Saturday 29 June 2013

Pixar

 Disney, once known for their supreme care and attention with such animated classics as 'The Beauty and The Beast' and 'The Lion King' are now more renowned as the giant cinematic conglomerate owning over 5 different major franchises including the star wars and marvel universes. Whilst their quality of produce isn't awful neither is it excellent and comparable to their early classics ( remember 'Meet the Robinsons'? 'Home on the range'? No? Don't worry no one does) and this attention to revenue instead of quality, has also effected one of it's subsidiary companies, Pixar, who are experiencing a short cinematic sickness following years of overwhelming success.

 After a 6 film run of cinematic success ( all of which scoring no less than 92% on rotten tomatoes) Pixar was ready to add yet another film to the list in 2006 with 'Cars', an idea fuelled very much by the interests of Pixars chief creative officer John Lasseter who also directed the film. Being released to a relatively average reception, 'Cars' could hold very little up to its momentous predecessors despite the fact that it was actually a fairly good, well rounded film. The negativity surrounding the film was more a frustrating reaction to the company as oppose to an outcry about the film knowing quite plainly that Pixar could do and can do a lot better. After 6 films of excellent quality, audiences expected each new film to be just as good as the last (much like the work of directors such as Spielberg) and after 'Cars' was released many hoped it was simply an idea too closely held onto by Lasseter, an idea that not everyone was on board for and was an idea which for many was overlooked as a 'blip on the radar'. To everyone's delight this was very much the case with 'Cars' being followed by the excellent 'Ratatouille' reminding audiences of Pixars film making talent, this was then followed by 3 films of the same quality including 2010's 'Toy Story 3' which completed perhaps the best trilogy of all time with passion, style and tears. Audiences were ready to leave the 'Toy Story' team behind and meet new characters that could perhaps replicate its success and Pixar had found their answer in its audience’s very favourite previous film...Cars.

The success of the first films merchandising programme (bringing in no less than $10 million) was something that simply couldn't be ignored by the money driven owners of both Pixar and Disney so their sequel policy quoted by John Lasseter "If we have a great story, we'll do a sequel." was put to the test. It failed. Cars 2 was a critical flop earning a 39% on rotten tomatoes and became Pixars first film to not get nominated for an award in the Oscars. ‘Cars 2’ was flashy, heartless and no fun having no central values which all of its predecessors evidently possessed. Audiences felt let down that their once quality committed company now had dollars in their eyes instead of a paintbrush, making themselves look sub-par in the light of far better animated films of the year, most notably 'Rango'. The obvious reason for this was of course the focus of revenue over quality however it can't be ignored that the once scattered release dates of their previous films, coming out every 2 or so years had now been changed to a strict release every year restricting the company slightly from perhaps expressing their true artistic talents. If an idea has not fully developed they shouldn't feel the need to push a release date of the following year, audiences would be much more appreciative if we wait until a film has been tended to, to the best of the companies abilities.

 The release of 'Cars 2' had downhearted fans who yet again searched for Pixar’s redemption in their next film 'Brave' which although wasn't quite as comparable to the majority of Pixar films, still stands strong as a good quality animation. Receiving a 78% on rotten tomatoes, similar to that of 'Cars' which helms a slightly lower score, however as we all fully well know Pixar can do a lot better and with perhaps 2 films of sub-par quality Pixar hit a slump in quality. With the release of 'Monsters University on the horizon many hope Pixar will return to their renowned attention to quality

 If anything however this current disappointment and annoyance in the company is a sign of just how good the company really is, giving us childhood films so touching, so imaginative that when we receive something even slightly below par we're disappointed.  Pixar are the company who have fuelled the dreams of children throughout the world and they remain the best animation company in the world without a doubt. Every company encounters bumps throughout their existence and it was inevitable that Pixar would too; it's just taking them time to find their feet once more. With doubts that 'Monsters University' will do this, next year’s announcement of the original story of 'The good dinosaur' follows the prospect of if dinosaurs never went extinct and were integrated into today’s society, and will no doubt return the company to their rightful form, as their very best films have been the most original ones. With also the recent announcement from Pixar that 'We’re going to have an original film every year, then every other year have a sequel to something.' it looks as though they've found the winning formula of quality and revenue, the futures bright .

We can all see the 'faces' on the front of cars, but few of us can even begin to imagine the life of a dirt collecting robot or the cooking skills of a young rat.

 Pixar, bring us original quality not a regurgitated business plan.

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