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Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

One of the most exciting films to be released this year is the Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film follows Evelyn Wang, a woman who has grown unhappy with her life as she has become distant from her husband, Waymond, while her relationship with daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu) is at breaking point. When the family’s laundrette business is audited by the IRS, Evelyn learns that she has the ability to jump between multiple universes which range from the fantastical (the kung-fu universe in which she is a movie star) to the bizarre (the hot dog universe where everyone’s fingers are hot dogs). The film is a wonderful conglomerate of various genres and styles and includes some of the funniest plot lines in recent years, especially ‘Racacoonie’ in which a chef (Harry Shum Jr.) who is controlled by a raccoon on top of his head in the style of Ratatouille.

Written and directed by the ‘Daniels’ (the collective name for filmmakers Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Everything Everywhere All At Once is one of the most original films to be released in recent years thanks to its mix of fantastical elements that are grounded by timely and relevant issues. Serving as a wonderful tribute to Michelle Yeoh’s extensive career while also allowing her to showcase her range as protagonist, Evelyn, Everything Everywhere All At Once is a film that is all about the human experience. The script is incredibly extensive and filled with many pop culture references that is sure to appease all ages. It’s insane to think that this is only the Daniels’ second feature as the film feels so large in its scope and characterisation. Their script in particular is one of the best of the year and is sure to garner awards attention for Original Screenplay as it will be difficult to find a film with more originality and innovation than this.

It is no understatement that Everything Everywhere All At Once is Michelle Yeoh’s film. As the initial inspiration for Evelyn’s character when the Daniels decided to change the protagonist from male to female, Yeoh provides a masterclass in acting in what is one of the most exciting performances of the year. Evelyn is unhappy with the direction her life has gone in and when the IRS begin to audit the family’s laundrette business, things seem to reach a breaking point. What follows is a wonderful homage to Yeoh’s illustrious career as well as allowing her to showcase her brilliant range in a role that is both sweet and fierce at the same time. It’s no surprise that there is a lot of potential Oscar buzz for Yeoh, who controversially was snubbed for her performance in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Yeoh has been providing wonderful performances for decades and finally it feels as though she is getting the praise and recognition from Western audiences that she deserves.

Making a comeback to acting after a long hiatus is Ke Huy Quan who stars as Evelyn’s lovable husband, Waymond. What is great about Quan’s performance is that he is also given the chance to showcase a large range as we see him as the quiet Waymond in the current universe which is then contrasted by Alpha Waymond who is far more confident and assertive. Quan took a hiatus between 2004 and 2019 but the way that he grasps the character and manages to convey so much through Waymond, you wouldn’t think that he had been away from the camera. The scenes in which he encounters Evelyn in the movie star universe are particularly wonderful as the Daniels pay tribute to In The Mood For Love and Quan in this universe plays a dramatic version of Waymond in a scene that shows how the characters could have flourished if they didn’t leave China together.

Aside from the stellar leading performances, there are also plenty of supporting turns that are worth talking about. Stephanie Hsu is wonderful as Evelyn’s daughter Joy and the immortal entity Jobu Tupaki who has placed the meaning of life into an everything bagel that has the potential to destroy the multiverse. The role was originally written for Awkwafina who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts and although it would have been great to see her in such a brilliant role, Hsu is equally fantastic and proves to be the perfect choice. The difference between Joy and Jobu Tupaki are visual and internal polar opposite as the former is having to grapple with the possibility that her grandfather may disown her for being gay while also having to deal with the turbulent relationship with her mum that begins to worsen, while the latter is bright and colorful with elaborate costumes and a confidence as she knows everything there is to know. Hsu plays both of these roles perfectly to the point where you do forget that they are being played by the same actress.

Other small supporting roles include Jamie Lee Curtis as Deidre and James Hong as Evelyn’s father who is referred to as Gong Gong (Cantonese for grandfather or father-in-law). Curtis’ performance as Deidre is originally fierce and tough as she is the IRS worker auditing Evelyn’s business while also playing a more tender companion to Evelyn in the hot-dog finger universe in a performance that is adorable and hilarious at the same time. On the other hand, Hong is wonderful as Gong Gong. Although his role isn’t as big, he still maintains a strong presence throughout the film as his influence is felt over the Wang Family.

A film like Everything Everywhere All At Once relies heavily on its cinematography and Larkin Seiple’s work is excellent. Having previously worked with the Daniels on their debut feature, Swiss Army Man, Seiple was the natural choice for their follow-up. What he does really well is bringing out the fantasy and supernatural elements from the initially boring setting of the IRS office. The majority of the film’s main plot takes place in the office but we feel as though we are being transported to an alternative universe and this is thanks to Seiple. The scenes in which Evelyn channels her Kung-Fu universe self is particularly excellent as it pays tribute to Yeoh’s career whilst also being exciting and new.

The music by Son Lux marks one of the most exciting soundtracks of the year. Like the film, Son Lux’s score is relentless and unpredictable, never sitting still as we are catapulted between multiple universes, while still maintaining a consistent thread. In a sense, the music showcases another side to Evelyn’s character and perfectly captures the complexities of her character thanks to its mixture of styles and tones from the whimsical track “Wang Family Portrait” to the incredibly intense “Switch Shoes to the Wrong Foot”. It’s a soundtrack that conveys the emotions of the film brilliantly without overwhelming the visual content.

Everything Everywhere All At Once brings together components of modern cinema but combines it in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Brilliantly unpredictable and fearless in vision and execution, the Daniels have succeeded in making the most original film of the year that will be very hard to beat. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this up for multiple gongs come awards season, especially for its screenplay and Michelle Yeoh’s killer leading performance. The film is a wonderful tribute to Yeoh’s previous career, while also catapulting her to mainstream Western audiences who may be unfamiliar with her filmography.

What did you think of Everything Everywhere All At Once? Let me know in the comments below!

Everything Everywhere All At Once is out in cinemas now!

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Review

The Batman (2022)

THE BATMAN, Robert Pattinson as Batman, 2022. ph: Jonathan Olley / © Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

In recent years, we have seen many franchises emerge with plenty of reboots, prequels and sequels dominating the film industry. A lot of these films tend to provide plenty of nostalgia and familiarity that is enjoyable to watch, but offers nothing new. One such franchise that is reinvented time and time again is DC’s Batman. Following Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, it felt as though the franchise couldn’t get more gritty and dark, but Matt Reeves proves it can be done with this year’s The Batman. The film is filled with characters that we all know and love including the titular character himself (Robert Pattinson), Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), and Detective Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) to name a few. Rather than fill the film with the usual villains such as the Joker, Reeves has chosen villains who have been overlooked or not as widely used cinematically with the Riddler (Paul Dano) and the Penguin (Colin Farrell) being the major villains in the film. Unlike other Batman adaptations, this Batman is not as refined in his fighting skills, making him more realistic, while also finding out more about what his parents were really like and the mystery surrounding their untimely death.

The Batman is directed by Matt Reeves who cowrote the screenplay with Peter Craig. Reeves development as a true visionary feels as though it has come full circle since he became a household name in 2008 with Cloverfield. Just as Cloverfield pushed narrative boundaries and explored alternative filming techniques, Reeves applies this innovative way of thinking with The Batman. From the telescopic point of view that opens the film, to the brilliantly shot climactic scene in which Batman beats up a load of cronies in a dark hallway with the only lighting provided by gunfire, Reeves brings an element of true imagination to a studio blockbuster and shows that not all superhero films need to contain a formulaic structure and content. The screenplay is particularly brilliant and perfectly delves into Bruce’s character without feeling too over the top, while also having plenty of fun with the Riddler’s character and his clues.

Robert Pattinson proves himself more than capable of taking on the Caped Crusader and can simply be explained as a perfect mix between Michael Keaton’s and Christian Bale’s performances. The film has more interest and focus in seeing the character as Batman rather than Bruce Wayne, which serves the narrative brilliantly. Pattinson’s Batman is unlike others because his fighting skills aren’t perfect and there are moments when he is getting beaten up by thugs. The Batman is a much more violent take on the character, but one that feels more realistic and less like a regular superhero film as it feels as though Batman is just a man wearing a suit who can fight. Pattinson’s Bruce is moody and isolated from the world, despite living in the centre of the city, while his Batman is relentless and will do anything to get to the bottom of the situation. The scene in which Batman confronts the Riddler in Arkham State Hospital is the best in the film as it shows the character break face as he tries to figure out what the villain has planned.

Playing opposite Pattinson is Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman in a turn that feels revolutionary for a character that has been overtly sexualised over the years. Kravitz’s Catwoman is unapologetic in her actions and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it isn’t necessarily the morally right thing. From the moment that Kravitz steps onto the screen, the audience is immediately drawn to her. What is amazing about Kravitz’s performance is how well she develops Selina’s character throughout the film, so her turn never gets boring or loses steam. Not only does she have great chemistry with Pattinson which makes the film gripping to watch in its entirety, but Kravitz’s Catwoman is incredibly strong and capable of asserting her own agency without the need for male assistance or approval, which feels revolutionary and authentic in how it is portrayed onscreen.

The main antagonist in the film is the Riddler, who is played phenomenally by the always fantastic, Paul Dano. In a career that has shown gigantic range, Dano appears to be getting the recognition that he has long deserved from mainstream audiences thanks to his menacing Riddler. It’s an unpredictable performance that shows the same level of dedication and characterisation that he brings to films such as There Will Be Blood and Prisoners. Even when he is not onscreen, his presence is felt through the entire film in the game of cat and mouse thanks to his ability to be a perfect match for Pattinson’s Batman. Dano may not be obvious choice for a superhero villain, but he’s proven that he is more than capable of performing exceptionally well in any genre.

In a film full of brilliant performances it’s difficult to choose which one was best of all, but in this instance, it has to go to Colin Farrell who is completely unrecognisable as the Penguin, a sleezy mobster who helps Carmine Falcone (John Turturro) run Gotham’s crime scene. Although he only has a small role in the film, Farrell is absolutely magnetic and steals every scene he is in. The chase scene between him and Batman is brilliantly executed and highly intense. Farrell has been knocking it out of the park for years and proven that he is a flawless character actor who is able to fully immerse himself into each character he plays. His Penguin doesn’t feel like a caricature, although there are some funny moments, and it’s exciting to see if he will star in the sequel.

The score is composed by Michael Giacchino, who has brought us a slew of iconic soundtracks over the years spanning across various genres including family films such as Ratatouille and Up as well as blockbusters such as Jurassic World and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It only makes sense that someone like Giacchino fits the bill considering his resume, and he delivers his best score in years. The main character theme consists of four hard-hitting notes that have become immediately identifiable. The opening track “Can’t Fight City Halloween” is riveting and atmospheric, instantly transporting the audience into the grime and horror of Gotham City.

The Batman delivers brilliance from start to end thanks to its gritty aesthetic, innovative filming techniques, and incredible characterisation filled with great performances from both the heroes and the villains. Pattinson’s career has gone from strength to strength and with The Batman, he is able to translate his indie successes to a huge blockbuster. Reeves has done a great job of setting up this particular Batman universe, and with the hint of a new villain (probably the Joker) incorporated into the film’s narrative, it’s only a matter of time before we see a sequel to The Batman.

What did you think of The Batman? Let me know in the comments below!

The Batman is available to view in cinemas now!

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Disneyland Paris – November 2019

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Obviously, my blog focuses on the wonderful world of film but I thought that I would take a “half break” and write a post all about my time at the happiest place on Earth. Disneyland Paris is situated outside the city with the Eurostar station located right outside the Disney Village entrance. This was my third time going after previous visits in 2003 and 2016 but this one would prove to be the most successful in terms of rides (the 2016 trip saw several major ride closures) and also FINALLY meeting Snow White which if you know me or read this blog is a big deal. But that is all to come later. We arrived on Monday 4th November and departed Wednesday 6th November which was perfect because a) the park is barely busy and b) we got a chance to see both Halloween and Christmas decorations. Rather than go through the holiday day by day, I thought it would be good to talk about my experiences collectively. It’s hard to talk about one day without talking about another.

We stayed at the Sequoia Lodge Hotel which resembles a forest cabin with decoration inspired by Bambi. Our room was part of the Golden Forest section meaning that we had our own check-in desk and an exclusive lounge where we have breakfast. The room was beautiful as expected and sleeping in the bed was like being inside a giant marshmallow. We struggled to choose between the VIP Golden Forest room at the Sequoia Lodge or a standard room at the Newport Bay Club but what convinced us to go for Golden Forest was the easiness of not waiting for check-in or luggage transfers as we collected it and dropped it off at the counter. Also, being able to start the day in a peaceful and spacious room with no queues for food meant that we could go at our own pace and feel relaxed.

So where to begin? Well, perhaps I should start with the experience of the parks as a whole. As expected, walking into the main park on arrival was incredible as you are greeted by smiles and joyful music that runs through the park. Since we came at the short period between Halloween and Christmas, it did mean that the main square was closed so no lovely photos of the iconic Walt Disney and Mickey statue but that didn’t take away for the always breathtaking view of Main Street as it leads down to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle which acts as a centre point for the park and serves as a handy guide for where to go next. We visited the main park on all three days and Hollywood Studios on days 2 and 3 and the lack of queue times meant we were able to go on the rides more than once which was super handy. This was surprising since two of the biggest rides, The Rock’n’Roller Coaster and Crush’s Coaster in Hollywood Studios were closed for refurbishment. This did not affect the queues for other rides as the longest we waited was 20 minutes for Les Voyage de Pinocchio ride.

The best part about Disney parks is that there is no shortage of things to do. If you’re not fond of rides, you will still find enjoyment in the walkthrough attractions such as the dragon that lies beneath the castle. There is so much detail in the park and Easter eggs for the most obscure films (the Eurostar station has images from Return to Neverland above the luggage pickup kiosks) which is nice to see.

Luckily, my partner, Adam, and I absolutely LOVE rides so we went on as many as we could and because the park was at a low capacity, we were able to go on the rides multiple times. We went on:

Big Thunder Mountain x4

Phantom Manor x4

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain x4

Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) x3

Peter Pan’s Flight x3

Pirates of the Carribbean x3

Ratatouille: The Adventure x3

The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror x3

Le Pays des Contes de Fées (The Land of Fairy Tales) x2

Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast x1

It’s a Small World x1

Le Labyrinthe d’Alice (also known as Alice’s Curious Labyrinth) x1

RC Racer x1

Les Voyage de Pinocchio x1

That brings the total times we were on a ride to 34 which averages just over 11 rides a day. Overall, we walked around 60,000 steps over the course of the three days which is equivalent to approximately 25.92 miles. That’s just shy of the length of a marathon! Needless, to say our feet are hurting a lot from the walking but it was worth it and more.

My favourite ride in the parks is Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains of course. I love the older rides that take you through the stories. They are simple but also bring that sense of nostalgia back. Of course, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is my favourite film and this ride encapsulates all of the emotions that the film makes you feel. The animatronics and audio is fantastic and the set design is brilliant. I get chills every time the Evil Queen turns from the mirror and is revealed to be the Hag. I have been on this ride in previous visits so it was from far the first time I have been on it. One of my favourite memories from this holiday was when we were waiting in the Fast Pass queue for Peter Pan’s Flight (which was always ridiculously busy!) and we met a lovely cast member called Manon who also shares a love for Snow White. She kindly gifted us a special fast pass to go back on Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains and also gave us an autograph book and keyrings of our choice. It made our holiday even more magical and was a wonderful surprise!

My favourite ride that I have not been on was by far Ratatouille: The Adventure. I must admit, I am not a big fan of simulator rides, mainly due to a horrific experience on the Back to the Future ride in Universal Orlando as a child. However, I cannot recommend this ride enough. Ratatouille: The Adventure is exclusive to Disneyland Paris and is a bilingual treat as you sit in a rat car and are thrust into the hectic set of a Michelin kitchen. The use of props and elements like water splashes when a mop is swept towards you really immerse you as you follow Remy’s quest to create the perfect dish. If you have not been on this ride, you need to go on it next time you visit Disneyland Paris.

Another nostalgic treat for me was Le Pays des Contes de Fées, a slow voyage across some of Disney’s greatest story retellings from classics like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin to more obscure offerings such as Pierre et le Loup (Peter and the Wolf) and Oz La Cité d’Émeraude (released in English as Return to Oz) which was a lovely surprise to see at the end of the ride as it was one of my favourite films growing up. I think rides like this are not only enjoyed by everyone but also highlight why people love Disney.

This was my fourth time going to a Disney Park (I went to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando in 2001 and Disneyland Paris in 2003 and 2016) and on none of these occasions was I able to meet Snow White herself. I was disheartened when the City Hall assistant informed that she would only be making an appearance in the parade on day 2 and accepted that I would not be meeting her this time. However, an impulsive relax on a break would prove genius in the afternoon because low and behold there was Snow White on her way to host a meet and greet. I cannot even begin to explain how emotional this was for me. I have just turned 26 and this event had me feeling the most excited I have ever felt. It was my ultimate Disney dream come true and true enough, it was amazing. She took her time with everyone which was lovely to see and took as many pictures as you wanted. She loved my custom-made Snow White themed ears and even spoke Welsh which was amazing since Wales is often overlooked in Disney’s portrayal of Britain (It’s a Small World does not have a Welsh section sadly). She also promised to bake me a gooseberry pie which was great because who doesn’t love pie?

Leaving was horrible as expected. Even though we had done everything that we wanted to do, we still wanted to stay longer. We’ve already started planning our next Disney trip to either Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando or Disneyland in California and hopefully we won’t wait another four years before going on a big holiday.

Have you been to Disneyland Paris or any of the other Disney parks? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!

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Toy Story 4 (2019)

I won’t give away too much of the specific plot away in my review but the basic storyline is new owner Bonnie creates a toy out of trash, Forky, who becomes her favourite toy but he longs to be back with the trash. When the family take a road trip, Forky jumps out the window to become trash meaning Woody has to go collect him and bring him back to Bonnie. The film is then set in a quaint little town that has a travelling carnival visiting and Pixar makes use of this inclusion with aplomb. Pixar studio always said that they would only go ahead with Toy Story 4 if the story was necessary. When they announced that the film was in production (and despite the high quality of each Toy Story film), I couldn’t help doubting whether a fourth installment really was necessary since the third one rounded the franchise off nicely. I am glad to say that there was no need to be in doubt at all. I think that the UK marketing team for Pixar did a brilliant job of not actually giving away too much of the plot which made the film all the more enjoyable to watch and also surprising.

It goes without saying that Tom Hanks and Tim Allen do a fantastic job in their iconic roles as Woody and Buzz, respectively but there are also a great array of new characters that are brought into the fold. My favourite character is the aforementioned Forky. Everything about this little guy is hilarious from how he looks to his physicality to the way he talks and socialises with other toys. He is a fantastic little addition to the Toy Story family and honestly it’s been hilarious seeing how many toys Disney have made of him for extortinate prices despite the fact that his character was literally made from items from a bin. Other characters introduced in this film include Bunny and Ducky, voiced by comedy duo Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key who are also great additions. They are adorable plush teddies who have been waiting three years to be won at the carnival fair. The last toy inclusion to mention is Duke Kaboom, a Canadian action figure voiced by Keanu Reeves. He is a hilarious and sensitive character who speaks passionately about his past owner, Rijon, who got rid of him. We also see the reintroduction of an old toy in this film. Bringing back Bo Peep who has been given a makeover into a strong heroine is a long cry away from her shy, lovestruck self in the first two Toy Story films and has been the cause of complaint to some but rest assured it is done fantastically and subtly to the point where it makes sense with her own storyline. It’s also great for Pixar to show the contextual progression where female characters don’t have to be passive love interests. Bo Peep does a lot of the rescuing in this film and it’s treated no differently to when male characters take action.

It’s easy to imagine that with the addition of so many characters that they don’t have their chance for character growth but the writers have done a great job with balancing this out. Forky and Bo Peep are given the most space for character growth since their stories are central to the plot whereas Ducky, Bunny and Duke are used as comic relief so only their backstories are given. Knowing the importance of the toys in the specific film means that the audience isn’t crammed with too many plotlines that they can’t keep up with. With their being so many new and different characters, it does mean that all of Bonnie’s toys (with the exception of Woody, Buzz and arguably Jessie) may as well have not been brought on the road trip. When Bonnie loses Forky, she doesn’t care that she has numerous other (non-trash made) toys in the RV. They’re just there in the background for the whole film. They didn’t even need to bring in a replacement for Mr. Potatohead as they recycled old lines said by Don Rickles in previous films. This isn’t a bad thing necessarily but it does mean that their importance has been faded out in this (supposedly) final installment. There were many scenes that I enjoyed in this film but if I had to pick one, I would say when Woody and Forky are having their heart to heart after Forky jumps out the RV. Woody tries to make Forky understand the importance of his role as a toy which means Forky has the realisation that he is “Bonnie’s trash”. It’s one of those heart-warming scenes injected with humour which have become synonymous with the Toy Story franchise. Also, any scene with Duke Kaboom in because he is absolutely hilarious and his backstory was heartbreaking to watch.

Another thing to talk about is how amazing the animation is, in particular Bo Peep. The shine and reflective effect of her porcelein is an incredible development from the first film. It makes her look eerie at times but more delicate as well (she is porcelein after all!). When you look back to how she appeared in the first film, the animation doesn’t compare. I’m not dissing the first film because it achieved so much at the time of its release in regards to animation, but celebrating the achievements made since then and seeing that transformation in the span of 24 years is incredible. Also the textures of the plushes and ventriloquist dummies that appear in this film are equally fantastic.

I think that Toy Story 4 was well worth the wait and seemed like the true ending for the franchise. I think it will go on to win the Best Animated Feature at the Oscars next year (to be honest, it’s rare that a Disney film doesn’t win this) and I think it will date well as a film. I think what makes it work so well is that even though it follows on from the trilogy and the franchise, there is a different feel to it altogether because they’re not Andy’s toys anymore. With a new owner comes new changes and this opened up a door for new storylines and motives.

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Pixar Features Ranking: Films 11-15

This period saw the complete acquisition of Pixar by Disney, giving complete control to the Disney board on what projects should go ahead at Disney. Whereas John Lasseter had stopped sequels and remakes previously, Disney did the opposite at Pixar and wanted to capitalise on the loved characters that Pixar had created. Although with Toy Story 2 they had found success, other franchises were not as lucky and the films were met with lukewarm reviews which was pretty unheard of at Pixar but has sadly become more of the norm now.

If you want to read the other Pixar reviews and ranking you can click the links below:

Films 1-5

Films 6-10

Now without further ado, let’s begin with the reviews and rankings for Pixar films 11-15:

11) Toy Story 3 (2010)

The third segment of Toy Story 3 was built with hype in the months leading up to its release and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Following the toys’ adventure in a daycare centre as Andy heads off to college, Woody, Buzz and co face off against the manipulative Lotso and his henchmen who oppress the “weaker” toys. It’s brilliant and sassy, bringing everything we love about the franchise into an even bigger film. My favourite inclusion is Ken and his dream-house with the scene in which he shows Barbie his vintage clothes collection is clearly so well researched with the materials and textures impeccable as always. The scene where Barbie threatens to rip his clothes has me on edge as we see her ripping each individual thread apart is just as horrific as the now-iconic incinerator scene. Although not quite as good as Toy Story 2 in my opinion (although this is no insult), Toy Story 3 won the franchise its first Best Animated Feature Oscar with ease. Bringing in new toys courtesy of the daycare centre as well as Bonnie’s (the daycare assistant’s daughter) collection which features a Totoro and personal favourite, Mr. Pricklepants, a dramatic hedgehog teddy who loves Shakespearean style acting. Passing the toys onto Bonnie at the end seemed like a fitting ending for the franchise so it is exciting to see how Toy Story 4 will fare and if it will live up to its hype.

12) Cars 2 (2011)

I didn’t go into this film with high hopes because I am not a fan of the franchise and I think that Cars has been the weakest offering in Pixar by a long-shot so I was definitely surprised when they announced a sequel. Pretty much more of the same but with added spies, Lightning McQueen finds himself a love interest in the form of Holley Shiftwell. It’s racing, it’s boring and to be honest Lightning McQueen isn’t an engaging enough character to be the protagonist. I am happy that there is more focus on Mater in this film but he spends most of his screen-time getting berated by McQueen who is so focused on his image and looking cool that it seems the messages he learned from the first film are completely forgotten because of his egotism. I hate to be biased about it but it just doesn’t interest me as a franchise and as much as I try to enjoy these films, I simply struggle to because of how ridiculous the whole concept is.

13) Brave (2012)

Now for a film I was really excited to see in the cinema on its release day. Featuring Pixar’s first princess, Merida, Brave looked to be full of spirit as the princess longs for freedom and to fight the tradition of marriage as is expected of her. In the course of her rebellion, she argues with her mum who is then turned into a bear. This film is an odd because aesthetically, it is stunning and captures Medieval Scotland beautifully but the screenplay is imbalanced and poorly paced. The beginning and ending to this film are brilliantly done but the middle portion just doesn’t seem to fit. It feels as though there was so much focus in establishing Merida’s character and how her character will end up rather than establishing her character and the mum’s character and then developing their relationship in the typical Pixar way, with detail and finesse. The middle portion seems poorly planned and forced, making the film drag and bringing an underwhelming feeling to the audience. The general consensus was the same among critics and audiences who responded with mixed reviews although the film did do well at the box office and subsequently won the Best Animated Feature Oscar although this was in (admittedly) an underwhelming year overall.

14) Monsters University (2013)

The first prequel offered by Pixar was a surprising choice. Monsters University, as implied, follows Mike and Sulley in university and shows how they met and how their friendship developed. It feels formulaic in development, the two dislike each other with Sulley the jock type and Mike as a nerd, the two find common ground before using their strengths to win the “Scare Games”. It’s not a terrible film by any means but it is very cliche and feels underwhelming for a Pixar film. Although it received positive reviews, it doesn’t hold a light against Monsters, Inc. because it’s clear that this is a film that Disney has ordered to be made rather than an organic creation. In Sulley and Mike’s fraternity, there are a collection of cliche characters. Although basic, my favourite is Art, the creative hyper artsy type who is bright purple and rolls around super fast and likes shiny things. I’m glad that they chose to create a film set in a different environment in the monster universe because this does make it far removed from the original and therefore the impact of Monsters, Inc. hasn’t be tainted.

15) Inside Out (2015)

After several underwhelming offerings, Pixar appeared to get back into their stride with this masterpiece. The question the creators asked: what if feelings had feelings? The result is a brilliant portrayal of the emotions living inside a teenage girl, Riley after her parents force the family to move to San Francisco from their cosy life in Michigan. As Riley struggles to fit in, her major emotions: Joy, Anger, Disgust, Panic and Sadness also struggle to adjust to the situation. This sees Sadness outcast by Joy and the others which causes an imbalance when Joy and Sadness are accidentally sucked from “headquarters” and into Riley’s mind. Although the plot may appear simple, a teenage girl struggles to fit in, the Emotions’ journey is actually a complex one as they learn that they need each other to thrive in the environment. Joy learns that Riley needs Sadness in order to feel those moments of joy and that this isn’t always a bad thing even if it doesn’t feel nice in the moment. Although the most dense of the Pixar films, it isn’t without its lighter moments which are provided by Anger, Disgust and Panic, who are struggling to run headquarters with Joy. I don’t think Inside Out could have been made 20 years ago as people find it hard to talk about real and complex feelings, especially in a children’s film but now there is a wider awareness on mental health and the importance of this in young children. It is a film that can engage that younger audience, even if they don’t understand everything and as they grow, they will learn to understand it. Also, the inclusion of childhood imaginary friend, Bing Bong shows the importance of the child imagination from a young age as he helps Joy and Sadness find their way back to headquarters. It’s a brilliant film that will have you roaring with laughter one moment and then sobbing the next, making it as emotionally complex and rewarding as the film itself.

This ranking was a little easier because there were a few under-performers in my opinion. I think that Pixar thrives when able to produce original content because Pixar have established themselves as the innovator rather than the follower so it’s a shame that Disney are forcing the same structure on the studio as itself by creating sequels and prequels.

Here is my ranking:

1) Up (2009)

2) WALL-E (2008)

3) Toy Story 2 (1999)

4) Inside Out (2015)

5) Ratatouille (2007)

6) Toy Story 3 (2010)

7) Monsters, Inc. (2001)

8) Finding Nemo (2003)

9) The Incredibles (2004)

10) Toy Story (1995)

11) A Bug’s Life (1998)

12) Brave (2012)

13) Monsters University (2013)

14) Cars (2006)

15) Cars 2 (2011)

The next post will look at the last bunch of offerings that includes even more sequels but also gives a couple of originals so let’s hope this batch fares a little better than this bunch.

What do you think of the ranking now? Is it a surprise? Let me know in the comments below!

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Pixar Features Ranking: Films 6-10

These five years of Pixar revolutionised film not just in terms of animation (which it did in spades) but for film as a whole with their limitless imagination, stellar scripts and characters that stay with you long after you leave the cinema. Pixar by this point had established themselves as a respected animation company that alongside Disney dominated the family market and with an Academy Award under their belt, it’s needless to say that this merely predicted further success. Utilising the creativity of directors such as Brad Bird and in-house artists such as Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton, this period of films cemented Pixar’s legacy firmly in film history.

You can read the ranking for the previous link here:

Films 1-5

As ever, let’s get on with the reviews and rankings for Pixar films 6-10:

6) The Incredibles (2004)

Before the superhero film became a monthly fixture in our movie calendars, Brad Bird teamed with Pixar to create a world where superheroes have been outcast but must come out to fight against a narcissistic billionaire who has been killing superheroes in a bid to become a saviour to the human race. The superheroes set out on saving the world are The Incredible family, consisting of dad, Bob (known as Mr Incredible), mum, Helen (known as Elastagirl), teenage daughter, Violet and son, Dash. The family use their unique abilities to save the world from Syndrome, the billionaire set on revenge against Mr. Incredible, whom he idolised as a child. It’s a brilliantly complex film that depicts an ordinary family in an extraordinary situation. The script is second to none, the score is sublime and the primary characters are all developed fantastically with likable secondary characters in the form of fellow superhero, Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson on top form) and the iconic superhero outfit designer, Edna Mode (voice by the film’s director, Brad Bird). I would say that this film surpasses most of the superhero films that are churned out month after month in recent years as it follows the formulaic route without becoming victim to it. Elastagirl is a brilliant female character who isn’t afraid to stick up to the patriarchy (even in the film’s opening when she says “leave all the fighting to the men? I don’t think so!”). It’s a film that is aware of society’s expectations but thwarts them by exploiting the flaws in society and using the heroes strengths to fix them.

7) Cars (2006)

Created from a love of cars by the heads of Pixar, Cars is a film set in a universe of anthropomorphic cars. It tells the story of Lightning McQueen, a sports car who longs to win at a rescheduled race after finishing in a three-way tie. On his way to training, he finds himself in a crash and stumbles upon Radiator Springs, a small town tucked away in the middle of nowhere. He befriends Mater, a battered tow truck and his experience among the small townspeople teaches Lightning lessons in humility and respect. This film has spawned two sequels as well as spin-off films and is popular among the younger audience particularly; however, I am not a huge fan of the Cars franchise. Even from the first viewing, I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of anthropomorphic cars which sounds ridiculous in the world of Pixar because anything in animation is possible. Living toys, monsters and animals in general I am perfectly fine with, but I just can’t immerse myself in the Cars universe because it seems a little too ridiculous. I can’t help but think that the idea itself is rather forced and inorganic unlike the other films that Pixar had offered up to this point. Maybe this had to do with Disney’s increasing power in the company or the slump Disney studios where experiencing lately but it just seemed that the heads of Pixar sat down and said “we like cars… let’s make a film about it!” and didn’t think about the logistics of this. Monsters. Inc. is a film about monsters in their own universe and yet they have access to the human universe so there is an awareness of the “real world”. But since Cars doesn’t have any humans at all, it pushes the film into an absurd territory of the audience asking questions about the technicalities of the universe rather than enjoying the film.

8) Ratatouille (2007)

Brad Bird’s second offering for Pixar, Ratatouille, is the story of a rat with a big dream, to become a gourmet chef in a Michelin star restaurant. Remy lives on the outskirts of Paris, but when he finds himself in one of the most iconic Parisian restaurants, Gusteau’s, he begins to use his talents to help out the chef and prevent the restaurant from closure. Like any animation that incorporates food (check out Studio Ghibli’s offerings), Ratatouille’s concoctions look delectable and good enough to eat off the screen. As ever, the detail is on point and makes the film appear to be a sensory experience. Remy is an adorable protagonist who fights against the odds to achieve his dream despite what his family says or expects of him. His determination to teach Gusteau’s son, Alfredo, the ropes of cooking with hilarious results with Remy controlling Alfredo like a marionette by pulling his hair. Another brilliant character in this film is the lovable Emile, Remy’s brother and best friend. He’s a rat who loves to eat food without savouring the taste which repulses Remy, who urges Emile to appreciate the food. The film boasts a starry cast with Patton Oswalt voicing Remy and Peter O’Toole as Anton Ego, the pretentious food critic that Remy longs to impress. It won the studio it’s third Best Animated Feature Oscar and remains a Pixar favourite among fans.

9) WALL-E (2008)

Pixar’s 2008 feature is set in a world that has seen the mankind abuse the earth so much that it is now inhabitable. The film was directed by major Pixar figure, Andrew Stanton and tells the story of WALL-E, a friendly robot who sorts out the trash left and organises it into piles. His daily routine is constant as he is the only “living” thing with the exception of cockroaches. WALL-E collects trinkets that he finds and takes them back to his home where he watches old films on a box television. When a mysterious robot called EVE visits earth, WALL-E instantly in love with her and longs to be with her. Together, they embark on an adventure that sees them dancing among the stars in a stellar sequence that is mind-blowing and encountering what is left of the human race on a spaceship. On the surface, it’s a beautiful love story communicated through actions and shows how far someone would travel (literally) for the one they love. Under the surface, it is a story about mankind’s continued abuse on the planet we live on and how greed and corruption will eventually cause the world to ruin. It’s a film that was made over a decade ago but feels even more relevant now than ever in a time where the push for climate change has never been stronger.

10) Up (2009)

This film is too good for words. Pete Docter’s creation is beautifully animated as expected, filled with a spectrum of colour (courtesy of 20,000 animated balloons) and has, arguably, the most emotional opening to a film ever. Following pensioner, Carl as he flies his house to Paradise Falls (the place he longed to visit with late wife, Ellie), he is accompanied by boy scout, Russell, exotic bird, Kevin and talking dog, Doug in a big to find peace and fulfill the mission he has worked on for years. I couldn’t tell you the amount of times that I have watched this film but I can say that 100% of the times I have seen it have ended with me in tears with a box of tissues by my side. Featuring a brilliantly sinister performance from Christopher Plummer voicing Carl’s childhood idol, Charles Muntz, an explorer who was disgraced earlier in his career, Up is a film that swept the critics and audience away with its beauty and heart. As I mentioned before, it features the most emotional opening to a film ever and I think I should discuss this scene in detail. We follow Carl and Ellie’s relationship from marriage to Ellie’s death and the highs and lows in between as they struggle (and sadly fail) to save up for a trip to Paradise Falls. It is a sequence with no words, only music and this only heightens the opening. The jaunty score shows them renovating and decorating their home then slowly descends into a sad clarinet as they struggle to conceive and Ellie eventually ends up passing away. It’s a poignant story and a really powerful message to put in a children’s film, especially in the opening when it isn’t expected. I think this was revolutionary in Pixar storytelling because they are explicitly showing the love and eventual heartbreak and sadness that comes with being human.

Again, this ranking took me ages to decide because the films are of such a high calibre but I have made some (arguably controversial) decisions. I think the quality of films from this period was so strong (with the exception of Cars) that it was so hard to place them among the previous films.

Here is my ranking:

1) Up (2009)

2) WALL-E (2008)

3) Toy Story 2 (1999)

4) Ratatouille (2007)

5) Monsters, Inc. (2001)

6) Finding Nemo (2003)

7) The Incredibles (2004)
8) Toy Story (1995)

9) A Bug’s Life (1998)

10) Cars (2006)

The next post begins to delve into Disney’s takeover seeing Pixar create sequels and prequels galore as well as the first Pixar princess and more Oscar winners.

What do you think of the ranking so far? Let me know in the comments below what you’d place as number one!