|
|
|
|
Honorable Mention - Ratatouille
Although I mention in my review that this film never really made it into my favourites list, there was still something about it. When I really think about it, 'Ratatouille' has become a sort of "comfort food" movie for me. This is a movie that provides a very warm and welcoming atmosphere, in the form of a famous restaurant in Paris, France.
'Ratatouille' is also good on an inspirational level. One can take the phrase "anyone can cook" and apply it to a lot. The whole idea is the film saying that if you really want to do something, you should go for it. In this case, it's Remy being a chef, and it's easy to go with cooking for worldwide appeal. At some point in our lives, whether we're making Mom breakfast in bed for Mother's Day, or pursuing a passionate career as a chef, it's a skill we all need to learn. Why not get inspired while we're at it?
This is right on the cusp of making my Top 10. In fact, it was on there until I realized I completely missed a title, bumping it down just enough not to make it. But really, 'Ratatouille' is a great, warm, fun family movie that I might compare to a steamy grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup on a cold winter day. It's comfort food, through and through, and a nice one to put on if you need the movie to provide a cozy blanket for you.
'Ratatouille' is also good on an inspirational level. One can take the phrase "anyone can cook" and apply it to a lot. The whole idea is the film saying that if you really want to do something, you should go for it. In this case, it's Remy being a chef, and it's easy to go with cooking for worldwide appeal. At some point in our lives, whether we're making Mom breakfast in bed for Mother's Day, or pursuing a passionate career as a chef, it's a skill we all need to learn. Why not get inspired while we're at it?
This is right on the cusp of making my Top 10. In fact, it was on there until I realized I completely missed a title, bumping it down just enough not to make it. But really, 'Ratatouille' is a great, warm, fun family movie that I might compare to a steamy grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup on a cold winter day. It's comfort food, through and through, and a nice one to put on if you need the movie to provide a cozy blanket for you.
10 - Cars
I know it might seem odd to my readers to see this one on the list, but it's like this. The 'Cars' franchise was never my favourite, but the first 'Cars' movie was a pleasant surprise that actually fits fairly well into the rest of Pixar's library. For my money, it's the only 'Cars' movie that has any real heart to it.
When it comes to Pixar, a lot of my favourite films have some sort of underlying message about life and what life can be. In the case of 'Cars', I really appreciate the message about slowing down to take a look around. The only thing on McQueen's mind is getting out of a "dump town" to get to an important race. He does, however, learn that there's a lot to like about said town. At first, he's made to do a chore, but eventually the characters he meets, and the town itself, help inspire him in ways he never thought he could be inspired.
As the franchise went on, nothing really stood out to me, although I still feel like 'Cars 3' has its moments. Neither sequel seemed to bring the spirit the first one did to the screen. This is inspirational when it comes to doing the right things to win the race, and learning that sometimes your way isn't the best way. It teaches us to open our minds to new teachings when we think we're already amazing. Part of that lesson is that sometimes we need to take the time to slow down, breathe, and take our minds off our main focus so that when we come back to said focus, we feel a little more refreshed. This is one that gets a little better every time I watch it.
When it comes to Pixar, a lot of my favourite films have some sort of underlying message about life and what life can be. In the case of 'Cars', I really appreciate the message about slowing down to take a look around. The only thing on McQueen's mind is getting out of a "dump town" to get to an important race. He does, however, learn that there's a lot to like about said town. At first, he's made to do a chore, but eventually the characters he meets, and the town itself, help inspire him in ways he never thought he could be inspired.
As the franchise went on, nothing really stood out to me, although I still feel like 'Cars 3' has its moments. Neither sequel seemed to bring the spirit the first one did to the screen. This is inspirational when it comes to doing the right things to win the race, and learning that sometimes your way isn't the best way. It teaches us to open our minds to new teachings when we think we're already amazing. Part of that lesson is that sometimes we need to take the time to slow down, breathe, and take our minds off our main focus so that when we come back to said focus, we feel a little more refreshed. This is one that gets a little better every time I watch it.
09 - The Incredibles 1 & 2
Isn't it incredible to think of the superhero genre back in 2004? That's four years prior to 'Iron Man' launching the MCU, and at the time, the best superhero movie was probably 'Spider-Man 2', released the same year. So, 'The Incredibles' was fully accepted by many as one of the best superhero movies of its age, and I'd argue that it still is!
As far as 'Incredibles 2' goes, it may have been frustratingly late to the party, but it's a very good follow-up as, so I decided to include it into the mix. You could watch these back to back, and it's almost like watching one long movie. I tend to like these as the more fun side of Pixar titles. If you want to watch something Pixar can provide that's good but doesn't make you misty-eyed towards the end, 'The Incredibles' is a great place to look. They each have a great share of adventure with good story, and they'll almost certainly make you laugh.
While these movies don't necessarily strike any sort of emotional chord with me, I can't help but appreciate that its concept of destructive superheroes (eventually being banned); something so often brushed over in other superhero movies. While 'Watchmen' may have done the idea first, this was actually my first exposure to the idea - back when 'Watchmen' was still a graphic novel I had never heard of. A true original or not, however, 'The Incredibles' movies still provide a great, fun time for the whole family.
As far as 'Incredibles 2' goes, it may have been frustratingly late to the party, but it's a very good follow-up as, so I decided to include it into the mix. You could watch these back to back, and it's almost like watching one long movie. I tend to like these as the more fun side of Pixar titles. If you want to watch something Pixar can provide that's good but doesn't make you misty-eyed towards the end, 'The Incredibles' is a great place to look. They each have a great share of adventure with good story, and they'll almost certainly make you laugh.
While these movies don't necessarily strike any sort of emotional chord with me, I can't help but appreciate that its concept of destructive superheroes (eventually being banned); something so often brushed over in other superhero movies. While 'Watchmen' may have done the idea first, this was actually my first exposure to the idea - back when 'Watchmen' was still a graphic novel I had never heard of. A true original or not, however, 'The Incredibles' movies still provide a great, fun time for the whole family.
08 - Monsters, Inc.
'Monsters, Inc.' has grown on me over the years as something so much more than what I first thought it was going to be. While I was convinced the kid, "Boo", was going to carry everything on her cute little shoulders, I was happy to see the movie provide more than just an adorable character.
When I really examine the film and peel back the layers, it has everything to do with "fear of the unknown", but it does it so creatively that it works for the whole family. Kids can watch this and relate to the idea of the "closet monster" or "Boogieman", if you like. It shows kids that not all monsters are bad (almost like a modernization of 'Sesame Street'). However, with all of the monsters being afraid of a human child infiltrating their world, I compare that to society's fear of cultures we don't understand. In the end, Boo is just an innocent little girl, but the Monster society acts like she is just walking disease.
I can't help but appreciate this movie's underlying message about fear of the unknown, and that's what really pushes it onto this list. But if you don't want to get too deep about things, one can just as well appreciate how this world works. It could be argued that 'Little Monsters' did this concept first, but 'Monsters, Inc.' definitely did it much better. If nothing else, one can get pretty attached to Boo's character here, and she might even leave you a little misty-eyed at the end. If you haven't seen it in a while, I'd highly recommend a revisit, because this is something that still totally holds up.
When I really examine the film and peel back the layers, it has everything to do with "fear of the unknown", but it does it so creatively that it works for the whole family. Kids can watch this and relate to the idea of the "closet monster" or "Boogieman", if you like. It shows kids that not all monsters are bad (almost like a modernization of 'Sesame Street'). However, with all of the monsters being afraid of a human child infiltrating their world, I compare that to society's fear of cultures we don't understand. In the end, Boo is just an innocent little girl, but the Monster society acts like she is just walking disease.
I can't help but appreciate this movie's underlying message about fear of the unknown, and that's what really pushes it onto this list. But if you don't want to get too deep about things, one can just as well appreciate how this world works. It could be argued that 'Little Monsters' did this concept first, but 'Monsters, Inc.' definitely did it much better. If nothing else, one can get pretty attached to Boo's character here, and she might even leave you a little misty-eyed at the end. If you haven't seen it in a while, I'd highly recommend a revisit, because this is something that still totally holds up.
07 - Finding Nemo
I've always appreciated this one, but for some reason, I never caught on to how good it really was until recently. For starters, it provides a good adventure story with memorable characters and a seemingly impossible scenario to make you route for them a bit more. For a while, that's what I took away from it. It was a good time.
For some reason, I completely overlooked a few pretty wonderful factors of this movie, though. The animation, for example, is something to be appreciated. They do all sorts of cool things with it that include providing two very different underwater environments, and exploring how certain ocean creatures can be done. Things like the jellyfish swarm and the lanternfish really stand out here, and the whole ocean world is actually kind of breathtaking. This movie's like going snorkeling and coming across an animated section of it. So the overall beauty of the movie takes a real front seat.
On top of the animation is just the idea that this is one of Pixar's titles that manages to gauge every emotion. This includes the tragic beginning of the movie, which was something this film did before 'Up' - although with 'Up', it's certainly a little more relatable, it was like 'Finding Nemo' was testing the waters with the concept. Obviously, it went over well, and 'Finding Nemo' is definitely one of the first names that comes to mind when it comes to Pixar's highest quality. It took a while for my mind to get there, but I have a real appreciation for this movie now.
For some reason, I completely overlooked a few pretty wonderful factors of this movie, though. The animation, for example, is something to be appreciated. They do all sorts of cool things with it that include providing two very different underwater environments, and exploring how certain ocean creatures can be done. Things like the jellyfish swarm and the lanternfish really stand out here, and the whole ocean world is actually kind of breathtaking. This movie's like going snorkeling and coming across an animated section of it. So the overall beauty of the movie takes a real front seat.
On top of the animation is just the idea that this is one of Pixar's titles that manages to gauge every emotion. This includes the tragic beginning of the movie, which was something this film did before 'Up' - although with 'Up', it's certainly a little more relatable, it was like 'Finding Nemo' was testing the waters with the concept. Obviously, it went over well, and 'Finding Nemo' is definitely one of the first names that comes to mind when it comes to Pixar's highest quality. It took a while for my mind to get there, but I have a real appreciation for this movie now.
06 - Coco
If there was ever a Pixar title I felt was like watching a dream unfolding in front of my eyes, it has to be 'Coco'. A lot of that has to do with the idea of the Land of the Dead, where every character is skeletal, and the scenery is a sea of darkness covered in sections of vivid light. It's hands down my favourite Pixar setting.
I further appreciate the seemingly respectable look at Mexican culture. This was always a Pixar title I found to be one of the more interesting, because it's teaching me a thing or two about it. Above all else in my intrigue is Día de Muertos; The Day of the Dead. I have a sort of morbid fascination with the hereafter, and how various cultures go about it, and the Day of the Dead was always one of the more fascinating customs to me. So this was a film I really respected in that regard. It allows us to see death in a bit of a more beautiful way, and I really like the idea of eventually being forgotten - as though even after death, there's another death beyond that. I know that's dark, but it's a concept we don't really think of in general.
This is a movie that has a bit of a dark side to it, with an interesting sense of humour that goes along with it. But there's a certain beauty to this film that reminds us of how much Pixar can tug at those heartstrings. The ending of 'Coco' is no exception, and is easily one of the most profoundly beautiful moments in Pixar's history. 'Coco' is quite a powerful production that associates itself with our deepest passions and dreams and reminds us that it's important to find a way to pursue those dreams, even if its at a cost. I have a lot of fun with this one, but at the same time, it strikes the right chord of deeper emotions that Pixar is so good at providing.
I further appreciate the seemingly respectable look at Mexican culture. This was always a Pixar title I found to be one of the more interesting, because it's teaching me a thing or two about it. Above all else in my intrigue is Día de Muertos; The Day of the Dead. I have a sort of morbid fascination with the hereafter, and how various cultures go about it, and the Day of the Dead was always one of the more fascinating customs to me. So this was a film I really respected in that regard. It allows us to see death in a bit of a more beautiful way, and I really like the idea of eventually being forgotten - as though even after death, there's another death beyond that. I know that's dark, but it's a concept we don't really think of in general.
This is a movie that has a bit of a dark side to it, with an interesting sense of humour that goes along with it. But there's a certain beauty to this film that reminds us of how much Pixar can tug at those heartstrings. The ending of 'Coco' is no exception, and is easily one of the most profoundly beautiful moments in Pixar's history. 'Coco' is quite a powerful production that associates itself with our deepest passions and dreams and reminds us that it's important to find a way to pursue those dreams, even if its at a cost. I have a lot of fun with this one, but at the same time, it strikes the right chord of deeper emotions that Pixar is so good at providing.
05 - Inside Out
'Inside Out' seems to be one Pixar title that people either love or still consider to be a part of Pixar's weaker years. Speaking for myself, I definitely fall under the "love" category, as this is one Pixar film that speaks to me a little more directly than most. Sue, the idea had been done before with 'Inside Herman's Head', but this definitely had much more going for it that an old 90's sitcom.
I feel like 'Inside Out' is a movie that goes a little underappreciated because its underlying message almost feels like a negative one; but it's important to see it as a positive. Basically, the film comes around to teaching us that sometimes, sadness is necessary in order to feel joy. I absolutely love this idea, and it's not brought up nearly as much as something more along the lines of "if you're sad, find a way to cheer up". Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where it isn't that simple, and it takes us going through our other negative emotions to get there.
Some Pixar movies have this uncanny ability to show me something very simple, but beautiful at the same time, and 'Inside Out' has a few moments like this. I enjoy a lot of the ideas here a well. The personality islands are neat, and I like the concepts of abstract thought, the imaginary friend and how dreams work. But really, when you peel back all the intrigue, this is actually a pretty simple story of what happens in a girl's head when she's forced to move away from everything she knows and loves. Maybe we can't all relate to Riley's situation, but I think its more important to look at the deeper message of the film than whatever is going on, on the surface. For me, this is one of Pixar's shining stars.
I feel like 'Inside Out' is a movie that goes a little underappreciated because its underlying message almost feels like a negative one; but it's important to see it as a positive. Basically, the film comes around to teaching us that sometimes, sadness is necessary in order to feel joy. I absolutely love this idea, and it's not brought up nearly as much as something more along the lines of "if you're sad, find a way to cheer up". Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where it isn't that simple, and it takes us going through our other negative emotions to get there.
Some Pixar movies have this uncanny ability to show me something very simple, but beautiful at the same time, and 'Inside Out' has a few moments like this. I enjoy a lot of the ideas here a well. The personality islands are neat, and I like the concepts of abstract thought, the imaginary friend and how dreams work. But really, when you peel back all the intrigue, this is actually a pretty simple story of what happens in a girl's head when she's forced to move away from everything she knows and loves. Maybe we can't all relate to Riley's situation, but I think its more important to look at the deeper message of the film than whatever is going on, on the surface. For me, this is one of Pixar's shining stars.
04 - Up
Maybe it's just me, but i feel like 'Up' is impossible not to like. If you were to tell me 'Up was your favourite Pixar movie, hands down, no contest, nothing came close, I would not blame you. This is a bit of Pixar magic at its best; a film that speaks to the youngest and oldest generations while everyone in between can appreciate the adventure just as well.
Anyone who watched 'Up' for the first time when it was new went in expecting a fun Pixar adventure. What we all got was more than we bargained for, and the opening sequence managed to hit most of us right in the feels. The situation was very relatable, and the love story behind Carl and Ellie is so incredibly charming you just can't help but love them. The beauty of it is that their entire story unfolds before our eyes in a matter of minutes. It successfully makes us care deeply about Carl despite the fact that he has become a sort of old crank by the time the movie really picks up. Then there's Russell; a great character who we assume will be irritating throughout, but we end up feeling for him just as well.
This is a movie that's pure fantasy, but it deals with some very real things, including the loss of loved ones. I think as far as widespread emotional Pixar moments go, the photo album scene in 'Up' takes the cake. This movie is so much fun that when the emotional moments come along, they catch you a little off-guard, but I find it pretty effective. As mentioned before, when this was new, no one expected the opening sequence we got, and I don't think anyone truly expected the photo album scene either. 'Up' is easily one of Pixar's most charming titles, and it's very hard not to love.
Anyone who watched 'Up' for the first time when it was new went in expecting a fun Pixar adventure. What we all got was more than we bargained for, and the opening sequence managed to hit most of us right in the feels. The situation was very relatable, and the love story behind Carl and Ellie is so incredibly charming you just can't help but love them. The beauty of it is that their entire story unfolds before our eyes in a matter of minutes. It successfully makes us care deeply about Carl despite the fact that he has become a sort of old crank by the time the movie really picks up. Then there's Russell; a great character who we assume will be irritating throughout, but we end up feeling for him just as well.
This is a movie that's pure fantasy, but it deals with some very real things, including the loss of loved ones. I think as far as widespread emotional Pixar moments go, the photo album scene in 'Up' takes the cake. This movie is so much fun that when the emotional moments come along, they catch you a little off-guard, but I find it pretty effective. As mentioned before, when this was new, no one expected the opening sequence we got, and I don't think anyone truly expected the photo album scene either. 'Up' is easily one of Pixar's most charming titles, and it's very hard not to love.
03 - WALL-E
I can't really explain this, but for some reason, whenever I watch 'WALL-E', I get into a bit of a trance. It's like the film really does take me away to another world, which is ironically our future Earth. Of course, this is an environmental message of a movie, but my reasons for loving it so much go beyond that whole idea.
I have to appreciate that for the first little bit of this film, as we're introduced to WALL-E, the film does a god job of making Earth feel totally abandoned. We follow WALL-E around with his little cockroach buddy and sort of absorb this lonely world he's been left in. Eve comes along and becomes a love interest, but the real good of this film comes from everything that unfolds on the ship. In many ways, this is where the film takes the time to show us what there is to appreciate about Earth. The best part of it being the Captain doing his research on all of this stuff we take for granted, but having it come across as some wonderous thing.
More than anything, my appreciation for this movie comes from the idea that it makes the viewer take a look at their own life. In its own way, 'WALL-E' is the film that asks the question, what happens when we hit the point that none of this awesome stuff exists anymore. After a year like 2020, I might recommend giving this one another look because nowadays, these ideas hit a little closer to home. While it's an environmentally woke movie, I think it does its thing with a whole lot of charm and appreciation for the little things in life. Amazingly enough, this was what inspired me to get up and go for walks more than I used to. This is what made me look at those 10,000 steps as opposed to just taking a little hike. With every walk, I take in what nature has left for us, so it's easy to hold this one close to my heart as one of the more inspiring titles in Pixar's library.
I have to appreciate that for the first little bit of this film, as we're introduced to WALL-E, the film does a god job of making Earth feel totally abandoned. We follow WALL-E around with his little cockroach buddy and sort of absorb this lonely world he's been left in. Eve comes along and becomes a love interest, but the real good of this film comes from everything that unfolds on the ship. In many ways, this is where the film takes the time to show us what there is to appreciate about Earth. The best part of it being the Captain doing his research on all of this stuff we take for granted, but having it come across as some wonderous thing.
More than anything, my appreciation for this movie comes from the idea that it makes the viewer take a look at their own life. In its own way, 'WALL-E' is the film that asks the question, what happens when we hit the point that none of this awesome stuff exists anymore. After a year like 2020, I might recommend giving this one another look because nowadays, these ideas hit a little closer to home. While it's an environmentally woke movie, I think it does its thing with a whole lot of charm and appreciation for the little things in life. Amazingly enough, this was what inspired me to get up and go for walks more than I used to. This is what made me look at those 10,000 steps as opposed to just taking a little hike. With every walk, I take in what nature has left for us, so it's easy to hold this one close to my heart as one of the more inspiring titles in Pixar's library.
02 - Soul
It may seem like a bold statement, but 'Soul' is decidedly, hands down, my favourite stand-alone Pixar movie now. It speaks to me on a level deeper than any other Pixar movie out there, and it will be very difficult for anything to dethrone it. In a way, it's a sort of blend of some of the best aspects of other Pixar movies.
'Soul' delves into the afterlife concept like 'Coco', the world provided is an abstract concept with non-specific characters like 'Inside Out', and it's a movie that makes you appreciate a lot of the little things in life like 'WALL-E'. The difference here is that 'Soul' REALLY makes you open your eyes to life being a gift. 22 represents a character who is completely uninterested in life, but her short time on Earth makes her realize how awesome life can be. While it may not get generous points for being for the whole family, it really hits me on a personal level.
Aside from that, I really like a long list of aspects; the characters involved; the concept of The Great Before and The Great Hereafter; the fact that Heaven and Hell are "unknowns"; the soundtrack that features a blend of jazz, hip hop, and instrumentals from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross; the film's sense of humour, balanced with its dramatic moments; it covers things like depressed, lost souls which eventually provides a very heart-felt ending. A lot like 'WALL-E', this is another one that puts me into a bit of a trance when I watch it, and for that reason combined with everything else I listed makes in my overall #1. I know I have it at #2, but there's a pretty worthy reason for that...
'Soul' delves into the afterlife concept like 'Coco', the world provided is an abstract concept with non-specific characters like 'Inside Out', and it's a movie that makes you appreciate a lot of the little things in life like 'WALL-E'. The difference here is that 'Soul' REALLY makes you open your eyes to life being a gift. 22 represents a character who is completely uninterested in life, but her short time on Earth makes her realize how awesome life can be. While it may not get generous points for being for the whole family, it really hits me on a personal level.
Aside from that, I really like a long list of aspects; the characters involved; the concept of The Great Before and The Great Hereafter; the fact that Heaven and Hell are "unknowns"; the soundtrack that features a blend of jazz, hip hop, and instrumentals from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross; the film's sense of humour, balanced with its dramatic moments; it covers things like depressed, lost souls which eventually provides a very heart-felt ending. A lot like 'WALL-E', this is another one that puts me into a bit of a trance when I watch it, and for that reason combined with everything else I listed makes in my overall #1. I know I have it at #2, but there's a pretty worthy reason for that...
01 - The Toy Story Saga
While 'Soul' is definitely my favourite Pixar movie, 'Toy Story' plain and simply deserves all the credit I can muster up towards it. This is a series that has withstood a long-running, damn near 25 years. With just the right amount of time between sequels, and each film being totally solid, 'Toy Story' is Pixar's greatest success.
When I was first making this list, the truth is, I had three of four of these titles in my Top 10, and 'Toy Story 2' was going to be an honourable mention. With that, it seemed obvious that I should narrow it all down and just make the collective saga #1. It just deserves the most respect for all of its accomplishments, including the first 'Toy Story' being the first fully CG animated feature in cinematic history. It's so amazing that it has lasted as long as it has, and a lot of people actually grew up with it, somewhat in real time. Each one of them has a little something special to it, too.
Aside from the first film's pioneering move, 'Toy Story 2' was the first Pixar movie to really hit us in the feels with Jessie's song, 'Toy Story 3' provided a tearful goodbye, with Andy all grown up, and 'Toy Story 4' miraculously managed to successfully continue Woody's story with Bonnie and have it go over really well. It's not only the most successful series of films in Pixar's library, it's one of the most successful series of films out there in general. Whether its my generation or the next, 'Toy Story' is a great series of films that's hard not to like. Sure there's the whole escape stereotype that comes with them, but I'd implore you to look a little deeper when it comes to these. Truly, the 'Toy Story' title is Pixar's brightest star.
When I was first making this list, the truth is, I had three of four of these titles in my Top 10, and 'Toy Story 2' was going to be an honourable mention. With that, it seemed obvious that I should narrow it all down and just make the collective saga #1. It just deserves the most respect for all of its accomplishments, including the first 'Toy Story' being the first fully CG animated feature in cinematic history. It's so amazing that it has lasted as long as it has, and a lot of people actually grew up with it, somewhat in real time. Each one of them has a little something special to it, too.
Aside from the first film's pioneering move, 'Toy Story 2' was the first Pixar movie to really hit us in the feels with Jessie's song, 'Toy Story 3' provided a tearful goodbye, with Andy all grown up, and 'Toy Story 4' miraculously managed to successfully continue Woody's story with Bonnie and have it go over really well. It's not only the most successful series of films in Pixar's library, it's one of the most successful series of films out there in general. Whether its my generation or the next, 'Toy Story' is a great series of films that's hard not to like. Sure there's the whole escape stereotype that comes with them, but I'd implore you to look a little deeper when it comes to these. Truly, the 'Toy Story' title is Pixar's brightest star.