Film Review: TOY STORY 3 (2010) – [3rd Re-watch]

Director: Lee Unkrich
Writers (Story): John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich
Writer (Screenplay): Michael Arndt
Running time: 103 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Drama
UK Release date: 19^th July 2010

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 19^th August 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

NOTE: What follows is my original review of the film when I first saw it in July 2010 with a few additions. It recently showed again on TV and I must love this film a lot because I felt I should see it yet again (for the second time this year!). Fortunately my opinion has not changed, hence yet another repeat outing for this review (with a couple of alterations). It was good to watch it in the privacy of my own home because there was something in my eye towards the end and there was a handy box of tissues nearby… Hope you enjoy the review.

-o0o-

The toys are back for their third outing. And as the 3D debate rages on I took the high ground and stuck to the supposedly outmoded two dimensions for this one. After all that’s exactly the number of dimensions the screen has. But enough of this I hear you say, tell me more about the film.

Andy is growing up fast and is on his way to college soon. He has not played with his toys in quite a while and, quite frankly, they’re worried. With talk of the attic, and even worse, the trash, even Woody is getting apprehensive. Andy’s mum tells him to sort out his room, things for the attic, things to go to college with him and things to go out for the trash. His sister Molly also gets a box to put toys in to donate to the Sunnyside day-care centre (yes I know I used the English spelling, I’m English, what can I say?). By some mix-up all of Andy’s toys end up in the donation box, I won’t say how because I don’t want to spoil it. All seems very pleasant when they arrive. They are greeted by a bear called Lotso who is very nice to them, but all is not what it seems at Sunnyside. I think that’s enough of the plot to whet your appetite. You wouldn’t forgive me if I gave too much away would you and those Spoiler Police (Toys Division) are really strict these days.

As we have come to expect from Pixar, this is an exceptionally well made film with a great plot, endearing characters, lots of adventure, comedy and one or two tear-jerking moments along the way. I also have to give a mention to Randy Newman whose songs throughout the series have been tremendous, always fitting the mood perfectly, there’s even a Spanish number this time around! Great work, as ever, from the voice talents of, Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Ned Beatty as Lotso, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, Michael Keaton as Ken, Wallace Shawn as Rex, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Estelle Harris as Mrs. Potato Head, John Morris as Andy and Jodi Benson as Barbie.

Everything from the exciting opening sequence to the rather poignant ending works so perfectly. There are some great moments, like when Ken met Barbie for the first time, Mr. Potato Head as a tortilla and Buzz Lightyear in Spanish mode has to be seen to be believed! I really enjoyed this film and really engaged with the characters I know so well for the previous two films and found myself quite choked at the end. All three films have been tremendous and I really hope they don’t make a fourth, finish on a high guys!

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 9.3/10

IMDb Score: 8.5/10 (based on 229,809 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/

MetaScore: 92/100: (Based on 39 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 99/100 (based on 252 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 91/100 (based on 286,431 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/toy_story_3/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
[first lines]
[Mr. Potato Head, portraying One-Eyed Bart, jumps out of a train while carrying money sacks]
Mr. Potato Head: [laughs evilly] Ah, ha ha ha! Money, money, money!
[Woody lassoes a rope to grab the money from Mr. Potato Head's hands, then trips him]
Woody: You've got a date with justice, One-Eyed Bart!
Mr. Potato Head: Too bad, Sheriff! I'm a married man!
[Mrs. Potato Head jumps onto the train, giving karate yells]
Woody: One-Eyed Betty?
[Mrs. Potato Head chases Woody across the train tops, then uses nunchucks to knock him off. As the Potato Heads look and laugh evilly, Woody suddenly reappears, riding Bullseye with Jessie]
Jessie: I think you dropped something, mister!
Mr. Potato Head: Jessie?
Woody: Give it up, Bart! You've reached the end of the line!
Mr. Potato Head: I always wanted to go out with a bang!
[Mr. Potato Head presses a button on a remote, causing dynamite to blow up the bridge]
Jessie: Oh, no!
Woody: The orphans!
[cut to a group of Troll dolls riding the train]
Mr. Potato Head: Hate to leave early, but our ride is here!
[Three aliens drive up in a pink Barbie Corvette]
Aliens: Ooh!
Mr. Potato Head: It's me or the kiddies, Sheriff! Take your pick!
[the Potato Heads jump into the convertible and drive off]
Woody: Ride like the wind, Bullseye!

Buzz Lightyear: Hold on, this is no time to be hysterical!
Hamm the Piggy Bank: This is the perfect time to be hysterical.
Rex the Green Dinosaur: Should we be HYSTERICAL?
Slinky Dog: No!
Mr. Potato Head: Yes!
Buzz Lightyear: Maybe! But not right now!
Hamm the Piggy Bank: C'mon. Let's go see how much we're going for on eBay.

Lotso: Ken? New toys!
Ken: Far out! Down in a jiff, Lotso.
[goes down the elevator]
Ken: So, who's ready for Ken's dream tour?
Lotso: Let's show our new friends where they'll be staying!
Ken: Uh, folks, if you'll just want to step right this way...
[he sees Barbie]
Ken: Hi, I'm Ken.
Barbie: Barbie. Have we ever met?
Ken: I would have remembered.
[she laughs]
Ken: Love your leg warmers!
Barbie: Nice ascot!
Lotso: Come on, Ken, recess don't last forever.
Ken: Right on, Lotso. This way everybody.
Lotso: Got a lot to look forward to, folks. The little ones love new toys.
Buzz Lightyear: What a nice bear!
Rex the Green Dinosaur: And he smells like strawberries.
Woody: Ugh.

[last lines]
Woody: So long... partner.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site (US): http://disney.go.com/toystory/
Official Site (UK): http://www.disney.co.uk/toy-story/#characters
Trailer:

Film Review: PUSS IN BOOTS (2011)

Director: Chris Miller
Writers: Charles Perrault (Character), Tom Wheeler (screenplay/story), Brian Lynch (story), William Davies (Story)
Running Time: 90 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Adventure
UK Release Date: 9^th December 2011

Watched on Sky+ Friday 17^th August 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

As a cat lover I felt I couldn’t pass on a chance to see this one. For me, Puss in Boots was always one of my favourite characters in the Shrek movies and so a spin-off was inevitable. Did it live up to expectations?... Well, I’ll tell you after this very brief summary.

In this film we hear about the early years of Puss; how he was brought up in an orphanage and about his childhood best friend Humpty Dumpty. It all went sour when Humpty duped Puss into helping him on a bank job that theft him in jail and Puss on the run. They had not spoken for many years when they are brought together by one Kitty Softpaws; a feline femme fatal if ever I saw one! Humpty wants Puss to help him pull the ultimate heist, he wants to steal the magic beans, grow the beanstalk and lift the golden goose. The trouble is the beans are in the possession of the notorious Jack and Jill! Can they get the beans, grow the stalk, steal the goose and restore Puss’s reputation? Well, I think you probably guessed it; I’m not going to tell you here. The Spoiler Police (Storybook Division) are getting tougher since they had training from the Grimms.

Well animated with a nice musical score by Henry Jackman; the quality of the picture is great as well (no 3D here). Performance wise; well it wouldn’t be Puss in Boots without the voice of Antonio Banderas in the starring role, and he really nailed it again here! Salma Hayek did a very decent job as Kitty Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis was adequate as Humpty Dumpty (more on him later). Honourable mentions go to; Billy Bob Thornton as Jack, Amy Sedaris as Jill, Constance Marie as Imelda and Guillermo del Toro as Moustache Man/Comandate.

Although, in parts it was pretty funny and there were some nice one-liners and the usual subtle references to other movies; I felt there was something missing (apart from Shrek… and Donkey…etc). At the end of the day I put it down to the fact that I didn’t find the character of Humpty Dumpty very convincing. His motivations seemed very vague for the amount of effort he put in. This aside, it’s well made, pretty enjoyable and it’s got Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots! Could have been better though.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED (just).

My Score 6.4/10

IMDb Score: 6.7/10 (based on 49,821 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0448694/

MetaScore: 65/100: (Based on 24 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 83/100 (based on 136 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 70/100 ‘Liked It’ (based on 66,712 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1209933-puss_in_boots/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Puss in Boots: You have made the cat angry. You do not want to make the cat angry!

Kitty Softpaws: That's a lot of heel for a guy, don't you think?

Humpty Dumpty: First rule of Bean Club, don't talk about Bean Club. The second rule of Bean Club... don't talk about Bean Club.

Jill: [dangles Puss over a canyon] Is it true a cat always lands on its feet?
Puss in Boots: No! That is just a rumour, spread by dogs!

Kitty Softpaws: [In a calm voice] You owe me.
Puss in Boots: I owe you?
Kitty Softpaws: [starts to flirt with Puss] Uh-huh. You hit me in the head with a guitar.
Puss in Boots: I, uh, regret the guitar.
Kitty Softpaws: Okay, I forgive you.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.pussinbootsthemovie.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: TEKKONKINKREET (2006)

[Original Title: Tekkon kinkurîto]

Director: Michael Arias
Writers: Taiyo Matsumoto (comic or Manga if you prefer), Anthony Weintraub (screenplay)
Running Time: 111 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12

Genre: Animation/Action/Adventure/Fantasy
Japan Release Date: 23^rd December 2006

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 11^th August 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I guess an anime with an American director is quite a rare thing. I’m no authority on the subject, but when this one came up in the listings I decided to give it a look, as much out of curiosity as anything else. I have seen quite a few anime films over the years, chiefly; I have to admit, from the rather excellent Studio Ghibli. This one was different, both in style and tone; much darker than many I’ve seen before with a very interesting plot. So what’s it about?... Here’s a very brief description.

Two young orphans, Kuro (Black) and Shiro (White) defend their home, Treasure City, against the Yakuza, who are moving in. Both are troubled in their own way and it appears that Black is looking after White, but appearances can be deceptive. When they are separated it sends Black on a downward spiral that it seems he will not get out of. Can White find a way to bring him back? Guess I had better not say any more or the Spoiler Police (Anime Division) will be drawing up something nasty for me.

A very interesting style to the animation; quite simplistic in a way, some of the cityscapes reminded me a little of the work of the artist L. S. Lowry. Still, great to look at and also quite a complex plot; maybe complex is the wrong word here, let’s say I found it quite complex but that may be because I was following it via the subtitles (never all that easy with a very wordy script). Performance-wise, I know it’s quite hard to tell in a foreign language, but I’ll give honourable mentions to the voice talents of; Kazunari Ninomiya as Kuro / Itachi, Yû Aoi as Shiro, Yûsuke Iseya as Kimura, Kankurô Kudô as Sawada and Min Tanaka as Suzuki.

Having read a few reviews I’ve noticed that several reviewers struggled to get into this one. I had no problem, although I did find some of the plot a little too far-fetched. Yes, it’s obviously set in a different world to our own but its roots seem very grounded here; the ‘flying men’ were (maybe) a step too far (for me). Having said that, I still found it quite satisfying and highly enjoyable! Certainly one I would watch again at some point; if just for the fantastic ‘minator’ sequence.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED.

My Score 7.3/10

IMDb Score: 7.5/10 (based on 4,507 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0831888/

MetaScore: 65/100: (Based on 9 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 72/100 (based on 18 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 32/100 ‘Want To See’ (based on 7,335 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tekon_kinkurito/

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http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Shiro: [opening lines] Paper money is bigger than metal money. Nine comes after eight. And Spring comes after winter, right, Black? Is that right? Black, when the sky turns black why do I feel so blue?

Suzuki: Unfortunately, your luck is waning. This is not a time to be greedy. Maintain the status quo.
Kimura: What's that, Mr. Suzuki?
Suzuki: Kimura, you believe in astrology?
Kimura: I believe in nothing.
Suzuki: Nothing, huh? At least believe in love, Kimura. Love is all you need.

Sawada: Cats? What cats?
Fujimura: Strays. Orphans. Delinquents who rule Treasure Town. They live by the law of the jungle. The city is their playground. Underestimate them and you'll kiss asphalt.

Shiro: Hey, Black, nighttime is sad. Guess it's because the dark makes me think about dying.
Kuro: Don't worry, White. Nobody will ever break us apart.

[repeated line]
Shiro: Be happy, Be happy

Jiccha: What is it about fire? So calm and peaceful but... inside, all power and destruction. It's hiding something. Just like people do. Sometimes you have to get close to find what's inside. Sometimes you have to get burned to see the truth.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Trailer:

Film Review: RIO (2011)

Director: Carlos Saldanha
Writers (Story): Carlos Saldanha, Earl Richey Jones & Todd Jones
Writers (Screenplay): Don Rhymer, Joshua Sternin, Jeffrey Ventimilia & Sam Harper
Running time: 92 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Comedy
UK Release date: 8^th March 2011

Watched on Sky+ Friday 1^st June 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

As a bit of a fan of animated films I felt I would be remiss if I left this one out and so I gave it a viewing this morning. Without doing anything extraordinary, it was entertaining enough but I did find it a little predictable I’m afraid. Having said that it did have a couple of good points which I will expand on after this very brief summary.

Blu is a rare blue macaw who was taken from the jungles of South America when he was still a chick. He is taken in by a young girl, Linda, having been transported thousands of miles to Minnesota (USA). The pair grows up together and are inseparable. Blu is very happy to be Linda’s pet and Linda cares for him very much. This all changes when a scientist from Brazil, Tulio, comes to Linda and asks her to bring Blu to Rio. The blue macaw is on the verge of extinction and they have found a female and want the pair of them to breed. After much heartache, Linda agrees to take Blu to Rio and this is where his adventures begin! There are good guys, bad guys, an evil cockatoo, a carnival, monkeys and even a drooling bulldog; but you don’t want to know all about that… It would be spoilers and them Spoiler Police (Rio Division) are cracking down hard these days.

A film clearly made for 3D (I saw it in 2D) and so the animation is very well done with pin sharp images. I can’t say the film was groundbreaking at all, but I guess the filmmakers were happy enough as I see a sequel is already in the pipeline. The performances were ok, although I did particularly like Jemaine Clement as the voice of the evil Nigel. Of the others, well, nobody really stood out; Jesse Eisenberg played the part he always plays as Blu and Anne Hathaway did a decent job as the feisty Jewel. Honourable mentions go to; Leslie Mann as Linda, Rodrigo Santoro as Tulio, Jamie Foxx as Nico, Will i Am as Pedro and Tracy Morgan as Liuz.

Although I found it a little formulaic and a tad too predictable I found I did engage with the characters eventually. To be honest, I found the human characters more interesting than the animals. The songs were not to my taste, but I will say they fitted the mood of the piece pretty well. I guess at the end of the day the film will be entertaining enough for the younger audience but I can’t see it being stuck in the DVD player too many times.

My score: 6.4/10

IMDb Score: 7.0/10 (based on 58,702 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1436562/

MetaScore: 63/100: (Based on 29 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 72/100 (based on 141 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 72/100 ‘Liked It’ (based on 73,872 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rio/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Blu: [as Tulio is making strange bird like noises in front of him] Linda! Little help here! Linda?
Linda: Wow! You're actually communicating!
Tulio: Yes! Yes! I introduced myself and shook my tail feathers counter clockwise, thus referring to his dominance.
Blu: [to himself] I did not get that at all.

Jewel: Aw, this is great. I'm chained to the only bird in the world who can't fly! Is there anything else I need to know?
Blu: Yes. I can't fly, I pick my beak, and once in a while I pee in the birdbath!

Jewel: Luiz is a bulldog?
Luiz: You got something against dogs?
Jewel: I do when they're drooling on me.
Luiz: It's a medical condition!

Pedro: Yippie-ki-yay, monkey-man!

Nigel: I don't care about your nicked knick-kacks. Your burgled baubles bore me.

Blu: This is the coolest place I've ever seen! You know, despite the obvious health code violations!
Rafael: Ha-ha! I like you, nothing you say makes any sense!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.rio-themovie.com/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riothemovie?ref=ts
Official Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RioMovie
Trailer:

Film Review: WALLACE & GROMIT: THE WRONG TROUSERS (1993)

A.K.A.: WALLACE AND GROMIT IN THE WRONG TROUSERS

Director: Nick Park
Writers: Nick Park, Bob Baker and Brian Sibley (additional contributions)
Running Time: 30 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Short/Comedy
UK Release Date: 26^th December 1993 (TV Premiere).

Watched on Sky+ Monday 9^th April 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having been hooked on the work of the Aardman studio since their first short ‘A Grand Day Out’ (1989), I was intrigued to see their second short at Christmas in 1993. Of course I’ve seen it many times since, but I thought I’d share my views on this excellent piece of work. It should come as no surprise that I like it (a lot) and it rates, along with ‘A Grand Day Out’, among my favourite animated films. I’ll give you a short critique after this brief summary.

It’s Gromit’s birthday and he’s feeling under-appreciated. Wallace has not only bought him a collar and lead, but also some ‘Techno-Trousers’ from NASA. Programmable so Gromit can go for walkies any time… Of course, Gromit isn’t exactly enthralled by the idea. On top of that, times are hard and Wallace has decided to let out a room. Unfortunately the tenant, a penguin, decides Gromit’s room is more to his taste and has also endeared himself to Wallace. Suspecting there’s something suspicious about this stranger, Gromit follows him and he discovers there is much more to this penguin than meets the eye… I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police will have me strapped into the wrong trousers (again).

Again brilliantly animated with all the little subtle touches that make Aardman films so great! Of course Peter Sallis does his usual excellent job of voicing Wallace. The plot is more complicated than the first film and it shows the ambition of the studio to progress. Some of the ideas are really crazy, but they work so well in this medium. For me, not quite as good as ‘A Grand Day Out’, but a very close second… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My Score: 9.2/10

IMDb Score: 8.5/10 (based on 27,036 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0108598/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 100/100 (based on 25 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 89/100 (based on 19,727 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wallace_and_gromit_the_wrong_trousers/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Wallace: Cracking toast, Gromit!

Wallace: They're techno-trousers, ex-NASA, fantastic for walkies!

Wallace: It's the wrong trousers Gromit, and they've gone wrong!

Wallace: No more lodgers - more trouble than they're worth!

[last lines]
Wallace: Ah, but I do like a bit of gorgonzola!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Aardman Site: http://www.aardman.com/
Trailer (fan made):

Film Review: WALLACE & GROMIT: A GRAND DAY OUT (1989)

A.K.A.: A GRAND DAY OUT WITH WALLACE AND GROMIT

Writer/Director: Nick Park
Running Time: 23 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Short/Adventure
UK Release Date(s): 1989 (British Short Film Festival) & 24^th December 1990 (TV Premiere).

Watched on Sky+ Monday 9^th April 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have seen this short film many times before and so I thought it was about time I gave my thoughts on it. It comes up regularly on TV here in the UK and so everyone here has plenty of opportunity to see it. I have loved it since I first saw it back in 1990. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

Wallace and Gromit have run out of cheese and it’s a bank holiday. They have been planning their holidays and so decide to combine their need for cheese with a little day trip… to the moon! Of course, everybody knows the moon is made of cheese. Designing and building a spaceship is no problem to this duo and soon they’re on their way… I won’t say any more or the Spoiler Police (Moon Division) will be impounding my spaceship (again).

Although the Aardman animation (or ‘claymation’ if you prefer) has improved over the years, I still really love the look and feel of this short. The voice of Peter Sallis as Wallace is perfect… I couldn’t imagine anyone else voicing the part. I find the comic timing works to a tea and the storyline is both wacky and brilliant. There are very few things that make me laugh out loud, but there are several jokes in this film that still crack me up even 22 years later! Long may the BBC keep showing it! For me… VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My Score: 9.5/10

IMDb Score: 7.8/10 (based on 12,962 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0104361/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 100/100 (based on 19 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 36/100 ‘Want to See’ (based on 12,098 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wallace_and_gromit_a_grand_day_out/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Wallace: No cheese, Gromit! Not a bit in the house!

Wallace: Gromit, that's it! Cheese! We'll go somewhere where there's cheese!
[Looks at "Cheese Holidays" magazine, then out window]
Wallace: Everybody knows the moon is made of cheese...

[Wallace and Gromit are on their spaceship, about to leave Earth]
Wallace: No crackers Gromit! We've forgotten the crackers!

[eating the moon]
Wallace: It's like no cheese I've ever tasted...

[a machine malfunctions]
Wallace: Well, what's wrong with this stupid...?
[it breaks down]
Wallace: [stunned slightly] Oh

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Aardman Site: http://www.aardman.com/
Clip:

Film Review: CORALINE (2009)

Director: Henry Selick
Writers: Neil Gaiman (book), Henry Selick (screenplay)
Running time: 96 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Fantasy
UK Release date: 8^th May 2009

Watched on DVD Sunday 25^th March 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is a film I have wanted to see for a long time. I’m a fan of animation, as some of you know, and this is one that, for one reason or another, always got pushed back in the viewing pile. Well, a window of opportunity finally opened this weekend and it got its long-awaited viewing. It was well worth the wait! I’ll give you my thoughts after this brief summary.

Coraline Jones lives with her parents in an old building that has been split into apartments. They have recently moved in and Coraline feels her parents have no time for her. She visits the, very eccentric, neighbours to relieve the boredom, but it is when a local boy, ‘Wybie’, gives her a doll he got from his grandmother that things really liven up for her. She finds a secret door behind the wallpaper that leads to another version of the building. There she has another mother and another father, but everyone has buttons for eyes. This does not seem to matter to Coraline as her ‘other’ parents have time to spend with her and they cook such wonderful meals! But nothing is ever quite what it seems… I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Animation Division) will be re-animating me (again).

Excellent stop-motion animation and a rather brilliant storyline are what I took from this film. I must admit I love the look and feel of it, so hats off to the designers and animators who put it together. I should give mention to the performances, although nobody really stood out, but honourable mentions go to the voice talents of; Dakota Fanning as Coraline Jones, Teri Hatcher as Mel Jones / Other Mother / Beldam, Jennifer Saunders as Miss April Spink / Other Spink, Dawn French as Miss Miriam Forcible / Other Forcible and Keith David as The Cat.

I really enjoyed this film; it may be a bit quirky for some, but I really liked the animation and the storytelling. This, combined with some great characters, makes for a very pleasurable experience. I was trying to think what it reminded me of, and the only thing I could think of was ‘Pans Labyrinth’, but only in a very superficial way. If you liked ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ then I’m sure you’ll love this!... Recommended.

My score: 8.5/10.

IMDb Score: 7.7/10 (based on 63,514 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0327597/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 90/100 (based on 231 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 77/100 (based on 317,343 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/coraline/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Wybie Lovat: I'm Wybie. Wybie Lovat.
Coraline Jones: Wybie?
Wybie Lovat: Short for Wyborn. Not my idea, of course. What'd you get saddled with?
Coraline Jones: I wasn't 'saddled' with anything. It's Coraline.
Wybie Lovat: Caroline what?
Coraline Jones: Coraline. Coraline Jones.
Wybie Lovat: Hm. It's not real scientific, but I heard an ordinary name like Caroline can lead people to have ordinary expectations about a person.

Coraline Jones: [blank] I almost fell down a well yesterday, Mom.
Mother: [typing] Uh-huh.
Coraline Jones: I would've died.
Mother: That's nice.

Other Mother: You know, you could stay forever, if you want to. There's one tiny thing we have to do first...

Coraline Jones: He's not drunk, Mom, he's just eccentric.

[last lines]
Coraline Jones: Welcome, Miss Lovat!
Wybie's Grandmother: Oh, hello.
Coraline Jones: I'm Coraline Jones. I've got so much to tell you.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://coraline.com/
Trailer: