Soul (2020)

The irresistibility of "Pixar" films is their charm and uniqueness. Audiences fawn over their films because of their ability to connect to audiences and leave an impact on them. The studios' recent hits like "Onward" and "Inside Out" are some of the studios' other features that have had an emotional intensity to them which made them a mature in nature film as well. This new film is another emotional film with stunning animation. 

It keeps getting more and more adult every time a new film from "Pixar" comes out and I don't see that changing any time soon because the studio has found a way to make films more grown-up than in years past. 

Starring in the film is Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Foxx stars as the lead protagonist, a band teacher who dreams of being a famous jazz musician. His performance in the film is entertaining, joyous, and exuberant in nature. It also comes across as comedic at times which is a plus. Tina Fey's character and performance are just as likable as her costar and it is just as comedic. 

Like with every film "Pixar" has made, the animation is dazzling and spectacular. This film remains within the range of dazzling animation and is as big of a spectacle as you would imagine a film from the studio to be. Director Pete Docter once again showing off his talent in this next "Pixar" film. The film shines everywhere. From the magical animation, the deep thought-provoking premise, and the music, this film is one of the other films in the mature-grown-up category of films from the studio. 

Scoring the magnificent film is  Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross. The trio of music makers creates a score that is jazzy and rhythm and blues. It also at times is electric and upbeat. The score is a perfect element to blend with the ambiance of the film altogether. 

Despite the unique and magic qualities of the film, I had noticed a few things I thought were offputting. These things include the character designs that I thought were wacky and unlike other films from the studio in the past. I also thought that the story, no matter the uniqueness of it is, I think it was a bit all over the place. It went everywhere without any idea to make sense of the film overall, which may throw viewers off a bit. 

One of the best things about animated films is their ability to enchant audiences with dazzling imagery and an interesting story. "Pixar" is no exception to this standard. With each and every film they make the animation and stories are all stellar beyond expectations. This film may fall a bit short of films before it, but it still is another solid animated feature from "Pixar". 

Poster courtesy of Disney-Pixar

Rate: B 

Director: Pete Docter 

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Daveed Diggs, June Squibb, and Questlove

MPAA Rating: PG (for some language and thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz -- and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have a soul.

Onward (2020)

The one thing both "Disney & Pixar" is phenomenal at, is being able to create utterly entertaining films. Their newest feature is nothing short of magic. They are able to craft a film like its fellow filmography, is as beautiful as you would expect from these two iconic movie studios. For years, the studios have created some of the most emotional movies ever. With blockbusters such as: "Up, The Lion King and Inside Out", this film is next up to those films in being one of their most emotional films to date. Not only is this film emotional and creative, but it is also their most adult-centered film yet. With its story and visual effects, "Onward", is a brilliantly laid out and executed film of emotional proportions. 

Director of the 2013 "Disney & Pixar" film "Monsters University", is Dan Scanlon. Scanlon returns to make yet another exciting film from the studio. He makes this film just as playfully magical as the rest of the studios' prior film entires. Scanlon's vision is executed flawlessly and with the help of a stellar voice cast, this film achieves the great honor of living up to the standard that all "Disney & Pixar" films do, is that they are all wonderful in their own way and that they each improve on every single feature that is released. I have no doubt that Scanlon's work here will be best regarded as one of the most adventurous and ambitious films yet.  It is beautifully animated, just like the studio's prior entries, and undoubtedly their most adult-themed story so far. 

With an all-star cast led by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt who team up once again for a film that is not part of "Marvel", but for their first film at "Pixar". They are quite a comedic duo. They each pull off being very likable and charming in this film but while also showing audiences thee reason we fall in love with the films that "Pixar & Disney"  make, its because they get actors that star in their films to have great chemistry. The same goes for this film, Holland and Pratt have exciting chemistry which makes the film all the more enjoyable. 

Starring alongside the two, are Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and Octavia Spencer. Louis-Dreyfuss plays the mother of Pratt and Hollands characters. Her part in this film is just as emotional as the two and she gives the film an extra kick to be just as entertaining as the two leads. While Spencer also plays a somewhat minor role, she is able to charm her way on the screen just as effectively as the rest of the cast. 

Scoring the film, are Mychael and Jeff Danna. With a film that is as magical as it is exciting and emotional, the duo is able to create a score that is as light and medieval as stories with this nature have. The sibling composers are able to charm audiences with a score that is as lighthearted and delicate as the film overall. 

Like I said earlier. this film is the most adult-themed film from the studio to date. Its emotional levity is what ultimately drives this film throughout the escapades of the characters and the mature nature of this film overall. I am sure that this film will impact audiences of all demographics because of the film's ability to connect audiences to a very emotional story. 

If there is one film that Disney & Pixar make that is both their most emotional and beautifully animated film this far, it is this film. And if there is any film that is made for adults, it is also this film. What this film does is indescribable too few words its that emotionally gripping. This film is yet another outstanding entry into the studios of both "Disney & Pixar". I have no doubt this film will enchant emotional audiences for ages to come. It is their most ambitious film yet and I cannot wait to see how future films from the studios compare to this one as far as emotional intensity is concerned. 

                                                                                                         Poster courtesy of Disney and Pixar 

Rate: A 

Director: Dan Scanlon 

Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Octavia Spencer, Lena Waithe, and John Ratzenberger 

MPAA Rating: PG (for action/peril and some mild thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 42 Minutes 

Synopsis: Teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with cryptic maps, impossible obstacles, and unimaginable discoveries. But when dear Mom finds out her sons are missing, she teams up with the legendary manticore to bring her beloved boys back home.

 

Coco (2017)

Pixars line of movies consists of this: What if Toys had feelings, What if Bugs had feelings, Cars, Feelings have feelings, and last: What if the dead had feelings? Pixars latest tackles the annual Mexican holiday Dia De Muertos aka "Day of the Dead". This festive celebration is when ancestors who have died go back to see their living relatives. Now if you ask me, this holiday sounds like it's a bunch of voodoo, but that's how I see it. Once I saw this film, I knew I'd get an education on this holiday, celebrated by millions.

This film may not have comedy, maybe a little, but, this film is a beautiful, colorful and detailed piece of work. Perhaps it is one of the most visually stunning films I have seen this year. What makes this film so colorful, is the detail and all that the film shows. It's truly something that is spectacular.

Director Lee Unkrich, works his way in this film gracefully and so authentically, that those who didn't know what this holiday is,  like I did before watching this, you will know. The nature of this film is dark, but it's presented in way that isn't too dark. only colorful. So colorful, that you 'll be wanting to go to the "Land of The Dead" just like our main character.

Veteran Pixar composer, Michael Giacchino, makes a festive, upbeat sound for the film. It goes hand-in-hand with the original songs in the film as well, which are also just as good as the score.

Our main character, Miguel, an aspiring musician, tries to participate in a show in his local town in Mexico, his family harps on his dreams to do so because the family is "cursed". His "great-great grandfather" a popular singer and musician Hector, has talents so big, that his double great grandson mistook him for another popular singer and musician. Anthony Gonzalez, plays Miguel. He does a really good job at capturing the essence of what the human experience yearns for. Goals. Dreams. Ambition. Destiny.

The only main problem I have with this film really, is that it seems to me that "Disney/Pixar" likes to include characters so dim witted that it's almost insulting to those real individuals who may have developmental disabilities. This all started with last years "Finding Dory"  with Gerald, a dim-witted sea lion who just wants to be accepted. This film, uses a dog, named Dante. It's one of the only beefs I have with this film, because of the recurring pattern here, and it needs to stop.

Are you ready for a cultural shock? Hang on, because you're about to experience an adventure unlike anything you've seen in cinema this year. The films mantra is "Seize Your Moment". This means you should take after anything you desire, even though others will try and stop you from being yourself and doing what you love. Pixars latest is a remarkable achievement, even if it suffers mildly for the mockery of the intellectually disabled. So, are you going to "Seize Your Moment"?

Rate: B+ 

Director: Lee Unkrich

Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia-Bernal, with Renee Victor and Alanna Ubach

MPAA Rating: PG-(for thematic elements) 

Synopsis: The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel Rivera who is accidentally transported to the land of the dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes 

Photo: Disney/Pixar

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Cars 3 (2017)

Pixar's "Cars" franchise has had it's ups-and-downs since its first outing back in 2006. Following the first film in the franchise, was a sequel that was the studio's worst reviewed and cost them an Oscar nomination the following year. And for good reason. The third installment of this lucrative series is much better than its 2011 predecessor. This third installment offers the same tone that of the first film and that is refreshing and satisfying for viewers.

 I'd say that this is a pretty big moment in the series. Originating back to the emotional roots of the first film, the third chapter is as emotional, quite possibly even more emotional than the first film that started it all. The story telling in this part of the saga is much more emotional and heartfelt than both of the films prior to this one.

Voicing favorites from the other films once again are, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and company all return to star. Also, this third feature, sees the voice talents of newcomers: Armie Hammer, the films antagonist, much like Chick Hicks of the first film. Cristela Alonzo, Nathan Fillion, and "Scandal's" Kerry Washington are superb at the emotional efforts brought into this film.

Some of franchise's prominent characters are barely used. It's kind of like they're there as a placeholder. But, I think that is so the new incoming characters the opportunity to grace the screen. This works well despite the lack of seeing veteran characters.

The film puts its heart and soul into a relationship between McQueen and new character Cruz Ramirez and it works phenomenally.  Director Brian Fee really focuses on that and how that impacts the surrounding characters.

Bittersweet moment for the film when unused audio of Paul Newmans Doc Hudson is used in this film. These moments when his character shows up via flashbacks or is mentioned is truly a shining and memorable part of this film.

As always, "Pixar"  dazzles in the color schemes and depth and detail. It's one of the few other reasons why the film is beautiful.

Ever since the first outing that kickstarted the engines to this saga 11 years ago,  has had its potholes to get back to where it started. This third feature, is as satisfying as the first film even though its approach may not contain as many laughs as the first film. But takes a more emotional and heartfelt approach.

Photo: Pixar/Disney

Rate: B

Director: Brian Fee 

Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, Paul Newman-via flashbacks 

MPAA Rating: G 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 49 Minutes 

Synopsis:  Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing's biggest stage!

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender

A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction

A- = One to remember. Unforgettable

B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.

B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency

B- = Watches occasionally

C+ = Guilty pleasure territory

C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story

D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage

D= Very few to no good parts about this movie

D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Finding Dory (2016)

After 13 years, and the success of Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo”, comes the return of all your favorite characters from the 2003 hit film. The difference between this sequel and the first film is that there’s a bigger emotional tone than in the previous film.

Andrew Stanton, who directed the predecessor to “Finding Dory” makes this new film funny on many levels, but relies more on the emotional aspect. As the previous movie had more of a comedic effort, but had a less emotional tone. 

Ellen DeGeneres returns as the loveable amnesiac blue-tang, with Albert Brooks reprising the cautious, worrisome clownfish father, Marlin. Due to voice changes and several years, the adorably cute “Nemo” Marlin’s son, was recast for this film and is now voiced by newcomer Hayden Rolence.  Also starring in “Finding Dory” are: Eugene Levy, Diane Keaton, Ty Burrell, Idris Elba and Ed O’Neill. All do a terrific job voicing their roles with passion and heart. Superb humor, tear-jerking emotional scenes, and a well crafted screenplay, their voices bring something genuinely special to viewers. 

As from the predecessor the animation, detail and effort put into making this project, is simply stunning. Those who’ve seen previous Pixar films prior to this one know that there’s typically a short film before the feature film actually begins. And this time, Pixar has gone above and beyond with their newest short called “Piper”. This newest film is one of Pixar’s best shorts by far, better than others.

Audiences everywhere have been waiting for the return of Nemo, Marlin, and Dory and the rest of the underwater crew for a good chunk of years now. Suffice to say that with its emotional qualities being higher than the original, the animation improves upon the first film, but sometimes throughout the film it lacks the comedic burst of energy. Therefore, “Finding Dory” is more of an emotional, tear-jerker, than a comedy like the predecessor. But like “Finding Nemo”, “Finding Dory” also has an emotional but truthful moral for those with disabilities like Dory and Nemo’s is that you got to see a way through it, and just keep swimming. 

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Kate McKinnon, Bill Hader, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell, Sigourney Weaver 

Director: Andrew Stanton

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Synopsis: Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) is a wide-eyed, blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss every 10 seconds or so. The one thing she can remember is that she somehow became separated from her parents as a child. With help from her friends Nemo and Marlin, Dory embarks on an epic adventure to find them. Her journey brings her to the Marine Life Institute, a conservatory that houses diverse ocean species. Dory now knows that her family reunion will only happen if she can save mom and dad from captivity.

 Rate:B

A bug's life (1998)

As if Pixar couldn’t top it again after their successful Academy Award winning “Toy Story”, with another community of beings living in peace and harmony, this time around it’s world of talking bugs.

The film is similar to Dreamworks Animations "Antz" because it just so happens that these two motion pictures are both about insects.  With a bold and zealous attitude at erecting a fictitious world in which bugs are in contrast to humans.

Directors John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton made something with heart and profound curiosity when approaching this movie, which is certainly fascinating. All throughout “a bug’s life” the animation is utterly spectacular when analyzed carefully. The film’s  sense of wonder and curiosity is what makes the film stand out.

A bug’s life, a tale of wonder, curiosity, and  discover, also has morals to be understood like: Big things come in small packages. This message can relate to all age groups.

Starring: Dave Foley, Julia-Louis Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Kevin Spacey, Bonnie Hunt

Director(s): John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton

MPAA Rating: G

Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes

Synopsis:

Flik (Dave Foley) is an inventive ant who’s always messing things up for his colony. His latest mishap was destroying the food stores that were supposed to be used to pay off grasshopper Hopper (Kevin Spacey). Now the strong-arming insect is demanding that the ants gather double the food — or face annihilation. To avert disaster, Flik goes on a journey to recruit fighters to defend the colony. When he meets a band of high-flying circus insects, he thinks he’s found his salvation.

Rate: B-

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Toy Story (1995)

In a world where a child’s favorite toy such as an Etch-A-Sketch or an R.C. Car comes to life when their “owner” isn’t present, the first computer animated film ever made, “Toy Story” is an instant delight for kids and adults alike. “Toy Story” has become a stepping stone in the animated film genre.
Brilliantly voiced with an all-star cast, and judging from the stubbornness of Tom Hanks’  Woody the Cowboy doll to Tim Allen’s confused and naive space-ranger, Buzz Lightyear, Pixar couldn’t have done any better when casting these characters. When families watch this film, you will see the heart and soul the actors put in during its production.
The animation in the movie is nothing short of beautiful. Director John Lasseter, screenwriters Joss Whedon and Andrew Stanton have all crafted a heartwarming piece of art, from pen to paper and from computer to the theaters, their talents paid off.
“Toy Story” flows so eloquently throughout its entirety. The stories of each individual character are not lost within the film’s overall story.
Randy Newman composes the film’s background music, and he also includes songs of his own which kids will be singing for generations.
The creativity displayed in Pixar’s debut feature film is absolutely genius. So much action packed into an hour and twenty-one minute family movie contributes to the elements of fun in this film.
Toy Story is a rare children’s films that never fails to entertain audiences of all ages.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn

Director: John Lasseter

MPAA Rating: G

Runtime: 1 Hour and 21 Minutes
Synopsis: Woody (Tom Hanks), a good-hearted cowboy doll who belongs to a young boy named Andy (John Morris), sees his position as Andy’s favorite toy jeopardized when his parents buy him a Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) action figure. Even worse, the arrogant Buzz thinks he’s a real spaceman on a mission to return to his home planet. When Andy’s family moves to a new house, Woody and Buzz must escape the clutches of maladjusted neighbor Sid Phillips (Erik von Detten) and reunite with their boy.

Rate: A

Finding Nemo (2003)

A tale of triumph, loss, and friendship: “Finding Nemo” is a heartwarming, one of a kind film. Two disabled fish learning who they are and how to navigate the ocean blue, “Finding Nemo” is a beautiful, riveting story, with lots of clever humor. “Finding Nemo” will inspire and entertain audiences for countless years to come. 
Terrific job well done at the executed animation, which some will find spectacular. Others will enjoy the characters and the humors aspects of the film. Andrew Stanton, director of “Finding Nemo” made something both inspiring and humorous at the same time. 
   The crafted characters seen in the movie are etched with precise precision, it’s as if some of them are real. A talented ensemble consisting of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, and Willem Dafoe, all do a superb job at their craft. 
        “Finding Nemo” is a phenomenal and thrilling achievement in animation, and it'll have a lasting effect on those with disabilities and those of whom don't have to struggle so hard. 

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Alexander Gould, Vicki Lewis, Willem Dafoe 

Director: Andrew Stanton

MPAA Rating: G

Synopsis: 
Marlin (Albert Brooks), a clown fish, is overly cautious with his son, Nemo (Alexander Gould), who has a foreshortened fin. When Nemo swims too close to the surface to prove himself, he is caught by a diver, and horrified Marlin must set out to find him. A blue reef fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) -- who has a really short memory -- joins Marlin and complicates the encounters with sharks, jellyfish, and a host of ocean dangers. Meanwhile, Nemo plots his escape from a dentist's fish tank.

Runtime: 1 Hour and 41 Minutes

Rate: A+

Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out Review ~

Pixar once again ceases to amaze. This new flick offers tons of fun for the family. Very colorful and creative, exuberant, and a very relatable film. Inside Out is a masterpiece for the ages. 

Starring: Amy Poehler, Kaitlyn Dias, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling,  with Lewis Black,  and Richard Kind

Directed by: Pete Docter

MPAA(Motion Picture Association of America) Rating: PG for Mild Thematic Elements and Some Action

Runtime: 1 hr 35 min

Synopsis:

1. Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is a happy, hockey-loving 11-year-old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upside-down when she and her parents move to San Francisco. Riley's emotions -- led by Joy (Amy Poehler) -- try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event. However, the stress of the move brings Sadness (Phyllis Smith) to the forefront. When Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley's mind, the only emotions left in Headquarters are Anger, Fear and Disgust.

   
   

   Rate: A+