Animation Week (Day 3): 5 Best Dreamworks Films

Quick note: I'm excluding collaborations with Aardman Studios because I'm going to do a '5 Best Claymation List'



1. Shrek (2001)
So go, so so good. Lovely idea of twisting all the best known fairytales and their common tropes making for a hilarious film which challenges its audience's expectations. I, as an introvert, enjoy seeing an introverted character who is endlessly happy as an introvert. Shrek 2 is also very good, especially with the addition of Puss, The Fairy Godmother and Charming, however after that the sequels become significantly poorer (and they're still getting made). It's very funny, enjoyable and endearing, but, to be honest, I doubt there are many people I need to tell that to because it seems as though everyone has seen and liked Shrek.



2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
I haven't read the book that this film was adapted from, but my Dad said that the book doesn't even compare to the film (which is a nice change). It's a magical story for children and adults alike because little Hiccup gets to transcend his dreary world after discovering dragons (everyone's dream, right?) In addition to the story the film is so pretty pretty with flying scenes and the animation of the dragons being cat-like and really well researched (or as well researched as it can be for a fictional creature). The really odd mixture of adult Scots and American children makes no sense but I guess realism doesn't necessarily apply to this film. It's a wonderful film but I'm very glad it didn't come out when I was younger because my dragon obsession would have been fuelled no end.



3. The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Such an underrated film (I seem to keep mentioning underrated films on these lists) but this is one of the most charming and quotable comedies and not enough people quote it constantly (as me and my friends do). It's a very typical story about two men who go to El Dorado but then they realise that there is more to life than money...Slightly moralistic narrative but they get away with it because the friendship between Miguel and Tulio is phenomenal and perfect. The best thing about this film is the unrelenting humour however the jokes come thick and fast and you need to be paying attention because it is less slapstick an obvious than films such as Shrek. If you haven't seen this film, watch it with a friend because there can be a lot of joy in quoting Miguel and Tulio's lines at each other.



4. Antz (1998)
I watch Annie Hall this weekend and it was my first Woody Allen film with Woody Allen in it that I've seen, all I could think while watching the film was 'Oh my goodness, he's the voice of Z'. I had a lot of ants in my childhood, with this film and A Bug's Life, but I think this bug based movie was my favourite. It's one of the most oddly animated things ever, the antz look so weird but things like water and nature look really pretty. I love films that show a familiar world from a different perspective and Antz has a very memorable scene of a picnic from an ant's perspective and that kind of thing makes me happy. The final scene, trying not to give anything away, is wonderful and such a marvellous use of having so many ants (hint, hint, go watch the film!)



5. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Forget VeggieTales, Dreamworks knows how to tell a Biblical story. It's difficult to analyse this film because I don't know how truthful to the original text it is, and I don't necessarily care as long as the film is good, but I do feel as though religious interpretations should be honest to their texts because some people will get a  warped understanding of religion. The people are fairly simply animated but the rest looks really beautiful, there is one sequence, where Moses splits the sea, when the animation is stunning. Moses does become very self-righteous, which is one of my pet-peeves in characters, although some may argue that he has the right to be. It's a great film and doesn't alienate anyone because of its religious context. 

(P.S. I'm so sorry for how many brackets I've used. I don't know where this obsession began but hopefully the bag habit will end. It's probably due to my limiting of 5 sentences during reviews so maybe it will never end unless I stop my obsession with 5).

Animation Week (Day 2): 5 Best Disney Films

1. Lion King (1994)
Possibly one of the greatest films ever made and it's odd to think that this is an animal adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet (the premise doesn't sound promising but works incredibly well). From the music to the beautiful drawn animation this film demonstrates superior film making skills. Additionally to how good the music sounds, the voice actors are phenomenal, although I have to say that I'm surprised that Matthew Broderick played adult Simba. It's definitely one of the Disney films that is as enjoyable for adults as it is for children. This is also one of the few Disney films with a decent sequel (which I actually debated putting on this list).



2. Mulan (1998)
Disney's ultimate female power film, even though the best song is I'll Make a Man Out of You, this film shows that you don't need to be a man to be awesome and badass (woohoo!) It's one of the most progressive Disney films because it is about cross dressing, Asian, soldier which is a little different from the traditional Disney formula. The music, not just the songs but also the score, is really pretty and powerful; the interestingly named 'Haircut' is particularly good. It's nice how in this film there are animal sidekicks who cannot talk, but the one who does talk is explained as magic (this might sound odd but it makes everything feel a teeny tiny bit more realistic). One of my favourite things about this film is that the love story is more interesting, not only because Shang might have been very confused for a short while, but also because the characters actually got to know each other well before they walked off into the sunset.



3. Treasure Planet (2002)
The most underrated Disney film. For a sci-fi fan Disney is low on supply but this film marvellous and need so much more recognition. It's a familiar and well told story and it's quite similar to The Muppet's Treasure Island because of the odd mixture of aliens/puppets. Again, I'm going to mention music, because despite the fact that this isn't a musical there is one of the greatest songs ever, I'm Still Here, which is very similar to Iris in the way it sounds. This film needs to get much more recognition as one of the greatest Disney films rather than one of the forgettable ones.



4. Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Another under appreciated film. This one shows a man triumph over oppression and adversity but because he's not a beautiful princess, no one cares. Furthermore, Frollo is bloody terrifying, he's possibly the best Disney villain ever because he's not magic he's cut crazy, and Hellfire is one of the most epic songs and animation sequences Disney has ever produced. I haven't read the original book, I know the ending is a lot darker, but I don't know how much Disney has changed the story, regardless it's quite depressing and he doesn't even get the girl in the end. The Hunchback definitely doesn't follow Disney's traditional formula, but that's why it's so great because it's really unique within the cannon.



5. Hercules (1997)
This film is about a lot of misfits who either work with or against each other to achieve a greater good, and it's wonderful. I love the colours of this film, it is definitely made for children with how each of the Gods is a different colour, but I like that. Hercules is one of the most light-hearted Disney films, although there are sad/dark parts, but even the villain is funny and likeable if you look past his touches of evil. Some of the humour is quite shouty and slapstick but it suits the excessive style of Grecian myths. One of the main reasons people should watch Hercules is to just gather a basic knowledge of Greek mythology which is especially good for children.

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 ;)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Newest Marvel film

★★★★☆

5 word summary:
You can't trust anyone, ever.

5 sentence review:

Probably the best Marvel Studio film that I've seen, although I do say that as someone who isn't very interested in any of the Avengers (prefer X-Men or Spiderman).

When I came home I explained it to my parents as a Marvel film with much more focus on the plot than simply 'look how cool superheroes are!' (Although there was also so many great fight sequences and general inner-5-year-old wonderment).

We are given a little more about a lot of the characters, from Nick Fury to Black Widow, and everyone (even Captain America) comes across as more human, showing tears and flaws rather than being excessively bad-ass all the time.

The film does have a slight feeling of being a filler film, it sets up a lot and helps to introduce/develop characters for future events; of course all these films are interconnected so there is filler/linkage in all of them, but sometimes I felt it quite strongly in this one (possibly because it's the one directly before the big one, The Avengers).

The two end of credit scenes were really interested and worth waiting for, I'm so excited to see how Winter Soldier's character develop and hope that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver will be as good a villains as Winter Soldier was.

5 good things:
1. The cast (especially the new-comers).
2. The fight sequences.
3. The Winter Soldier = awesome.
4. Explosions!!
5. Abed?!

5 bad things:
1. So many bullets and yet so few people actually hit (why does no one shoot at Captain America's legs? The shield doesn't cover his entire body).
2. Some of the dialogue was very cheesy (which is ok for the Captain, but not for Natasha).
3. Why is Black Widow in every other film but still not her own?
4. Why is there always a black side-kick but not a black superhero with their own film?
5. Some scenes felt unnecessary.

Leon: The Professional - Film starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman

★★★★★

5 word summary:
Amazing but odd assassin film.

5 sentence review:
After a little girl's (Mathilda played by Natalie Portman) family is killed she is taken in by an assassin (Leon played by Jean Reno) who she convinces to train her in his trade; a lovely (if sometimes twisted) relationship is formed between he two.

The cast and characters are wonderful ad unique, from the overtly mature but also vulnerable Mathilda to Leon the heartless but caring and Gary Oldman's bad of crazy character Stansfield, everyone is so interesting and well created.

It's a film to be enjoyed for the acting and the plot but it can also be put on mute and looked at as a work of art because it's so beautiful.

The plot draws you in and you spiral with the characters and, although the ending could be predicted, you are never really sure where everything is going to end up (which is always the best way for a film to be).

I can't really adequately express how much I enjoyed this film without explaining that I normally watch films at home while scrolling through tumblr, when watching Leon I actually put my laptop down; I need you to understand that this is a very important symbol of how engaging this film is.

5 good things:
1. Everyone's acting.
2. Especially Jean Reno.
3. Characterisation.
4. Mathilda shooting people with a paintball(?) gun.
5. Subverting the assassin film while maintaining some themes.

5 bad things:
1. Mathilda and Leon's relationship...sometimes...
2. Mathilda could have been a little older to make me feel more comfortable with her character.
3. Unexplained obsession with milk.
4. The fact that there isn't a sequel (although that could also ruin how good it is as a stand alone film).
5. The fact I can't work out how to put an accent onto Leon's name.

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Film directed by Wes Anderson

★★★★★

5 word summary:
Wonderfully quirky and quite genius.

5 sentence review:
This film tells a story within a story within a story about M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) when he is embroiled in a murderous tussle to inherit a ex-lovers fortune; he is helped by his lobby boy, Zero, (Tony Revolori) and a few other interesting figures.

When we left the cinema my Dad (who I saw it with) happily stated that it was nice to see a film that was made to be looked at, and that describes this film quite well, because it was beautiful (as all Wes Anderson films are) with bright colours, amazing costuming and perfectly symmetry throughout.

Ralph Fiennes character is delightful, it is the perfect word to describe him, and quite a step away from a lot of the other roles that I've seen him do; along with Fiennes I want to give a special mention to Edward Norton, whose character should have been given more screen time, and Adrien Brody, one of my favourites who was styled particularly well.

It followed a fairly basic plot, with people squabbling over a fortune, but Anderson managed to make it extraordinary because of the excessive of unique touches, like casually mentioning The Society of the Crossed Keys or giving Saoirse Ronan an unexplained and unquestioned birthmark on her cheek.

This is one of those films that leaves you smiling when you walk out of the cinema, although when you think about it after, there are a huge number of potential questions that could be raised which is indicative of Wes's style. 

5 good things:
1. The cast (and how much fun they seemed to be having).
2. Costuming.
3. The obsession with moustaches.
4. The fact that no one changed their accents.
5. Willem Dafoe.

5 bad things:
1. Three of the female characters died, another three were 'comically' ugly and the final one was servile.
2. Some of the fantastic roles were too small.
3. I can't go to this hotel.
4. I can't eat the Mendl's pastries.
5. The cat was killed.

Despicable Me 2 (2013) – Sequel starring Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig

★★★★☆

5 word summary:

So silly but very enjoyable.

5 sentence review:

Gru's next step on his road from evil is to get a love interest and she comes in the quirky secret agent played by Kristen Wiig, the two get into a few scraped while trying to discover who stole a dangerous chemical.

There is a lot of charm in this franchise, from the cute little girls to the oddly loveable minions, and this film adds to the charm by affirming the themes of family and unity that were present in the first film.

Aside from the deeper aspect of this film, the humour is also enjoyable, although quite heavily dependant on slapstick (which is forgiveable because the film is aimed for a younger audience).

The new characters, like Lucy and El Macho, are good additions who managed to hold their own in amongst the already assembled kooky collection of characters.

It's an enjoyable and well made sequel that builds on its original rather than simply trying to replicate it (which in my opinion is the downfall of any sequel).

5 good things:

1. The heart-warming moments.

2. The soundtrack (I have to admit that I've listened to Happy too many times).

3. The humour.

4. The guacamole hat.

5. The minions' musical number.

5 bad things:

1. The girls haven't' seemed to have aged enough, I wish they were older.

2. They obviously focused a lot on the minions, who are funny but not really important.

3. No one noticed that minions were going missing.

4. The minion with sirens on his head was only in one scene.

5. Gru wasn't dressed as a fairy for the whole film.