Inside News - Air Trip

Dear folks, I have some 'inside' announcements to make. I am going on a trip across country. So I won't be posting for a few weeks. So sad. I won't even be able to follow some incredible animation news!

Cars 2, 2011

This will be the last post for a couple of weeks. I am going out May 29 to June 11. I loved writing in this blog. It is awesome. Also after July 22, I won't be posting frequently because I will be busy but I do hope to come back couple of months later (but don't expect a fast return!). This is sad but life. I still love this blog and will be forever in my heart.

P.S. I will be posting whenever I have free time so.... Cheers!

The Book of Life Sneak Peak

Let me just say, amazing. It was long since we've got news from The Book of Life. Back then we've go to look at some concept art. USA Today brings us an another look on story and a great look on characters.

The Book of Life, 2014

The wild, 3-D animated tale features a love triangle among three childhood friends, Manolo (voice by Diego Luna), Maria (Zoe Saldana) and Tatum's Joaquin, who are stirred up after the unpredictable gods wager on which man will win Maria's heart.

The story focuses on the romantic, strong-jawed Manolo, who has big problems besides the growing competition with his best friend. Manolo dreams of breaking away from his family's rich history of bullfighting to play the guitar, much to the dismay of his father, the world's greatest matador (Hector Elizondo) and super-macho grandfather (Danny Trejo).

This journey takes him from the Land of the Living to the Land of the Remembered, where people who have lived complete lives, and are remembered among the living, go after they die. A final, daunting destination is The Land of the Forgotten, where those who have died with unfulfilled lives dwell.

Along the way Manolo meets his bullfighter great-grandfather, who always wanted to be an opera singer (Placido Domingo) but never followed his dream. There are also wild characters including Candle Maker (rapper Ice Cube), an ancient god with a body of wax and a beard made of clouds. (via USA Today)

Sounds complicated? Read the full article on The Book of Life to find out more. Along with this article, the first trailer is expected to shown along with Disney's Maleficent on May 29. 

Review #51 | Robin Hood

That time you watch a classic movie from your childhood. Robin Hood is just that movie I watched all the time in my early years.

Robin Hood, 1973

Robin Hood is one of the first animated films produced by the Walt Disney Company after Walt Disney's death in 1967. For the film, the studio's animators took the Disney tradition of adding human-like animal sidekicks to established tales (Cinderella, Pinnochio) a step further by making Robin Hood's legendary characters creatures themselves. Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) is a wily fox; Maid Marian (Monica Evans) is a beautiful vixen; Little John (Phil Harris) is a burly bear; Friar Tuck (Andy Devine) is a soft-spoken badger; the Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram) is a greedy wolf; and the scheming Prince John (Peter Ustinov) is a sniveling, groveling, thumb-sucking undersized lion with a serpent sidekick named Sir Hiss (Terry Thomas). The film begins after Prince John and Sir Hiss have tricked the true King into leaving the country on a phony crusade. With the help of the Sheriff of Nottingham, they tax the life out of Nottingham's peasants, leaving them all penniless but with the courageous Robin Hood as their only hope.

Robin Hood is fun and entertaining, and as for me, this was one of the movies I watched as a kid over and over again. Seeing it again as a young adult, it still had the fun and the comedy all the way. I love how this movie has a special place in my life.

So, first the appeal, the characters are definitely one of the standing points of this movie. Each character is well designed. One of my favorite characters is Robin Hood and Maid Marian. The other standing point is the music in it. It is classic in my opinion.

I took the story somewhat differently as other people say. I really enjoyed the story. It actually has a well written story. It didn't feel forced but felt natural and flowed like in real life. This film makes the audience just feel sympathy for the characters and makes us cheer for Robin Hood.

Inside Outside Rating: 80%

Review #50 | The Rescuers Down Under

It has its own charms but it will always be compared with the previous film and therefore loved less.

The Rescuers Down Under, 1990

Bernard (voice of Bob Newhart) and Miss Bianca (voice of Eva Gabor), the intrepid mouse squad from the International Rescue Society of The Rescuers, return to help a little boy from the Australian outback named Cody (voice of Adam Ryen), who has been kidnapped by an evil poacher named McLeach (voice of George C. Scott). Enlisting the air services of Wilbur the Albatross (voice of John Candy), the two mice travel to the wasteland of Australia. McLeach is a dark complexioned exploiter who scours the Outback in a giant hovercraft, intent on capturing endangered species and selling them for a hefty profit. Bernard and Miss Bianca befriend a Paul Hogan-type mouse named Jake (Tristan Rogers), but to battle against the evil McLeach, Bernard's wisdom is required in order to save the day. Disney got its feet wet in computer animation with several impressive flight sequences, which bracket the film.

I will start of by saying that they have named the title right, instead of just saying ‘2’ in the title, I am glad they did something different. This is an experimental feature that used computers for animation.

The animation in my point lacked the rich colors the first movie used. What bugged me was that the character didn't look the same as before. The Rescuers Down Under kind of lost its magic. The characters seem more lightly handled and weak in their purposes.

The villain McLeach for instance is a weak character although he gives the impression of scariness. Other characters like Miss Bianca and the ‘new’ mouse, Jake. The background animation was descent and beautiful at times.

A few good moments does not justify the overall story being a flop. The thing about sequel is that it will always be compared with the previous films, so that is ways it has be handled with care. What disappointed me was that it did not feel as authentic as the previous one. I believe it could have been handled better with people who loved the first movie.

Inside Outside Rating: 55%

Review #49 | All Dogs Go to Heaven

If only they have done some major changes, including a change in title, it would've be impressive.

All Dogs Go to Heaven, 1989

One of the most expensive of Don Bluth's animated cartoon features, All Dogs Go to Heaven was also among the most successful. Set in late-'30s New Orleans, the story centers upon a roguish German shepherd named Charlie B. Barkin (voice of Burt Reynolds), who is killed early in the proceedings by his business partner, Carface (voice of Vic Tayback). Charlie travels to Heaven, and is promptly warned that if he heads back to Earth, he can never return; he does decide to go back to Earth, however, to exact revenge on Carface, who has kidnapped Anne-Marie, a little orphan girl who can talk to Animals. The film also includes the vocal skills of Dom DeLuise, Charles Nelson Reilly, Vic Tayback, Melba Moore, Loni Anderson, and a host of others. All Dogs Go to Heaven was the first production of the Dublin-based Sullivan Bluth Studios.

Very unstable animated feature film which lacks appeal and entertainment. The animation is not the best out there and the story that is based on a weak and unstable theme. It fails to have a great story with side stories being unhelpful.

The music is not really helping the story move forward. The story is pretty dark and does not serve its purpose. All Dogs Go to Heaven lacks something special that is crucial to an animated film.

Inside Outside Rating: 32%

Review #48 | Tangled

Yeah...It is so satisfactory when you watch a fine animated film. Tangled is one those films.

Tangled, 2010

When the kingdom's most wanted-and most charming-bandit Flynn Rider hides out in a mysterious tower, he's taken hostage by Rapunzel, a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn's curious captor, who's looking for her ticket out of the tower where she's been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs.

This is how you make an animated film. Or at least this is how the Disney makes an animated film when they put their heart and soul into their work. I cannot say that it is has everything it needs to be perfect but it is truly delightful.

Tangled has some of the best animated scenes. ‘Kingdom Dance’ scene is very authentic and beautiful. The tear healing scene is one of the best climaxes Disney has ever done. It made me cry.

It is a best animated musical I have ever seen. What makes Tangled shine beautifully is the free character of Rapunzel. She finds the true enemy and she is not afraid to fight for freedom. When she finds out that Flynn dying, she decides even to give up her freedom to save him.

My only complaint would be the too human like animal characters, and in comparison too lighthearted human characters.

Good Quote: (Rapunzel) I will keep fighting you, but if you just let me heal him…

Inside Outside Rating: 87%

Disney's Big Hero 6 Official Teaser Trailer

It's finally out! Check out this teaser trailer for Big Hero 6.

Big Hero 6 opens in theaters on November 7, 2014. Will see how Disney deals with super heroes.

Big Hero 6 Teaser Poster Revealed

Another news from Big Hero 6 is that now it has a poster of it. Check it out below:

Big Hero 6, 2014

It looks nice.

Check Out This 'Big Hero 6' Teaser Trailer Sneak Peek

Now this took me as a surprise. This is a sneak peek of the teaser of Big Hero 6.

Big Hero 6 opens in theaters this November.

First Look on 'Big Hero 6'

Looks like everyone is excited about  the next Disney animated feature Big Hero 6. Take a look at the first still probably from the upcoming teaser trailer.

Big Hero 6, 2014 

Big Hero 6, 2014

Big Hero 6, 2014

Hiro is the one the main characters of Big Hero 6 and his bot Baymax are about to save the world on November 7, 2014. Anyone find any resemblance with Astro Boy?

Find out more about Big Hero 6 here.

DreamWorks Animation's 'Home' Moves Back

DreamWorks Animation has announced a change in date. Home which was originally expected to be release November 26, is now replaced to the Penguins of Madagascar. Home is moved back to March 27, 2015.

Penguins of Madagascar, 2014

Dawn Taubin, Chief Marketing Officer at DreamWorks Animation says:

“We will continue to be as flexible as necessary when it comes to our release dates.  We see a unique opportunity for our next two films by having the Penguins of Madagascar move onto November 26 of this year and Home move onto March 27, 2015.  We’re confident that this date switch gives both of our upcoming releases the largest opportunity for success.”

When I first read about this news, I was curious. Why? I think DreamWorks Animation has more confidence in Penguins of Madagascar and thought Home needed more time.

What do you think?

Review #47 | The Iron Giant

"I am now the coolest kid in America". I am glad the kid found the iron giant.

The Iron Giant, 1999

A boy's best friend is his robot in this animated adventure from Brad Bird, best known for his TV work on such series as The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and The Critic. Set in 1957, The Iron Giant focuses on Hogarth (voice of Eli Marienthal), an imaginative nine-year-old boy who daydreams of alien invasions and doing battle with Communist agents. One day, Hogarth hears a local fisherman talk about something that surpasses anything he could dream up: a fifty-foot robot that fell from the sky into a nearby lake. Needless to say, Hogarth's mom, Annie (voice of Jennifer Aniston) finds this a little hard to swallow, but when Hogarth finds the robot (voice of Vin Diesel) and fishes him out of the water, his pal Dean (voice of Harry Connick Jr.), a beatnik sculptor who also runs a junkyard, offers to help by hiding the robot with his salvage. A government agent named Kent Mansley (voice of Christopher McDonald) soon gets wind that there's a mechanical invader of unknown origins in the neighborhood and wants to wipe out the potential threat. However, the robot (which loves to eat metal and is learning to talk) turns out to be friendly, and the boy in turn tries to teach his new pal the ways of humans. The Iron Giant is loosely based on the book The Iron Man by late British poet Ted Hughes, previously adapted for the stage by rock musician Pete Townshend, who executive produced the film.

The Iron Giant is a movie that really captures the good humor with some great character animation satisfies the general audience. I really loved those funny moments the movie captures. Although the animation is not very smooth at times, wow, what a great job creating facial expressions on Hogarth’s mother.

As for the story, it was good and it didn't seem absurd. They really made it believable and understandable. At the end it is fun and great!

Inside Outside Rating: 86%

Big Hero 6 Teaser Trailer in for May 22

Walt Disney Animation Studios announced a teaser trailer to debut online on May 22, 2014.

Big Hero 6, 2014

We can finally take a glimpse on the feel of the movie. Big Hero 6 is set to be released on November 7, 2014.

Toy Story of TERROR! Blu-Ray Announced!

I haven't seen Toy Story of TERROR! on TV so this is very exciting news for me to finally see it. Toy Story of TERROR! arrives on Blu-Ray along with previous Toy Story Toons on August 19, 2014.

Toy Story of TERROR!, 2013

Are you excited about this?

The LEGO Movie is Available on Digital HD Sooner!

Looks like we are going to be able to watch The LEGO Movie sooner than latter on Digital HD. On Easter Warner Bros. announced it to come on June 17 but it looks like we can download it on May 20 on Digital HD!

The LEGO Movie, 2014

Now, who's excited? You can pre-order it on iTunes!

HTTYD2 is Getting Positive Early Reviews!

The upcoming ambitious animated feature from DreamWorks Animation is turning out to be something special.

How to Train Your Dragon 2, 2014

The critics are praising the movie for it's amazing story. Drew McWeeny, from HITFIX said: 

With this second film in the series, Dean DeBlois (who both wrote and directed the movie) has turned this into the most exciting overall property that DreamWorks has, live-action or animated. The film has an immediate confidence, and they don't spend much time trying to explain the first film. This is a sequel that has its own story to tell and that gets right down to it, and it expands on the ideas from the first film, but in a way that tells a thematically satisfying and complete story. In other words, this is how franchises are supposed to work.

I was worried how DreamWorks Animation would carry out the success of the first movie, but so fortunately it turns out be a great sequel that will serve as a model for other studios to look up to.

Review #46 | Up

This is an another level of Pixar's masterpiece that has everything you.., Squirrel!

UP, 2009

A feisty septuagenarian teams with a fearless wilderness ranger to do battle with a vicious band of beasts and villains in this computer-animated adventure scripted by Pixar veteran Bob Peterson and co-directed by Peterson and Monsters, Inc. director Peter Docter. Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old balloon salesman. His entire life, Carl has longed to wander the wilds of South America. Then, one day, the irascible senior citizen shocks his neighbors by tying thousands of balloons to his home and finally taking flight. But Carl isn't alone on his once-in-a-lifetime journey, because stowed away on his front porch is an excitable eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell. Later, as the house touches down on the world's second largest continent, Carl and his unlikely traveling companion step outside to discover that not only is their new front lawn considerably larger, but that the predators therein are much more ferocious than anything they ever faced back home.

This is why Pixar has a high up standard expectations. You can’t think about Pixar the same way after this movie. One of the most comedic and heartfelt movies Pixar has ever done. Pixar has proved that heartfelt movies can be funny and sweet at the same time.

This is one of the best works of Pixar so far. Along with Toy Story 3, UP has something really special that teaches us to let go of the past because it does not matter now. It really draws us to the characters and makes us care for what happens to them.

Although the designs for the characters are simple the emotions each character has is something deep.  The animation is beautiful from beginning to end. The music is also top notched. Really works well with the emotions and the feel of the movie. It wouldn't be the same without the music.

From a small grandfather to Paradise Falls, this movie has everything you want to see in a movie.

Inside Outside Rating: 96%

Review #45 | Mary and Max

Mary and Max was not great experience for my case but it does have its own colors. This will be a short review of the movie. (I'm so lazy!)

Mary and Max, 2009

Academy Award-winning Harvie Krumpet director Adam Elliot returns to the world of clay animation with this simple tale of the innocent correspondence between a portly eight year old girl from the suburbs of Melbourne and a morbidly obese, middle-aged Jewish New Yorker suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. On the surface it would seem that Mary (Toni Collette) and Max (Philip Seymour Hoffman) would have little in common, but over the course of twenty years, the unlikely pen pals exchange letters discussing everything from taxidermy, trust, pets, religion, obesity, autism, agoraphobia, alcoholism, and just about any other topic that comes to mind as they sit down and put pen to paper. Barry Humphries and Eric Bana provide additional voices.

It is a very mature artistic film but has no place for kids. It had lots of comedy and humor and at one point it goes too far. Mary and Max is a well-crafted film that has a wonderful screenplay and does great to picture the films color.

I wouldn't recommend it to kids for they won’t find this fun.

Inside Outside Rating: 74% 

Review #44 | Castle in the Sky

There are something special to the Studio Ghibli films, and that can be found in the studio's first imaginative film, Castle in the Sky.

Castle in the Sky, 1986

A young boy and a girl with a magic crystal must race against pirates and foreign agents in a search for a legendary floating castle.

Castle in the Sky is an imaginative compelling animated treat but the running time gets too long and like most sci-fi films go… it does not reach to a satisfying ending. The first act is filled with action and makes us curious about what is going on and then it kind of lags behind.

The world of Laputa is well established and we get to journey through this creative experience. The problem with this movie is that it did great to entertain us all through two hours of amazing shots but fails to come up with a satisfying ending.

Inside Outside Rating: 69%

Review #43 | Robots

Blue Sky Studios' Robots is more comedic than appealing and is imaginative and good for a laugh.

Robots, 2005

For this follow-up to their mega-hit Ice Age, directors Carlos Saldanha and Chris Wedge team with the screenwriting duo behind Parenthood and City Slickers, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel. Robots stars Ewan McGregor as the voice of Rodney Copperbottom, an idealistic robot who wants to convince his electronic brethren to come together and work toward making the world a better place. As the story unfolds, Rodney faces opposition from an evil corporation headed by Big Weld (Mel Brooks) and finds some unlikely allies in the form of a ragtag group of misfit robots called the Rusties and voiced by the likes of Drew Carey and Amanda Bynes. Stanley Tucci and Dianne Wiest provide the voices of Rodney's parents, and Halle Berry portrays his love interest, Cappy.

It won’t measure up to the A list story telling but the visuals and comedic parts make up to the slightly boring story. This movie has heart even though it is a story about robots. It tries to put the comedy and sometimes it seems forced. If it was me I would put all the comedic elements aside for the sake of the story and the moments.

The movie’s strong point was the world of Robot City; it is so vast and complicated. Other than that it does poorly on developing the characters. The character like Madame Gasket is very nice to look at, and the scene of domino falling one after another in Bigweld’s dwelling place was awesome.

It has a moral of following your dreams but does poorly to make the story appealing even though they had some funny moments; it significantly loses points on good story telling.

Inside Outside Rating: 66%

Review #42 | Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is a follow up sequel to Tinker Bell and with the better established characters and the world of Tinker Bell, it has improved in storytelling.

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, 2009

This animated adventure follows the tiny pixie from Peter Pan Tinker Bell as she bands together with her fairy friends to create the famous Fall Scepter - a magical and important task, that will restore the world's supply of fairy dust, and set things right in Pixie Hollow for another year.

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is a delightful sequel to Tinker Bell and in my opinion better than the first one. In this movie it the team did a great job of forming a relationship between Tinker Bell and the ‘dust-keeper’ Terence.

The movie is for younger kids but it does a great job of telling a good story with unexpected final touches. I should also praise the animators for the comedic impressions they have made with Tinker Bell. Some moment are hilarious and really forms the characters alive.

It has a firm world where the audiences know what’s going on and really take off the journey with Tinker Bell. At the end, you get care and root for the main protagonist. It was a great decision at the end to pull the story to a better conclusion, not making the wish come true magically but to fix what was wrong and to admit that you were wrong and needed to ask for forgiveness.

Favorite Quote: (Terrence) Well, you know, every dust-keeper's gotta study dustology

Inside Outside Rating: 69%

Legends of Oz Opens

Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return opened in theaters in the U.S. on May 9. Unfortunately the critics are giving unfavorable reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Here is the consensus:

Faced with the choice between staying in or seeing Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return, most filmgoers will be forced to conclude that there's no place like home.

Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return, 2014

Despite the negative reviews I think everyone should check it out for it will feature some great songs, and that will be a delight!

'Inside Out' Screening to Take Place at Annecy

The upcoming movie Inside Out, is to be screened at Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2014 on June 10 in France. Annecy is a festival for animated films and shorts worldwide occurring annually in France where various animated cartoons compete in categories such as feature films, short films, films produced for television and advertising, student films and films made for the internet.

Inside Out, 2015

What caught me was that my most anticipated upcoming feature film Inside Out is going be screened there. We don't know what they will show there but we can finally get a sneak peek of what the movie will look like. Pete Docter, the director, who previously worked on Monsters, Inc. and UP,  is an amazing person who makes great films. I do have high hopes for this one. We have said goodbye to Andy but that doesn't mean Pixar should leave the legacy behind and fall back, is it?

I believe Inside Out will bring back the heart out of Pixar that made it famous for. Inside Out is scheduled for the summer of 2015.

Review #41 | Alice in Wonderland

Alice goes through a lot in her dreams and yet finds no problem with that. Now, that's a character!

Alice in Wonderland, 1951

This Disney feature-length cartoon combines the most entertaining elements of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Chasing after the White Rabbit, who runs into view singing "I'm Late! I'm Late!," Alice falls down the rabbit hole into the topsy-turvy alternate world of Wonderland. She grows and shrinks after following the instructions of a haughty caterpillar, attends a "Very Merry Unbirthday" party in the garden of the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, stands in awe as the Cheshire Cat spouts philosophy, listens in rapt attention as Tweedledum and Tweedledee relate the story of the Walrus and the Carpenter (a sequence usually cut when Alice is shown on TV), and closes out her day with a hectic croquet game at the home of the Red Queen.

It is truly a fascinating wonderland that Alice has gone in. Alice in Wonderland is full of imagination that would never happen in real life. It makes us wonder and laugh. The movie has episodic plot lines but works well as a whole movie. It introduces to many places and characters with distinctive characteristics.

Movies like these don’t ever rust, and that’s why they’re called 'the classics'. It is such a special movie because it feels unique and original that only animation can do and imagine. It might not have that typical story ‘…and she lived happily ever after’ but it does prove to be very entertaining and creative.

This silly, absurd animated feature film works fine with comedy and truly brings smiles and laughs to the audience.

Inside Outside Rating: 78%

Review #40 | Superman: Doomsday

Today I set a new milestone in my animated life (?) by watching Superman: Doomsday and guess what? It was pretty cool. I enjoyed the experience. Superman: Doomsday is the first feature film of the 'DC Universe Animated Original Movies'.

Superman: Doomsday, 2007

When Lexcorp accidentally unearths the intergalactic serial killer Doomsday, Superman battles the creature head on in the fight of his life...literally. The world collectively mourns their fallen hero; humanity realizes it will never feel truly safe again. Superman's enemies rejoice - all but, Lex Luthor, who grieves the loss in his own demented manner, setting off a chilling chain of events that even he couldn't have foreseen.

Inspired by the bestselling graphic novel of all time, DC Comics' The Death of Superman, this feature-length animated movie boasts exciting action sequences that rival anything you've ever seen starring the Man of Steel!

I had no idea what to expect with this movie watching it for the first time (in forever) but at the end it was an enjoyable experience. I was never a Superman fan and knew nothing about the Superman origin. It was confusing at first but it all came together in the end.

The movie starts out with big action fighting scene and then Superman dies very early on. I had thought he probably will rise up again and save the day, which was true but I have never thought it would have more complicated plot lines.

If you love big explosions and action movies, then this is an amazing extension of it. You might want to add it to your watch list. Have you seen the movie? Let me know in the comments below what you thought about the film.

Inside Outside Rating: 62%

Review #39 | Hercules

Pop culture of the 90's meets Greek mythology, Hercules. With Meg, Hades, and Hercules, this movie is mighty good.

Hercules, 1997

Disney's animation team dipped into the rich well of ancient mythology for this musical comedy. The son of Greek gods Zeus (voice of Rip Torn) and Hera (Samantha Eggar), Hercules (voice of Josh Keaton) is stolen as a boy by the minions of Hades (voice of James Woods), lord of the underworld. Forced to live among humans, Hercules is turned into a half-god and half-mortal after drinking a forbidden potion brewed by Hades' right hand men, Pain (voice of Bob Goldthwait) and Panic (voice of Matt Frewer). Now Hercules has the remarkable strength of a god, but is trapped in the body of a human, and before he learns how to use his power properly he goes through a typically adolescent awkward period. In order to become a god and return to his home on Mount Olympus, Hercules must prove himself a true hero on Earth. With the assistance of Philotes (voice of Danny De Vito), a plucky satyr known as "Phil," the grown-up Hercules (voice of Tate Donovan) learns to use his strength to his advantage and becomes a famous and benevolent protector of those around him, successfully battling a variety of gods and monsters. However, Hades, wanting to cut Hercules down to size, sends his secret weapon after him -- Megara (voice of Susan Egan), a seductively beautiful woman under Hades' control, who is to win Hercules' heart and render him helpless against the forces of the underworld. Acclaimed British cartoonist Gerald Scarfe served as production designer for this project, while Alan Menken wrote the musical score. Incidentally, for the Spanish language version of the film, Latin pop singer Ricky Martin provided the singing voice of Hercules, two years before he became a chart-topping sensation in America with his hit single "Livin' la Vida Loca."

Hercules is a film that shows the rich pop culture of that time and makes a mythology seem so modern. The story has some silly points but all in all it is an epic film of true hero stuff. With sassy entertaining character like ‘Meg’ the movie seems to outdo itself.

The animation feels fast paced and uses a lot of ‘squash and stretches’ and exaggerations. With a clever screenplay and awesome music and lyrics combined, it overcomes silliness off some meek characters pass away as a joke.

Disney’s main theme, ‘dream coming true’ is translated in a modern Disney style. Also the movie has introduced us to some great characters as well as some silly forgettable characters. The villains, especially Hades, are an iconic villain characters in the Disney universe. Meg is also an original female character that never before seen in an animated feature but to one that can be related too.

This is Disney. If you see Hercules you’ll see what Walt Disney Animation Studios does and how the stories they tell refer to real life.

Inside Outside Rating: 83%

Review #38 | The Rescuers

If filmmakers of The Avengers want to capture big and cool action packed scenes, the animation industries can capture the smallest things and make it important.

The Rescuers, 1977

Two fantasy novels by Margery Sharp were combined for in the Disney animated feature The Rescuers. The title characters are a pair of mice, Bernard and Miss Bianca. A little girl named Penny has been kidnapped by Miss Medusa. When the human law enforcement officials fail to locate the child, Bernard and Miss Bianca take over with the help of several colorful animal companions. In classic Disney tradition, the comedy element is offset by moments of genuine terror. Voices are provided by Bob Newhart (Bernard), Eva Gabor (Miss Bianca), Geraldine Page (Madame Medusa), Jim "Fibber McGee" Jordan, John McIntire, George "Goober" Lindsay, Joe Flynn (who died in 1974, not long into the four-year production), and a host of others.

The Rescuers is a unique Disney film that has suspense and story. I really enjoyed watching this movie. This is the movie that I didn't get to watch when I was a kid, and it was amazing to see that it still had that fun in the movie.

The music sets up the mood of the film and the characters are, like most Disney films, fantastic. Each character explains itself. The story of a small mouse rescue team makes us wonder how they will ever rescue anyone.

The animation used in this movie is not the best Disney has offered. The colors are dark and the characters facial features change. Despite all that, the animation looks appealing and watchable.

The Rescuers might seem old fashioned but sometimes we need to look back to those rich animated qualities of the past.

Inside Outside Rating: 74%

Review #37 | Toy Story

Toy Story is the beginning of a new era in animation history. It will remembered through the ages. The characters such as Woody and Buzz became iconic characters that will last forever.

Toy Story, 1995

Toy Story was the first feature-length film animated entirely by computer. If this seems to be a sterile, mechanical means of moviemaking, be assured that the film is as chock-full of heart and warmth as any Disney cartoon feature. The star of the proceedings is Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy belonging to a wide-eyed youngster named Andy. Whenever Andy's out of the room, Woody revels in his status as the boy's number one toy. His supremacy is challenged by a high-tech, space-ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who, unlike Woody and his pals, believes that he is real and not merely a plaything. The rivalry between Woody and Buzz hilariously intensifies during the first half of the film, but when the well-being of Andy's toys is threatened by a nasty next-door neighbor kid named Sid -- whose idea of fun is feeding stuffed dolls to his snarling dog and reconstructing his own toys into hideous mutants -- Woody and Buzz join forces to save the day. Superb though the computer animation may be, what really heightens Toy Story are the voice-over performances by such celebrities as Tom Hanks (as Woody), Tim Allen (as Buzz), and Don Rickles (as an appropriately acerbic Mr. Potato Head). Director John Lasseter earned a special achievement Academy Award, while Randy Newman landed an Oscar nomination for his evocative musical score.

Toy Story is a computer animated masterpiece that is entertaining through the ages. Andy and Sid have creative minds when playing with toys. The characters are iconic that will live through the ages. The story is imaginative and scary to the point of being fun. The heart of the movie tells us a great story with pointing out what is important in life.

The animation used in this movie is very good as to dealing with toys. The state of in each character is plainly seen through their expressions. It has humor and feelings that make the toys truly alive.

This movie started a studio called Pixar and went to infinity and beyond. Toy Story is the beginning of a new age of animation and will be remembered as one of the great masterpieces the history left.

Inside Outside Review: 88%

Review #36 | Cinderella

I think there are movies that just disagree with my body unlike other people. It just doesn't work well. Although I consider Cinderella to be a fine movie, it just never had an appeal to me.

Cinderella, 1950

Cinderella was Walt Disney's return to feature-length "story" cartoons after eight years of turning out episodic pastiches like Make Mine Music and Three Caballeros. A few understandable liberties are taken with the original Charles Perrault fairy tale (the wicked stepsisters, for example, do not have their eyes pecked out by crows!) Otherwise, the story remains the same: Cinderella, treated as a slavey by her selfish stepfamily, dreams of going to the Prince's ball. She gets her wish courtesy of her Fairy Godmother, who does the pumpkin-into-coach bit, then delivers the requisite "be home by midnight" warning. Thoroughly enchanting the prince at the ball, our heroine hightails it at midnight, leaving a glass slipper behind. The Disney people do a terrific job building up suspense before the inevitable final romantic clinch. Not as momentous an animated achievement as, say, Snow White or Fantasia, Cinderella is a nonetheless delightful feature, enhanced immeasurably by the introduction of several "funny animal" characters (a Disney tradition that has held fast into the 1990s, as witness Pocahontas), and a host of a sprightly songs, including "Cinderelly," "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," and -- best of all -- "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo."

Cinderella is mildly fun in my opinion and the songs less memorable than other Disney movies. The animation is not as beautiful as Snow White, for the colors used in this movie were so simple. The characters are neither memorable nor entertaining.

It does have its own charms and the story has a significant message. I’ll have to add that the ‘King’ was actually quite funny. All in all, I bet it could have been made better.

Inside Outside Rating: 61%

The Untitled Smurfs Movie Pushed Back a Year

Previously this year Sony Pictures Animation announced what actually was supposed to be The Smurfs 3 to be wholly animated. Well, now we've got the news that it won't be a sequel or a prequel but something new and original. Director, Kelly Asbury, noted that the reason to moving the date was to deliver better quality movie and I am sure that this is what the movie needs.

Untitled Smurfs Movie, 2016 

Read what Kelly Asbury said via Smurfs Blog Production:

I’m happy to report that I’ve gotten confirmation from Sony Pictures Entertainment that my UNTITLED SMURFS MOVIE has a new release date: it will be coming out internationally in July 2016 and in the USA on August 5, 2016, one year later than originally planned when this project was initially conceived as a live action / animation hybrid SMURFS 3. This is a great thing for my team and me, since we are performing such a major re-imagining of the Smurf universe into a more Peyo look. We have lots of story, visual development, character designs and rigs, environments, assets, props…everything…and we need this added new production time to “get all our Smurfs in a row” and make the best movie possible. 

Remember, this is not a sequel nor a prequel. It’s a whole NEW Smurf adventure! As a director, I’m very grateful to be given the proper time to make the movie I want to make and not have to compromise the quality on any front. Most all animated features, especially those from major studios, require at least 3 - 4 years to make (some far longer), and while this Smurfs movie will still be on a faster track than most, I’m really happy Sony has made this important decision. Quality is a huge priority and it is no small task to achieve, especially on an animated feature. 

This all new Smurfs movie deserves the best, and Sony obviously knows and respects that. 

So onward and Smurfward to summer 2016! 

Review #35 | Saludos Amigos

Saludos Amigos! This is a package film with four segments that focuses on Latin America.

Saludos Amigos, 1942

This 43-minute animated feature is Walt Disney's contribution to the wartime "Good Neighbor Policy" between the USA and Latin America. Opening with live-action footage of Disney and his staff (referred to by the narrator as a "group of artists and musicians") heading off to South America to glean material for a new cartoon project, the film then segues into the misadventures of American tourist Donald Duck at Lake Titicaca. Moving down to Chile, the audience is entertained by the story of Pedro the little airplane, who vows to deliver the mail through the treacherous mountain ranges between Santiago and Mendoza. In the Argentine Pampas, our old friend Goofy tries to acclimate himself to the life of a Gaucho. The best sequence is reserved for last: the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, with an animated paintbrush guiding Donald Duck and his South American counterpart Jose Carioca on a surrealistic, samba-rhythmed tour of Brazil.

Saludos Amigos is an informative cartoon of the early ages that introduces to the culture of Latin American in four short different segments. If you want to know and see what the artists do for a living like me, you will want to check out this movie.

It starts out with live action documentary style with a narrator explaining the journey to Latin America. It has a lot funny puns throughout the 40 minute film, so I did enjoy that. What I found interesting was in the second segment of the movie the narrator introduces to Pedro the airplane and he reminded me of Dusty in Planes.

Although it does not have anything as a whole story there are bits and pieces of great informative information and you can also have look on the sketches of the artists of that time. I recommend this to anyone interested in Latin America or in Disney.

Inside Outside Rating: 47%

Legends of Oz Promises Great Music

The music in animated films played a big role since the very beginning. Beauty and the Beast surprised the world and raised the quality of animated films. Not too long ago Frozen, which dominated box office and became the highest grossing animated film of all time, was a musical. The upcoming movie Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return seems to follow that medium and promises to deliver great music.

Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return open in theaters on May 9.

Review #34 | Rio 2

Blue Sky Studios is getting better and delivers beautiful animated feature film that in my opinion is better than its predecessor.

Rio 2, 2014

It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in Rio 2, after they're hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all - his father-in-law. All our favorite Rio characters are back, and they're joined by Oscar nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy winner Bruno Mars, Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy/Tony winner Rita Moreno. Rio 2 also features new Brazilian artists and original music by Janelle Monae and Wondaland.

Rio 2 surprises to be a sequel that works really well. It has better comedy than its first movie and it turns out to be so entertaining that makes me be forgiving in my judgment. Although the story-lines of Rio 2 seem simple and familiar, thanks to the beautiful animation and sweet comedy Blu soars high in the air.

What I like about this movie is that it has the Blue Sky Studios feeling in it. From anticipating moments to laughable comical characters, Rio 2 has all the entertainment for the audience to watch. Throughout the movie you start care about Blu and understand his situation and you see his love for Jewel through his decisions.

Side characters and sub plots work well Rio 2 as in Ice Age. The animals that audition are hilarious and I love when films capture these scenes (Turtles are the best!). In the end I felt sympathetic for Nigel, which was surprise because I never cared about him in the first movie. However in Rio 2 he is so pathetic that you’ll only feel sorry for him.

Watching it in 3-D was a treat. It looked so good. Once again I’ll have to say the animation in Rio 2 is pitch perfect and with great musical numbers, stunning human character designs and beautiful sequences it looks to be a successful movie.

Inside Outside Review: 85%

Review #33 | Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a an animated musical with such memorable songs like 'Gaston', 'Be Our Guest', 'Something There', and 'Beauty and the Beast'. This movie thrives high into entertaining the audience. It is filled with magical character that will last for ages.

Beauty and the Beast, 1991

The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O'Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who's taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle's enchanted staff-a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others-and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast's exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Where to begin..? Beauty and the Beast is a classic tale as old as time. It is one of the best musical animated features of all time. The music blends in with the animation medium and it is as if the music tells its story through animation.

The characters are lovely and the story is wonderful and it never gets old. The animation is stunning even until now. If I have to be critical, I will say that the animation is slightly off the top notch perfect film because the characters facial parts of Belle change slightly in the movie.

The special edition was probably the only fault of this movie. The original version is better because it is to the point. What makes the special edition less entertaining is that it makes the story lag behind when it needs not to. It was absolutely unnecessary to put the ‘human again’ sequence in it.

Beauty and the Beast is one of the best of Disney classics and a very good tale to remember and watch again and again. It is funny, joyful, and lovely. It is a tale to remember.

Inside Outside Rating: 91%

Animating Bambi

Bambi was one of the earliest animated films made from Disney studio. To make Bambi more realistic, the artists and the animators did a lot of research.

Bambi, 1942

The animators visited the Los Angeles Zoo and Disney set up a small zoo at the studio with animals such as rabbits, ducks, owls, and skunks, and a pair of fawns named Bambi and Faline so that the artists could see first-hand the movement of these animals. (Wikipedia)