Walter Yensid
Active Member
'What would Walt do?' That is the most iconic, and cliche, line that people have uttered since Walt passed.
After watching this movie, I can tell you what he would do. If he watched this movie, he would truly cry with pride knowing this is what Disney is creating for all of us today. This movie, and especially John Lasseter and his team of amazing 'Imagineers' at Pixar, is the most real and authentic proof of Walt's spirit still living today. These are people who do not create movies to sell merchandise and concoct clever corporate tie-ins, they do not write scripts that look to work in as much adult crude humor as possible without the kids figuring it out, they do not just recycle the same old characters ad stories over and over again just to make a few bucks (Shrek 135?!?!), and they do not hold back from taking risks, huge risks to tell their story. This is what Walt was all about...telling a story that truly touches people of all ages anywhere and knowing all that was important was staying true to this story.
After watching this movie today, I must say that this is Pixar's greatest accomplishment. Yes, one could argue the Incredibles has more action, Nemo and Toy Story had better characters and laughs, and WALL-E pushed the boundaries of what is allowed in a movie (no talking for 30 minutes in a kids' movie and still making it work?), but no movie does what this one does. And that is...it tells a story of the dreams of an old married couple and their love for one another and the movie truly does not care if it sells any stuffed animals or has a ride built around it. It just tells their story. And honestly, I do not think I have ever felt an on-screen love like the one between Carl and Elle...and Pixar does it without words, without a whole movie of build-up, without even a 'real' person on screen, but rather with a simple 'cross my heart' and an old photo album. For this genius, I would imagine Walt would be absolutely proud.
The Pixar merger is certainly the smartest move Disney has ever made post-Walt (well, the sort-of lucky ESPN purchase was not bad for the bottom line either). Because they not only bought a company who makes movies that sell a lot of tickets, but a company that personifies Walt to his core. And a company and a man (Lasseter) who seems to have single-handedly reinvigorated Disney Animation and brought it back from the dead. I am excited to see the results as this energy continues to merge over the next several years.
I would imagine Pixar will stumble at some point where the next movie is not as good as the most recent one (Cars 2...yikes!)...how could they keep the streak going. But, right now, instead of them thanking me for buying a ticket, I actually want to thank them for allowing me to listen to their stories...it is a privilege. And hey, if they can keep my 2.5 year old daughter spell-bound for this entire movie, then they must be channeling Walt himself. haha.
Go see UP. And if you are married no matter if only a few years or many years, this movie will really make you see what is most important at the end of the day...and life. Two small pinky fingers WAY UP!
After watching this movie, I can tell you what he would do. If he watched this movie, he would truly cry with pride knowing this is what Disney is creating for all of us today. This movie, and especially John Lasseter and his team of amazing 'Imagineers' at Pixar, is the most real and authentic proof of Walt's spirit still living today. These are people who do not create movies to sell merchandise and concoct clever corporate tie-ins, they do not write scripts that look to work in as much adult crude humor as possible without the kids figuring it out, they do not just recycle the same old characters ad stories over and over again just to make a few bucks (Shrek 135?!?!), and they do not hold back from taking risks, huge risks to tell their story. This is what Walt was all about...telling a story that truly touches people of all ages anywhere and knowing all that was important was staying true to this story.
After watching this movie today, I must say that this is Pixar's greatest accomplishment. Yes, one could argue the Incredibles has more action, Nemo and Toy Story had better characters and laughs, and WALL-E pushed the boundaries of what is allowed in a movie (no talking for 30 minutes in a kids' movie and still making it work?), but no movie does what this one does. And that is...it tells a story of the dreams of an old married couple and their love for one another and the movie truly does not care if it sells any stuffed animals or has a ride built around it. It just tells their story. And honestly, I do not think I have ever felt an on-screen love like the one between Carl and Elle...and Pixar does it without words, without a whole movie of build-up, without even a 'real' person on screen, but rather with a simple 'cross my heart' and an old photo album. For this genius, I would imagine Walt would be absolutely proud.
The Pixar merger is certainly the smartest move Disney has ever made post-Walt (well, the sort-of lucky ESPN purchase was not bad for the bottom line either). Because they not only bought a company who makes movies that sell a lot of tickets, but a company that personifies Walt to his core. And a company and a man (Lasseter) who seems to have single-handedly reinvigorated Disney Animation and brought it back from the dead. I am excited to see the results as this energy continues to merge over the next several years.
I would imagine Pixar will stumble at some point where the next movie is not as good as the most recent one (Cars 2...yikes!)...how could they keep the streak going. But, right now, instead of them thanking me for buying a ticket, I actually want to thank them for allowing me to listen to their stories...it is a privilege. And hey, if they can keep my 2.5 year old daughter spell-bound for this entire movie, then they must be channeling Walt himself. haha.
Go see UP. And if you are married no matter if only a few years or many years, this movie will really make you see what is most important at the end of the day...and life. Two small pinky fingers WAY UP!
:dazzle:
