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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