Let’s look at the roots of modern stylized animation with this UPA commercial directed by Art Babbitt in the 1950’s. This award-winning short commercial was censored at the time due to the implications of what happens behind closed curtains. Babbitt was particularly proud of this commercial, and for him was one of the tentpoles of his animation career after Disney’s.
Remember - this was the man who animated Gepetto, Snow White’s Queen, Fantasia’s Mushrooms and pretty much single-handedly developed Goofy, all before leading the 1941 strike at the studio.
The film is called “Meet the Robinsons”, but Bowler Hat Guy steals the show.
Disney animation is back, but it still seems to be finding itself. While there was a lot of heart in “Meet the Robinsons”, also present were a few things that many recent animated films have suffered from.
Singing and dancing animals are here in the form of frogs. They do have some funny bits of business, but to me they felt like a random addition to the film that didn’t help further the story at all.
There are way too many characters in this film. This is something that many recent animated films suffer from. It’s an easy trap to fall in to. The result is that you don’t get enough time with the characters to feel for them. If you don’t feel for them, and they don’t advance the story, then why are they there? The film is called “Meet the Robinsons”, but outside of Wilbur, I don’t think I could name more than maybe two others. This is by far the weakest element of the film.
I saw the film in RealD, and it was a great experience. There were parts of the film that felt like a Universal Studios ride film, but they weren’t overdone, so it was a fun thing. Some of the 3D bits that featured things shooting at you were a bit hard to see when they got really close, but perhaps that was by design? The real treat for seeing the film in 3D was the way the film started: with the 1953 Chip ‘n Dale short “Working for Peanuts”.
Overall the film was good time. I would suggest catching a 3D screening if you can. Be sure to post your own take on the film.
In the context of Passover, the upcoming Jewish holiday commemorating … well, just watch “Prince of Egypt,”… it’s important to keep in mind the modern struggles that mindless hatred perpetuate.
As this video demonstrates, Iran professors teach how “Tom and Jerry” cartoons are Disney’s way of promoting the Jewish race.
Before watching this, I’ve never been simultaneously offended as a Jew and as an animator.
But to leave you on a positive note, please enjoy this video by someone who can illustrate the beauty of Islam with ‘toons.
Wolfgang “Woolie” Reitherman joined Disney in 1935 as an animator and director. Woolie all the Disney films after Walt’s death until his retirement. Some of his animation work included the Crocodile in “Peter Pan”, the Dragon in “Sleeping Beauty”, and the Rat in “Lady and the Tramp”.
Another installment of Disney for Grownups, here’s the original 1938 Oscar-nominated film, “Mother Goose Goes Hollywood,” a zany tribute to the golden age of film back when it was in its adolesence. And, of course, the film becomes a Looney Tune once the black characters with high energy show up. Predating Clampett’s “Coal Black” by 5 years. Who knows? Maybe this film inspired the crows from “Dumbo.”
Rumor has it that Edgar Bergen voiced Charley MacCarthy in this film, connecting him to the studio which would later hire him for “Fun and Fancy Free.”
Note that Chico Marx performs his patented “shooting the keys” of the piano gimmick.
If you’re a fan of the Transformers cartoon from the 80’s, you may enjoy this fan piece. If you breakout in a rash from curse words, then don’t watch this. They swear.
For those that aren’t up on their Transformers history, Optimus Prime was “killed” in the Transformers film. They did a follow up cartoon series that took place after the movie.
Optimus Prime was brought back to life in this series, several years after he was shut down, or killed, or whatever it is that happens to a sentient semi.
This piece is great because it makes fun of some of the more annoying characters that were added to the show.
I’m not sure what’s more interesting about this 1951 Jack Kinney cartoon, “No Smoking”: the obvious adult audience in mind, or the mildly disturbing spiral that Goofy, as Joe Average “George Geef” suffers due to withdrawl.
I never knew this cartoon existed ’til this week. It only adds to the many vices that Goofy, as George Geef, falls victim to across various films: overeating, road rage, negligant homemaking … come to think of it, Goofy’s George Geef persona is a pretty despecable character.
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