transported into that world. Hopefully, it’s not distracting to the point of popping you out of the film and it’s a more immersive experience.”

The immediate question to this animation aficionado is if the entire form has been forever altered. Will we see 2D animated films any more?

“I don’t know,” says Docter. “It kind of depends on what the audience wants to see. If people really embrace it and feel it’s the way to go, then we’ll do them all that way. This one, you can see either way, which I think is nice. Some people find it really engaging and interesting but other people are kind of put off by the glasses and whatever. I don’t think you’re losing anything by seeing it in 2D, it’s just a different way to see it.”

“WALL-E” and “Ratatouille” were accused by some critics as being more for the parents than for their children. I think kids will fall in love with the sense of adventure and the young protagonist in “Up”. It’s more traditional fun than most recent Pixar. But it’s not a conscious goal. The creative voices at Pixar makes the movies they want to make.

Ed Asner and Pete Docter
Photo credit: Deborah Coleman

“It’s tricky,” says Docter. “We’re always directing the films at an audience. You want to make sure it communicates to people and has something to say. But, at the same time, it’s a real director-driven studio, so the films are kind of like where we are as people that end up in the movies. So, it was just kind of the expression of Bob and myself as we developed this one as it has a balance of comedy, action, adventure, and that emotion that hangs it together and supports the other.”

What separates Pixar? Docter admits to keeping an eye on other animation and expresses admiration for Henry Selick’s “Coraline,” but almost shies away from the suggestion that there’s something special going on at Pixar. He does admit that the system at Pixar is a little unique.

“We have a system where people are selfless about giving up their own time, their own energy, their own comments,” says Docter. “Brad [Bird] will be off in the middle of directing something and we’ll drag him in to watch this movie and he’ll spew out all these great ideas that I get to use and then I’ll do the same with whoever comes along next. Between that and the philosophy of “If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not taking enough risk.” We’re sort of expected to fail along the way. It’s expected that we’re going to falter and pull the emergency cord and get everybody on board to make this good.”

Docter ends by refusing to confirm or deny the rumors about a planned “Monsters Inc. 2” but expresses excitement for what’s to come from Pixar.

“Now more than ever there are more varied and diverse films in the pipeline than we’ve ever had. It seems like there’s just a great variety and diversity of things that you’re going to see stretching out into the future.”

Up opens on May 29th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Pixar’s ‘Up’ to Open Cannes Film Festival in May 2009

BrianTT — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:01:47 -0600

CHICAGO – Pixar continues their plan for world dominance with their 2009 film “Up” being announced today as the opening film for the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in May. Produced under John Lasseter’s supervision, the film that follows “WALL-E,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Finding Nemo,” “Toy Story,” and more under the prestigious Pixar banner will be the Opening Ceremony film in Disney Digital 3-D on Wednesday, May 13th, 2009.

Pixar also sent over a new still for director Pete Docter’s (“Monsters, Inc.”) adventure about a 78-year-old who fulfills his dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America, only to discover that he has brought with him his biggest nightmare, a 9-year-old Wilderness Explorer stowaway.

Up will be released in theaters on May 29th, 2009.
Photo credit: Pixar

“Up,” which opens in the United States on May 29th, 2009 and in France on July 29th, 2009 will be the first animated film to open the Festival de Cannes. Other animated films that have played there in Official Selection include “Dumbo,” “The Fantastic Planet,” “Fritz the Cat,” “Shrek,” “The Triplets of Belleville,” “Shrek 2,” “Over the Hedge,” “Kung-Fu Panda,” and “Waltz With Bashir”. The fest runs from May 13th to May 24th.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

The Best, Worst 2009 Super Bowl Movie Commercials

BrianTT — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:36:42 -0700

CHICAGO – While Al Michaels and John Madden may have been talking about the incredible play of Santonio Holmes and Larry Fitzgerald in the 2009 Super Bowl, audiences around the world were bombarded with previews for big movies for the summer of 2009 by studios hoping that their films would be the real subject of post-game conversation.

A total of 11 major spots aired during the annual festivities including “Land of the Lost,” “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra,” “Angels & Demons,” “Fast & Furious,” “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” “Up,” “Year One,” “Star Trek,” “Duplicity,” “Race to Witch Mountain".

What did we learn from the movie commercials during last night's game? Besides the fact that nothing from your childhood is safe any more? (From "Land of the Lost" to "G.I. Joe," it's only a matter of time before the Hollywood machine works its way through every toy and TV show of your youth.) Which previews were the best and which were the worst? Let us offer our opinion. Watch the previews yourself and leave your own.

THE BEST

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”

Here’s the sign of a sequel preview that works - it gets even the people who didn’t like the first movie talking about it. Selling a sequel to a fans of the original is like shooting fish in a barrel, but the spot for the second “Transformers” movie created the biggest “whoa” ripple of any of Sunday night’s ads among viewers. With almost no dialogue, massive explosions, and effects that look more impressive than the first, “Revenge of the Fallen” scored a touchdown. There’s no doubt that what will probably be at least the loudest if not the biggest movie of the summer was a perfect fit for the most over-the-top TV event of the year.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” was directed by Michael Bay and stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Rainn Wilson, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Isabel Lucas, and Tyrese Gibson. It opens on June 26th, 2009.

“Land of the Lost”

It’s hard to tell with just 45 seconds, but the spot for “Land of the Lost” popped up, got people talking, and got out. The jury may still be deliberating if the movie will be any good but the blend of comedy and action has summer family hit written all over it. In a summer overrun with high-profile sequels, the spot for “Land of the Lost” did exactly what it needed to in under a minute - start building buzz.

“Land of the Lost” was directed by Brad Silberling and stars Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel, and Jorma Taccone. It opens on June 5th, 2009.

“Duplicity”

Clive Owen and Julia Roberts in a spy/romantic comedy with tones of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”? Where do I sign up? Written and directed by the man behind “Michael Clayton,” the spot for “Duplicity” doesn’t give away too of the actual film but offers just enough of a taste to get audiences intrigued. This spot ran early in the game when a lot of people were still arriving at parties and filling out their squares, so it doesn’t have quite the same buzz the morning after, but it was still one of the best.

“Duplicity” was directed by Tony Gilroy and stars Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, and Paul Giamatti. It opens on March 20th, 2009.

“Year One”

I might be a little blinded by this one. The actual spot is just so-so, but the idea of Michael Cera, Paul Rudd, David Cross, and Jack Black sharing screen time has me as excited as any summer comedy. Considering Sunday night was packed with high-budget action movie commercials, it was refreshing to see something funny and low-key, changing speed from the predictable blockbuster ads that we were all expecting to see.

“Year One” was directed by Harold Ramis and stars Jack Black, Michael Cera, Olivia Wilde, David Cross, Paul Rudd, Oliver Platt, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Hank Azaria. It opens on June 19th, 2009.

“Up”

I agree that this one doesn’t work as well as the early ads for “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” or “WALL-E,” but Pixar has built up so much goodwill with their amazing streak of brilliance that a lot can be foprgiven. In fact, it’s clear that they’re aware of that, using clips from their last few movies to get audiences prepared for “Up.” I was hoping for more footage and something, a visual image or great line, to get people buzzing this morning. The spot is oddly forgettable. But I’m also pretty confident that this is just the beginning and we’ll see some great stuff soon. This was just a taste.

“Up” was directed by Pete Docter & Bob Peterson and features voice work from Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Ed Asner, and Delroy Lindo. It opens on May 29th, 2009.

2009 Walt Disney Pictures Preview: ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic,’ ‘Up,’ ‘The Proposal,’ ‘Surrogates,’ ‘Old Dogs,’ More

BrianTT — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:31:17 -0700

CHICAGO – This 11-image slideshow contains official press images and schedule information for the recently announced slate of films to be released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2009 including new films starring Isla Fisher, Bruce Willis, Robin Williams, John Travolta, Ryan Reynolds, Josh Duhamel, and the newest Pixar film.

These 2009 Walt Disney Pictures include “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” “Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience,” “Race to Witch Mountain,” “Hannah Montana The Movie,” “earth,” “Up,” “The Proposal,” “G-Force,” “When in Rome,” “Surrogates,” “Toy Story in Disney Digital 3-D,” “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” “Old Dogs,” and “The Princess and the Frog”. Not all films have images released, but release details and dates were announced for the entire 2009 slate.

The release dates, cast lists, and filmmaker information for these Walt Disney Pictures films can be found below in chronological order, followed by a slideshow of available images.

“Confessions of a Shopaholic”
Cast: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb, Fred Armisen, Julie Hagerty, Krysten Ritter, Robert Stanton, Christine Ebersole, Clea Lewis, Wendie Malick, Stephanie March
Director: P.J. Hogan
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Executive Producers: Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Ronald Bozman
Screenplay By: Tracey Jackson And Tim Firth And Kayla Alpert, Based On The Books “Confessions Of A Shopaholic” And “Shopaholic Takes Manhattan” By Sophie Kinsella
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG
Release Date: February 13, 2009

“Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience” (in Disney Digital 3-D)
Cast: Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift
Director: Bruce Hendricks
Producers: Art Repola, Johnny Wright, Philip Mcintyre, Kevin Jonas Sr., Alan Sacks
Genre: Rockumentary
Rating: G
Release Date: February 27, 2009

“Race to Witch Mountain”
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Annasophia Robb, Carla Gugino, Ciaran Hinds, Alexander Ludwig, Tom Everett Scott, Christopher Marquette, Cheech Marin and Garry Marshall
Director: Andy Fickman
Executive Producers: Mario Iscovich, Ann Marie Sanderlin
Producer: Andrew Gunn
Written By: Matt Lopez And Mark Bomback And Andy Fickman
Based On Characters Created By: Alexander Key
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rating: TBD
Release Date: March 13, 2009

“Hannah Montana The Movie”
Cast: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Margo Martindale, Jason Earles, Peter Gunn, Melora Hardin, Mitchel Musso, Lucas Till, Barry Bostwick, Moises Arias, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, With Vanessa Williams and Billy Ray Cyrus
Director: Peter Chelsom
Executive Producers: Michael Poryes And Steve Peterman, David Blocker
Producers: Alfred Gough And Miles Millar
Written By: Dan Berendsen
Based On Characters Created By: Michael Poryes And Rich Correll & Barry O’brien
Genre: Family/Comedy
Rating: G
Release Date: April 10, 2009

“earth”
Narrator: James Earl Jones
Directors: Alastair Fothergill And Mark Linfield
Produced By: BBC Worldwide, Greenlight Media
Genre: True Life Adventure
Rating: G
Release Date: April 22, 2009

“Up” (in Disney Digital 3-D)
Voice Talent: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Delroy Lindo, Jordan Nagai
Director: Pete Docter
Co-Director: Bob Peterson
Producer: Jonas Rivera
Composer: Michael Giacchino
Genre: Animation/Adventure
Rating: TBD
Release Date: May 29, 2009

“The Proposal”
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Akerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Denis O’Hare and Betty White
Director: Anne Fletcher
Producers: David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman
Executive Producers: Alex Kurtzman And Roberto Orci, Mary Mclaglen, Sandra Bullock
Written By: Peter Chiarelli
Genre: Comedy
Rating: TBD
Release Date: June 12, 2009

“G-Force” (in Disney Digital 3-D)
Cast: Bill Nighy, Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, With The Voices Of Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Penelope Cruz, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan
Director: Hoyt Yeatman
Screenplay By: The Wibberleys And Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio And Tim Firth, Based On A Story By Hoyt Yeatman (Credits Not Final)
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Genre: Comedy-Adventure
Rating: TBD
Release Date: July 24, 2009

“When in Rome”
Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett, Alexis Dziena, Jon Heder, Dax Shepard, Kate Micucci, Bobby Moynihan, with Danny Devito and Anjelica Huston
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Executive Producers: Mindy Farrell And Steven Roffer, Ezra Swerdlow
Producers: Gary Foster, Mark Steven Johnson, Andrew Panay
Co-Producer: Rikki Lea Bestall
Written By: David Diamond & David Weissman
Genre: Comedy
Rating: TBD
Release Date: Summer 2009

“Surrogates”
Cast: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, James Francis Ginty, Boris Kodjoe and Ving Rhames
Director: Jonathan Mostow
Producers: David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Max Handelman
Executive Producers: Elizabeth Banks, David Nicksay
Screenplay By: Michael Ferris & John Brancato
Based On The Graphic Novel By: Robert Venditti and Brett Weldele
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Rating: TBD
Release Date: September 25, 2009

“Toy Story” (in Disney Digital 3-D)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik Von Detten, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Ermey
Director: John Lasseter
Producers: Ralph Guggenheim, Bonnie Arnold
Executive Producers: Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs
Original Story By: John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton And Joe Ranft
Screenplay By: Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen And Alan Sokolow
Genre: Animation-Comedy/Adventure
Rating: G
Release Date: October 2, 2009

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol” (in Disney Digital 3-D)
Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes, Fionnula Flanagan
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Producers: Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke
Screenplay By: Robert Zemeckis
Based On The Classic Novella By: Charles Dickens
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Rating: TBD
Release Date: November 6, 2009

“Old Dogs”
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Seth Green, Ella Bleu Travolta, Lori Loughlin and Matt Dillon
Director: Walt Becker
Producers: Andrew Panay, Robert Levy & Peter Abrams
Executive Producer: Garrett Grant
Written By: David Diamond & David Weissman
Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG
Release Date: November 25, 2009

“The Princess and the Frog”
Voice Cast: Anika Noni Rose, John Goodman, Keith David, Jim Cummings, Jenifer Lewis
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Produced By: Peter Del Vecho
Genre: Animated Comedy Adventure/Musical
Rating: TBD
Release Date: Christmas 2009

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Specific photographer credits where noted.

Confessions: Isla Fisher in Confessions of a Shopaholic. Photo Credit: Robert Zuckerman
Confessions2: Isla Fisher in Confessions of a Shopaholic. Photo Credit: Robert Zuckerman
OldDogs: John Travolta, Robin Williams. Photo Credit: Ron Phillips
PrincessandtheFrog: Princess Tiana
Surrogates: Bruce Willis. Photo Credit: Stephen Vaughan
TheProposal: Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock. Photo Credit: Kerry Hayes
Up: Teaser One-Sheet.
WheninRome1: Josh Duhamel, Kristen Bell. Photo Credit: Myles Aronowitz
WheninRome2: Josh Duhamel, Kristen Bell. Photo Credit: Philippe Antonello

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com