Fishlegs Ingerman

How to Train Your Dragon 2, 2014

DreamWorks Animation is releasing, in my opinion, the greatest character posters for its ambitious sequel to How to Train Your Dragon. What I like about this poster is it sharpness, this is very high quality animation. Fishlegs  is grown to be what, 18-19 years of age? He changed a lot, looks like himself but I think I'll have hard time being accustomed to his voice.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 opens in June 13, 2014. Are you ready for an epic Dragon adventure?

Review #11 | Free Birds

Free Birds, 2013

Now, way back when this movie was called Turkeys, I had some high expectations. I am the person who gets really excited when a rookie studio challenges displaying their debut animated film. Perhaps I was expecting something like Toy Story.

I remember how creative I thought the film will be after reading the premise of the story. But when days turned into months and the release date changed and of course, the change of the title to Free Birds made it so unoriginal. Their decision of changing the title is forgivable but shows their lack of confidence in their success of the movie.

 Free Birds is a story about Reggie the Turkey (Owen Wilson) who warns his fellow farm based turkeys of what people do with turkeys on Thanksgiving Day. Although the turkeys find it absurd, one day it turns out to be true and they decide to give Reggie to the people as a tribute.

In a surprise coincidence, Reggie is named the 'Pardoned Turkey' by the President of the United States and is taken to Camp David. Reggie soon relaxed and finds himself at ease, eating pizza and enjoys watching TV.

About three days before Thanksgiving, Reggie is kidnapped by Jake (Woody Harrelson) and is forced to go with him to save turkeys from getting eaten by people. They soon find the time machine and blast off to 1621. Jake keeps assuring Reggie that it was the 'Great Turkey' that told him what to do, and he told him to take Reggie with him.

When they get there, they are attacked by colonial hunters lead by Myles Standish, but they get rescued by native turkeys lead by Chief Broadbeak and his two children Ranger and Jenny. Soon after some minor events Reggie and Jake have a plan and they succeed in destroying the weapons of their enemy before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately Jake leaves gun powder trail back to the tree where the turkeys are hiding.

Standish and his men manage to capture turkeys and kill Broadbeak and Jenny is made the new chief and orders to get ready to fight against the settlers. In the meantime, Reggie goes back to the present and is confronted with the future versions of himself and finds out that Jake was telling the truth about the 'Great Turkey' and that the 'Great Turkey' was himself.

Willing to go back and save turkeys, Reggie goes back to the past and stops the fight between the settlers and the turkeys and brings Pizza Delivery Man and convinces the people that Pizza is a better menu for thanksgiving.

Reggie decides to stay with Jenny after thanksgiving while Jake goes on for adventure.

Final Thoughts: Free Birds is comedic as to make the kids laugh and enjoy Reggie and Jake's adventure. Unfortunately the story about changing the menu once and for all seems a bit absurd. The story does not have the core elements to get the mature kids engaged. The animation is clean and simple but not groundbreaking or beautiful.

Inside Outside Rating: 57%

Review #10 | Aladdin

Aladdin, 1992

They say Aladdin is one of the best Disney movies of all time. They say it is filled with wonder. They say the songs are spectacular. They say its hilarious. Well, it is safe to say that it is all that they say it is.

This animated adventure tells the famous story of Aladdin, a peasant boy who finds a magic lamp and unleashes the power of a genie. Filled with colorful musical numbers, the story follows Aladdin as he goes up against an evil wizard and a snooty princess.

Aladdin has so many good songs like One Jump Ahead and A Whole New World. These songs made the audience like the movie so much more.

This is the story of a street rat who is an orphan of a good heart meeting a princess and falls in love. While the story is simple and maybe to childish in someways, it has a great funny character Genie that makes the film so hilarious.

Final thoughts: Aladdin has some iconic characters that stand in the spotlight. It is a movie that all kids will want to watch it over and over again.

Inside Outside Rating: 81%

John Khars is Going to Direct 'Shedd'

Variety stated that the amazing animator, director of Pixar and Disney is going to help a newly founded Paramount Animation's Shedd. John Kahrs previously worked at Pixar on A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles and Ratatouille. And when he moved to Disney, Kahrs, worked as animator on Bolt, Tangled, Wreck-it Ralph, and Frozen and directed the Oscar winning short Paperman.

I am so excited about this piece of news. I became interested and started to follow John Kahrs after a his wonderful work on Paperman. I felt sad and wondered why he left Disney in August, 2013 but am glad to hear that he is working on a new project for a new studio founded in 2011. The new studio seems to be promising.

The release date for this film is yet be announced.

Review #9 | Lady and the Tramp

Lady and the Tramp, 1955

Synopsis: Lady is the pampered female dog belonging to Jim Dear and Darling. When her human masters bring a baby into the house, Lady feels she's being eased out; and when Darling's insufferable Aunt Sarah introduces her nasty twin Siamese cats into the fold, Lady is certain that she's no longer welcome. The cats wreak all manner of havoc, for which Lady is blamed. After the poor dog is fitted with a muzzle, Lady escapes from the house, only to run across the path of the Tramp, a raffish male dog from the "wrong" side of town. The Tramp helps Lady remove her muzzle, then takes her out on a night on the town, culminating in a romantic spaghetti dinner, courtesy of a pair of dog-loving Italian waiters. After their idyllic evening together, Lady decides that it's her duty to protect Darling's baby from those duplicitous Siamese felines. On her way home, Lady is captured and thrown in the dog pound. Here she learns from a loose-living mutt named Peg that The Tramp is a canine rake. Disillusioned, Lady is more than happy to be returned to her humans, even though it means that she'll be chained up at the insistence of Aunt Sarah. Tramp comes into Lady's yard to apologize, but she wants no part of him. Suddenly, a huge, vicious rat breaks into the house, threatening the baby. Lady breaks loose, and together with Tramp, runs into the house to protect the infant. When the dust settles, it appears to Aunt Sarah that Tramp has tried to attack the child. That's when Lady's faithful friends Jock the bloodhound and Trusty the scottie swing into action, rescuing Tramp from the dogcatcher. Once Jim Dear and Darling are convinced that Tramp is a hero, he is invited to stay...and come next Christmas, there's a whole flock of little Ladies and Tramps gathered around the family. Beyond the usual excellent animation and visual effects, the principal selling card of Lady and the Tramp is its music. Many of the songs were performed and co-written by Peggy Lee, who years after the film's 1955 theatrical issue, successfully sued Disney for her fair share of residuals from the videocassette release.

Walt Disney Animation Studio's fifteenth animated feature based on a original story seems mildly humorous and the animation is only agreeable. However the screenplay was well written. The writing influences how funny the movie is. It has jokes that you can smile about and words that make you understand the character, and tells you who the character is.

It is a small town with small characters living and having a story to tell. A story perhaps of loving even though you feel you have been replaced and not loved as much anymore.

Quotes:
Jim Dear: Oh, No!
Darling: What's wrong, Jim? What is it?
Jim Dear: Can't you explain to Lady about Sundays?

Inside Outside Rating: 57%

A Stunning New Poster of Astrid

How to Train Your Dragon 2, 2014

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is one of the most anticipated movie of 2014. The looks of the characters changed over five years of time since the first movie. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is scheduled to open in theaters on June 13, 2014.

Review #8 | Frozen

Frozen, 2013

Since Disney released the first theatrical trailer on September 26 I couldn't take 'Frozen' out of my studies! Why did I get a chance to watch it late on January 16 you say? Well, I happened to be living on the other side of the world where it opened this day. It has been five months, now that I think of it (the longest wait yet). I have tried my best to avoid spoiler but it was no use. The more I wanted to know the more spoiled I became.

By the time of its release date I had extremely high expectations and a little worried for how well it must be. But here it is, for the first time in forever this is my review of Frozen -

Frozen has one of the best songs since Tangled. 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman?' is introduces to Anna's joyful character and how the sisters get separated. Years later, when Elsa's coronation ceremony takes place, For the First Time in Forever is sung by Anna (Kristen Bell) and is my favorite from Frozen. Love is an Open Door & Let it Go are also great songs to sing along.

The animation is gorgeous and sophisticated (thanks to Anna and Elsa). Landscapes, snow, Elsa's ice palace, and characters are beautiful to look at.

The story however, for me was disappointing. Yes, it does have a great story and great peak climax, however it does not flow the way it needs to be (Tangled was better story-wise). Maybe I need some time to get know the sisters better (women are complicated to understand), but Anna's free spirited, carefree, and caring character disturbed me throughout some moments (again, I'll never understand).

Final Thoughts. 'Forzen' is a delight and is the best animated film of the year, but last year was all in all a disappointment. Like I said, I do have some mixed feelings about this film, to clarify my thoughts I need to see this again.

Recommendation: Check out the 'Frozen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Deluxe Edition)' filled with catchy songs from the movie, demo songs of 'For the First Time in Forever' & 'Love is an Open Door', and outtakes like 'We Know Better'. Enjoying it myself.

If you liked the movie as much as I did, don't forget to check out 'The Art of Frozen'.

Inside Outside Rating: 87%

86th Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature

86th Academy Awards announced its nominees for

Best Animated Feature

• The Croods (DreamWorks Animation)
• Despicable Me 2 (Illumination Entertainment)
• Erneset & Clestine (La Parti Productions)
• Fozen (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• The Wind Rises (Studio Ghibli)

Best Animated Short Film

• Feral (Daniel Sousa)
• Get a Horse! (Lauren MacMullan)
• Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz)
• Possessions (Shuhei Morita, Katsuhiro Otomo, Hiroaki Ando and Hajime Katoki)
• Room on the Broom (Max Lang and Jan Lachauer)

Monsters University & The Blue Umbrella deserve a spot on the list respectively. Sometimes I don't understand how people choose their nominations.

A New Trailer for 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman'

Mr. Peabody & Sherman, 2014

Along with the new awesome poster, 'DreamWorks' has released a new trailer for 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman'. The teaser trailer for Mr. Peabody was released on YouTube October 25th. The new trailer doesn't reveal much, which is good and offers more humor.

Watch -

Review #7 | Monsters University

Monsters University, 2013

Synopsis: Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn't always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. "Monsters University" unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.


While it is not among the best from Pixar, this campus life brings great characters into motion. Pixar has done a great job facing challenges of it being a prequel. A prequel like this limits the of what the plot of the story could be.

Monsters University came out to be a descent movie, well standing by its own. It was a little disappoint as in characters and screenplay. I am sure it could have been done better. This university has a lot and a diverse range of characters, some very odd and some huge. There is, however, apart from Dean Hardscrabble not a monster that has a crucial role in the film.

Animation is outstanding, one of the Pixar's finest in lightning area. It is gorgeous to look at. But it all comes to the story, which is fine and delightful but it does not stand out.

Inside Outside Rating: 77%

Review #6 | The Croods

The Croods, 2013

Synopsis: The Croods tells the story of the world's first family road trip. When their cave is destroyed, the Crood family must embark on a comedy adventure into strange and spectacular territory in search of a new home. As if patriarch Grug (Cage) didn't already have enough to handle, it goes from bad to worse when they encounter an imaginative nomad named Guy (Reynolds.) With Guy's help the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive - each other.

'The Croods' is a well crafted film although a bit boring at times, many times delivers delight and laughter all along. What is it like being a father? Grug shows the typical fatherhood as the Croods family go on a journey away from their past home to the unknown tomorrow.

The Croods face a problem when their way of living will not help them survive the coming of the end of the world. Grug will have to let Guy lead them the way to tomorrow. It really is a family themed film that has comedy.

While it might not be a masterpiece, it really is outstanding. The world of 'Croods' is creative and massive, the animators have done great job on exploring and creating the world. The animals look comical and harmless.

'Do not be afraid and follow the sun.' - The Crooods.

Inside Outside Rating: 84%

Review #5 | Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, 2013

Synopsis: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 picks up where Sony Pictures Animation's hit comedy left off. Inventor Flint Lockwood's genius is finally being recognized as he's invited by his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, where the best and brightest inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind. Chester's right-hand-gal - and one of his greatest inventions - is Barb (a highly evolved orangutan with a human brain, who is also devious, manipulative and likes to wear lipstick). It's always been Flint's dream to be recognized as a great inventor, but everything changes when he discovers that his most infamous machine (which turns water into food) is still operating and is now creating food-animal hybrids - "foodimals!" With the fate of humanity in his hands, Chester sends Flint and his friends on a dangerously delicious mission, battling hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons, double bacon cheespiders and other food creatures to save the world again!

It feels as though the animators at cake and then ordered another one. Eating two cakes may make your tummy disgusted, I guess. That's how I felt watching 'Cloudy 2', they haven't improved on anything with this sequel, but made it more dull, and focused too much making and naming food like creatures instead of making the story delightful.

Like the first movie it starts with Flint introducing himself, except this time we all know what happened, so why did he have to summarize the first movie? The pace of the movie is so fast that I can see behind the scenes, the 'Cloudy' crew rushing through the script, animation, and what not.

Exploring and creating the world is great, but they could have done better putting more character development; what if they improved the relationship of Flint and his dad? What about Sam Sparks?  I didn't see much of that.

Animation style with the fist 'Cloudy' was cartoony in a good way but the sequel has more cartoony animation than the first, and now it doesn't feel believable at all. You can do whatever you want with animation, but you don't add ketchup to your cake.

Inside Outside Rating: 57%

Review #4 | Pinocchio

Pinocchio, 1940

Pinocchio is so lovely, so pure and such a classic. It is called the best animated feature film of all time for a reason. I remember watching it when I was but a small kid for a multiple of times. And seeing it again as a young adult, doesn't make the movie feel old but rather more intriguing. The scenes I didn't have the ability to understand as a kid, were understood.

I love the music and motion of each character move together. The songs are wonderfully made and written. The animation never gets old, and is still outstanding to look at.

The message of this story is so plain and strong, talking about dreams coming true, the temptations we have to face and the way to become a real boy (no strings attached).

Inside Outside Rating: 86%

Review #3 | Zambezia

Zambezia, 2012

Since the groundbreaking computer animated feature 'Toy Story', computer animation has become the standard 21st century entertainment. The rapidly growing medium has now become as some are saying, 'overflowing'.

I personally want to encourage and enjoy what new animation studios offer. 'Zambezia' is produced by a South African's 'Tiggerfish Animation Studio' and has won the 'Best South African Feature Film'.

The Story is about a young falcon named 'Kai', who starts alone with his father in a remote bird house, living a quiet life but he wants to see the world and escape the bore life he has. His deliberate father doesn't let him go and has some secrets. Kai eventually leaves his father to 'Zambezia'. While arriving to Zambezia, a scary giant lizard-like villain 'Budzo' plans to take over Zambezia for his own. Kai finds the origin of his dad's story and helps Zambezia from Budzo.

I have to say the story was not bad, I have really breathed in the African culture right away. The voice, the music, and jokes really give that African feel. The Animation and the Voice Acting were horrible. The falcon tryout scene was outstanding but all in all animation was way behind today's standard. The voice acting for me, was really distracting through the movie.

But I want to give praise to 'Tiggerfish Animation Studios' for its music, that makes you feel in Africa right away. The falcon racing scene was also something 'ama-zing'. Animation is hard to make, it take years to finish. I hope they get better with every film.

Inside Outside Rating: 49%

Mr. Peabody & Sherman Calendar 2014

Mr. Peabody & Sherman, 2014

DreamWorks Animation has release a beautiful calendar based on the time travelling adventure film 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman'. You can download it here.

'Mr. Peabody & Sherman' must be one of the best in visual from DreamWorks Animation. The animation shown from the stills from the movie is groundbreaking and creative. It feels like a cartoon well polished and very, very clean & simple.

As for the story, will shall have to wait and see.

Party Rescheduled

Party Central, 2014

Disney/Pixar has announced that the upcoming Pixar short 'Party Central' will be playing this year with the 'Muppets Most Wanted' on March 21, 2014. It was previously scheduled with the anticipated animated feature film 'The Good Dinosaur' on May 30, 2014. But when 'The Good Dinosaur' got pushed back to 2015, I have been concerned about the short.

"But...what about the short?" It would've been good to see it on the 'Monsters University' Blu-Ray, but they haven't put it in.

Nevertheless, it is good to know that it's scheduled a little bit earlier. Honestly, if I go to see the 'Muppets' on theaters, it would be because I'm such a 'Pixar Central'.

Winter is Cooler than Ever

What makes me want to watch 'Frozen' so badly is its steady performance in the box office. It is rare to see a movie in North America to hold No. 1 place after two weeks of the movie's release. Disney's 'Frozen' manages to take over the crown again on the sixth week of it's initial release date.

I had some doubts about the movie's success box office-wisely. Even if it was as good as people say it is, really, how can you compete to a movie based on a bestselling novel, the most anticipated movie and a sequel like 'Catching Fire?' But 'Frozen proves me wrong when it steals the crown from 'Catching Fire' on the third week. "Hmm, not bad..." I thought, but never saw any hope for it keeping its crown the following week. Frozen is going to melt because it is facing another movie based on the bestselling novel, the most anticipated movie and a sequel, in my theory if you have those three element, then you're invisible. But it is thrilling to know that it surpasses all the new comers and 'The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug' on the sixth week.

Is it that good? Apparently, it is. People are watching it multiple of times and telling their friends and taking their families to watch. I can't wait for 'Frozen' when it opens in South Korea on January 16, 2014.

Review #2 | Justin and the Knights of Valour

Sweet-natured Justin dreams of becoming a Knight just like his legendary Grandfather, Sir Roland. However Knights have been banished from the Kingdom by The Queen and replaced by Lawyers and their strict rules. But after an inspiring visit to his beloved Gran, Justin's mission becomes clear. He bids farewell to his sweetheart Lara and embarks on the ultimate quest: to train to become a Knight. Along the way he meets the beautiful, but feisty, Talia a quirky wizard called Melquiades; the handsome, but misguided, Sir Clorex and upon reaching the Tower of Wisdom is mentored by the three wise monks; Blucher, Legantir and Braulio. However Justin soon learns that banished Knight Sir Heraclio is putting together an army, with his faithful sidekick Sota, to overthrow The Queen and take the Kingdom. Justin must quickly rise to the challenge and find the courage to become the Knight he truly wishes to be. (RottenTomatoes)

Visual Arts: I was surprised by the quality of animation and story of this film had, considering it was made from a foreign studio. They've done a great job creating a world where kings and queens ruled the world. The environment is so rich and so is the architecture. (8/10)

Character Design: The character design is beautiful and attracting. The animation of Justin, his Gran, Lara, and Talia are really well designed. Those are not puppet kind of moving people. They are make believable and you care about them. Other characters are rather simply designed but it surprises me how many characters this movie contains. (8/10)

Characters: No character is the same. Every character has his color. From the adventurer Justin to Sir Clorex, they symbolize real life people like us. Who do we choose to be? Risk it all and follow your heart, or play around wearing a knight suit pretending to be one? (7/10)

The Story: While it's not perfect, the story is no junk, it's a real deal. The people behind this really thought through it. To my surprise the story had some twisty events. What makes a true hero or a beautiful girl? It's not a suit you put or a pretty looking face you have. It's the inside goodness that makes a true hero or a beautiful girl. (7/10)

My Rating: 71%

Inside Out: The Concept Art

This is the concept art revealed in the D23 Expo.

First of all, I've got to say that I am so excited about this film coming from inside out on June 19, 2015.

The plot goes around the a girl named Riley. When she is uprooted from her pleasant life in Minnesota and is moved into a new, unwelcome existence in San Francisco, the emotions like Anger, Disgust, Fear, Sadness and Joy collaborate and miscommunicate with one another in an attempt to keep her functioning, and find new friends.

I can relate to this emotional roller-coaster she's going to have when she has to leave her friends and go to an unwelcome place where everything is new and scary.

Just the concept of this story makes me sure this will be the best animated film of 2015 and probably of all time.

Now, I don't want to be to rush about my opinions but I believe in Pixar making great masterpieces. What makes Pixar trustworthy is not that they have a high profile reputation but that when they face challenges, when others may give in, Pixar will find a way and not rush through the production.

Review #1 | The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II, 2002

This direct-to-video sequel to Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame finds Quasi (voiced once again by Tom Hulce) falling in love with a magician's assistant while attempting to foil that same magician's plan to steal his bells.

While it has a simple story and a not so great animation, it does have its charms on music.

My Rating: 53%

A Very Merry Pooh Year from Pooh

The Inside Outside Blog officially kicks off today.