Top Five Pixar Films

 Pixar has come a long way in its 25 year history, from bugs to bears the company continues to deliver original ideas and set new benchmarks for quality of animation and storytelling. One of the most enjoyable parts of a Pixar film is the memorable short films that appear prior to the feature, which are worth the ticket price themselves. Pixar also had the foresight to include trademarks known as easter eggs into their films. These 'blink or you miss them' moments offer hints to their next films or act as part of a long running joke such as the inclusion the pizza planet truck or Pixar's lucky charm John Ratzenberger. It is remarkable that Pixar has been able to produce so many high standard films with the only let down (in terms of critical opinion not box office success) coming from Car/Cars 2.

Although Pixar has returned to an original concept with their latest release, Brave, it seems that Pixar has succumb to the trends of modern cinema as they are revisiting many of their original films in the form of sequels and prequels. With Finding Nemo 2 in the works, Monster's University set to come out next year and probably another Toy Story given the box office and critical success of the third I only hope that Pixar doesn't stop releasing unique and original films such as the ones that have helped establish its reputation.

5. Toy Story

Toy Story demonstrated the potential of Pixar's animation as well as provided audiences with a truly emotional story that everyone could relate to. The basic premise is that all toys are actually alive and get up to all sorts of mischief when we are gone and honestly what kid hasn't entertained that idea at one time in their life. Toy Story revolves around Buzz and Woody in a buddy comedy that made viewers of all ages become nostalgic and sympathetic for the way they had treated their toys in the past. Part of the emotion in the film comes from Randy Newman's famous song "You've Got a Friend in Me" as well as the recurring theme of becoming unloved or forgotten that was all too relatable for many.  

4. Ratatouille

Pixar's hidden gem comes in the form of a rat whose love for food leads him to become a chef in Paris. Ratatouille is a highly underrated film that is often forgotten but there is no mistaking the films originality and beauty. You have to admire Pixar's bravery for supporting such an idea as the concept of a rat cooking food in a high class French restaurant is certainly risky. Luckily Pixar had Brad Bird as writer/director who was able to create a film that appealed to all audiences. Ratatouille has many memorable moments but the end narration by the imperious food critic, Anton Ego is one of the best scenes from any Pixar film.

3. Toy Story 3

There is no doubt all three Toy Story films are excellent as they masterfully explore themes of friendship, jealousy and loyalty. Toy Story 3 however is definitely a cut above the rest. In the first two films the tense friendship between Buzz and Woody made the characters somewhat unlikeable and annoying. Whereas in the third film with the introduction of a common enemy in Sunnyside and Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear the characters became more likeable and as a result created a more enjoyable film. Toy Story 3 became the highest grossing animated film worldwide and for a good reason. The film attracted viewers who had grown up with the first two films as well appealing to the new generation. It is not often that the third film in a series is the best but in this case it's true. Toy Story 3 wasn't simply another sequel quickly put together, it was a cleverly thought out idea that brought something new to the series. The quality of the film can be summed up by the opening sequence where the beautiful animation and ingenious concept takes you inside the mind of a child playing with his toys.

2. The Incredibles

The Incredibles follows retired superheroes Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl and their super children, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. One of the most appealing aspects of a Pixar film is that unlike other animated films there is a conscious effort to ensure the film is aimed at adults as much as it is children. Much of the humour and themes in The Incredibles such as loss of identity and depression in are in fact directly aimed for an older audience. The Incredibles really showcases the potential of animation as consideration and detail was put into every character and scene. The film introduced some of Pixar's most beloved characters from Frozone to fashion designer Edna Mode, voiced excellently by director Brad Bird who taught us why we should never wear capes. The Incredibles remains one of my favourite superhero films of all time as it is able to balance witty humour, action and drama all at once.

1. Finding Nemo 

The best Pixar film in my opinion is Finding Nemo, but not only is it the best Pixar film I believe it is the best animated film of all time. Finding Nemo has so many great qualities from the genius casting of Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, to its moving score and of course for its spectacular portrayal of Australia's pristine underwater life. Water in the animation world has long been regarded as a frustration as it never seems to look authentic. From the very first shot you know that the team at Pixar have got it right. No matter how beautiful the animation is, the visuals never take precedence  over the quality of the story and the character development. The Journey of Nemo's father Marlin as he searches for his son is so enjoyable and relatable that you cant help but go along for the ride. When I first heard about Finding Nemo 2 I was really disappointed as there didn't seem a need for a sequel, but as always when it comes to Pixar you just have to have faith in their plan. For the full review of Finding Nemo see my review earlier this year.

" I simply am not there. "

American Psycho

Based on Bret Easton Ellis' highly controversial novel by the same name, American Psycho is as confronting as it is compelling. Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy businessman that is surrounded by class from the clothes he wears to the restaurants he dines at. Bateman however is not your average upper class citizen as he is also happens to be a psychopathic killer. As Bateman struggles to control his growing lust for murder his true identity becomes harder to hide from his work colleagues, friends and even the police.

The film grips you in straight away as you are taken through the seemingly typical routine Bateman undergoes each day. Every scene is purposefully shot and as a result you are able to gain a true understanding of Bateman's life and through his narration his darkest desires and fantasies. This film is in essence a very sophisticated thriller as you are constantly unprepared for what Bateman might do. The lunches and work meetings all appear very normal but there is a distinct overtone associated with every scene that leaves you in a state of anticipation. Despite Bateman appearing constantly on edge he very rarely lets his guard slip and it's on very rare occasions that you are given a glimpse into the undeniable aggression and rage he possesses. It's not until Bateman's first act of murder that you realise his fantasies and desires are not just fantasies.

There is no doubt Ellis has written a very complex novel that can be interpreted as a representation of man's true desires and impulses or even an extreme satire reflecting on the monotonous way of life of upper class citizens. Director Mary Harron has respected the ideas of Ellis faithfully and created a film that similarly to the book received mixed reviews and gained a lot of controversy. Given that the film deals with such horrific acts of murder and graphic sex scenes it had to be expected. Luckily Harron was not afraid of such critism and disapproval and as a result developed a film that is regarded as a classic by moviegoers around the world. American Psycho is a haunting film and its unforgettable scenes, musical celebrations and performances stay with you long after the credits finish. 

However the work of Ellis and Harron would be for nothing if it wasn't for the brilliant performance delivered by Christian Bale. Many actors starting out in their careers wouldn't take on the role of a serial killer out of fear they would be typecast as a psycho or villain. Bale didn't see it that way he saw a great role and simply made it his own. Bale's narration and performance throughout the film ensures his character is perceived as an emotionless and threatening person. But even more than that Bale makes the audience see Bateman not as a person but as a shell of a person who feels no remorse or regret for what he has done. Bale is excellent in every scene whether he's expressing his musical knowledge passionately where you can't help but laugh guiltily or he's chasing a woman with a chainsaw, stark naked, covered in blood with a an eager grin plastered all over his face

Bateman is portrayed convincingly as a man of control (who eventually loses control). Every aspect of his life from his appearance to his business card has to be perfect. His compulsion to control everything leads to his eventual descent into madness where he can longer control his urges. It is here in the last act that Bale's true brilliance is revealed as Bateman's spree appears to be coming to an end. The most likely person to discover Bateman's true identity is Detective Donald Kimball, played excellently by Willem Dafoe. Dafoe was asked to play Kimball in three different ways: he though Bateman was guilty, he didn't think Bateman was guilty and he wasn't sure. Harron has ingeniously blended the three performances together and as a result you have no idea how much Kimball knows or if he even suspects Bateman. There are many other strong supporting performances most notably Reese Witherspoon as Bateman's unsuspecting girlfriend Evelyn and Chloe Sevigny as Bateman's secretary Jean who appears to be equally in love and scared of Bateman. However this film belongs to one man; Christian Bale.

The title American Psycho leads to think you are receiving a spoiler before you even see the film and in many ways you are. This is film about a respected man who also kills people of which most people would already be aware of before seeing the film, yet this film is much more than a routine slasher film. American Psycho is a thought provoking and underrated film that keeps you engrossed all the way to its unexpected and highly debatable ending.

" He just punched a baby "

The Campaign

Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) has run unopposed in his North Carolina district for eight years but he is forced to fight for his candidacy   when local tourism director Mary Huggins (Zach Galifianakis) joins the race. Huggins is supported by two corrupt, wealthy CEOs played by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd. Brady soon realises he has a fight on his hands due to the support Huggins is receiving from his wealthy contributors and ruthless campaign manager (Dylan McDermott). As the election quickly approaches the pair resort to dirty tactics with their campaign turning into a hotly disputed contest.

There is no doubt that this should have been a funny film, the premise seemed simple enough to execute but like any election things don't always go smoothly. Unfortunately the writers of this film decided to create two unlikeable characters that are so over the top in their mannerisms and eccentricity that you are unable to relate to them or even enjoy watching their antics on screen. This could have been a really clever film but instead the writers and director chose to talk about dicks and balls over and over again in an attempt to shock the audience into laughter. There are glimpses of quality comedy such as dealing with Brady punching a baby accidently, however those moments are far and few. The film chooses to move away from the politics and instead focus on the annoying characters of Brady and Huggins. In terms of who has the strangest obsession, most outlandish family or 'loving' wife it's hard to  pick a winner

Will Ferrell is an interesting actor in the fact that his films are extremely popular by many whilst at the same time despised by many. The most interesting thing is that although alot of his films are bad they somehow make their way into popular culture. His quotes and antics become that of legend constantly relived by fans yet at the time when you watch the film they don't appear to be funny at all. I like some of Ferrell's movies but to me he is still a 50/50 actor in that you never quite know what your going to get.

It's not that Ferrell of Galifianakis deliver poor performances in this film it's just that they had very little to work with. Galifianakis is not surprisingly made out to be an eccentric yet at the same time 'loveable' loser, the only problem is Galifianakis has played that character countless times before. The performance of Ferrell comes across as lazy as most of the time he is simply shouting out insults that are neither witty or funny. I think both Ferrell and Galifianakis can be really funny actors that on rare occasion can deliver a strong dramatic performance (Everything Must Go, It's Kind of a Funny Story). However I think they are both more suited to playing the supportive character which they has proven very successful in the past with both of them often stealing the film with their scenes.

I think that the premise for the film would have been received more favourably it it was a 10 minute skit on Saturday Night Live, as that was about the time it took for the joke to run its course. Director Jay Roach has made some interesting films including the popular Austin Powers series and Meet The Parents. Throughout his films he has established himself as the king of elaborate events where a character finds himself stuck in a series of situations going from bad to worse before the inevitable resolution. He has achieved this format successfully with the situations often being very funny and relatable despite their exaggerated nature. The Campaign is begging for some of that past charm and wit, but instead we are left with accusations of terrorism, petty attempts at backstabbing and a series of escalating scandals that are both repetitive and unoriginal.

The Campaign is one of those films where the only funny lines or scenes were in the trailer, there are some rare hints of the political comedy that it could have been, but in the end I was left feeling disappointed. Politics as a topic for comedy should be a gold mine for witty and satirical humour but unfortunately in this film we are left with crass, tiresome one-liners.