Animation Week (Day 1): 5 Best Pixar Films

1. Up (2009)
Charming, funny and beautiful. Fascinating story about dealing with the loss of a loved one and seeking adventure. The main reason this is my number one is because of the flawless opening sequence which, to this day, is one of the greatest cinematic openings ever. You'll laugh, you'll genuinely cry and you'll leave the cinema smiling. What more could you want from a film?



2. Toy Story (1995)
This film is filled with amazing characters, not just Woody and Buzz, who can make any adult or child laugh. The soundtrack for this film was particularly strong, especially with Randy Newman's amazing voice put to the opening credits. Considering how old the animation is, it doesn't look too dated and is a testament to Pixar as not just great story-tellers but also astonishing animators. This, as a first film, is possibly the strongest start a company can ever have. Toy Story captures the magic of childhood in a way few other films have managed to do.



3. Toy Story 3 (2010)
A great way to (potentially) end this trilogy. Similar to Toy Story 2, this adds in a few new characters to help keep momentum going (and generate more merchandise). This came out when I was turning 18 so the growing and leaving things you love behind really hits home for me, and many people in my generation. Yet another Pixar film that will make you feel every emotion under the sun. I don't know if there will be a 4th, or if it's even necessary but a 4th instalment would be welcomed by me.



4. Wall-E (2008)
Probably the prettiest Pixar film, they even managed to make living in a wasteland look romantic. Wall-E is somehow one of the most endearing characters even without really speaking and no recognisable facial movements. Although it can be read as slightly preachy about Global Warming, it's told in such a friendly way that most people won't mind. The love story, which is quite rare in Pixar films, is so endearing and enjoyable but doesn't overtake the plot. I can't believe that Pixar managed to make, what is essentially, a dystopian film and still make it charming.



5. Monster's Inc (2001)
Probably the funniest of Pixar's film but it doesn't shy away from the sentimental stuff either. Pixar do pairing very well (Woody and Buzz, Marlin and Dory) but Mike and Sully are my favourite friends. Watching this after having seen Monster's Uni, I was shocked at how simplistic the animation is (go back and re-watch, it's weird) but Pixar were so ambitious for their time, especially with Sully's fur, it's amazing that it looked as good as it did. I was even some how converted into liking little Boo, which is another achievement because I am an adamant child disliker. I was so pleased when Monster's Uni came out, but I do want a sequel to see how Boo turns out.


 P.S. Having finished this list I keep thinking of all the other Pixar films that could be here. Top 5 really does chop and change depending on how I'm feeling. To be honest, you can't go wrong with any Pixar film, so this list is almost irrelevant. Left it until the end to say so though ;)

Toy Story 3 (2010)

* * * * 1/2

A marvellous addition to the Pixar collection and a strong third in the series, however it is definitely one of a series and not a stand-alone film. Pixar mix classic jokes and new characters to appease the fans while updating the films.

The story is the same as before, the toys need to get back to Andy, but it is injected with an emotional ending that the others do not have. Pixar have found a formula for these films which works so well and they rejuvenate it with each film rather than just resting on the knowledge that millions will flock to see a Pixar film regardless. Despite the familiar plot this film is never predictable and there are several moments when you do not know what is coming next.

The Pixar team have also stepped up their animation and it was clear watching this film that, while they maintained the look of all the characters that this was a cleaner, clearer depiction than the first or second films. As in all the best Pixar films the audience laughs and cries while sitting on the edge of their seat in interest. Many of the audience, having grown up with the characters, can feel satisfied with this (possible) conclusion to the trilogy.

Brave (2012)

* * * * 1/3

This film seems to embody more elements of a Disney film than a Pixar one, and in all fairness this is probably due to the fact the lead is a Princess (typical Disney) and not a toy or fish or monster (classic Pixar). However this film shows all of Pixar’s animation skills (it is difficult to distract yourself from just staring at Merida’s hair) and a host of memorable characters and maintains Pixar’s humour and heart.

The sound track and scenery (both thoroughly Celtic) are lovely. Setting this in Scotland was a good idea as throughout the film people were mimicking the accents and having added fun with it - which is what Pixar films are all about. Despite this fairly unique setting, the story is reminiscent of a few films and obviously predictable (as with almost all children’s films) and therefore towards the end you do not emotionally connect as you know what will happen.

From a stroppy teenager to a fierce mother every character is masterfully created to be liked. The tone is light-hearted and there is always a joke just around the corner and this demonstrates that Pixar was focusing on making a children’s film this time rather than a cartoon for adults and their kids. If the writers had deviated from the traditional storyline this film would have been perfect, sadly they played it safe and therefore it falls, slightly, short.

Cars 2 (2011)

* * *

This has been classed as Pixar’s worst film on places such as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes and I have to admit it is not their best by a long way, however that is not to say it is not a good film - especially when considering it is made for children.

The plot is not original but it does not have to be as there is still a lot of entertainment in running similar plots, this is essentially James Bond from Mater’s view point. Pixar’s creators always want to have fun making their films and make their films fun for their audience; what is more exciting than fast cars and spies?

For some reason the film follows Mater instead of Lightning McQueen, who starred in the first film. This move to use Mater as the lead obviously indicates the success of this character, however it now makes me wonder, with the confirmation of Finding Nemo 2, will Dory be the lead in the new film?

The story lacks the Pixar heart which is normally apparent in their films, especially as the moral of this film is identical to the moral of the first Cars – don’t trust a book by its cover. In both Cars films Mater and McQueen’s friendship suffers in exactly the same way, because McQueen is famous and Mater is a country bumpkin-type. Everything seems less genuine and as though the heart that Pixar is famous for was just planted there so the makers could have fun with their film.