When Chris Wedge's animated film "Ice Age" first came out in 2002, it was considered novel and striking for many reasons. It was set in prehistoric times yet eschewed dinosaurs in favor of megafauna living in the Pleistocene Epoch. The three main characters were a sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo), a smilodon named Diego (Denis Leary), and a mammoth named Manfred aka Manny (Ray Romano), and they were engaged in a great migration to flee the oncoming Ice Age. The plot of their first movie apes John Ford's 1946 Western "3 Godfathers," as the three animals discover a human infant that they must keep safe and deliver back to the then-evolutionarily-novel homo sapiens living nearby.
The design of "Ice Age" was striking, aiming for broad, stylized characters that were markedly different from the friendly, big-eyed protagonists of Disney pictures. It certainly helped that the "Ice Age" movies featured a character named Scrat,...
The design of "Ice Age" was striking, aiming for broad, stylized characters that were markedly different from the friendly, big-eyed protagonists of Disney pictures. It certainly helped that the "Ice Age" movies featured a character named Scrat,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Those dismayed by the cancellation of the big-budget “Coyote vs. Acme” — a high-profile casualty of the recent Hollywood trend towards pulling the plug on near-completed projects — may find consolation and then some in “Hundreds of Beavers.” That is, if they become aware of it, of course. Chances are good that they will, eventually, as this DIY delight has begun self-distributing to North American theaters following a long tour on the regional festival circuit. It’s sure to develop a significant cult following with its unique mix of silent-era slapstick, animation elements, theme-park-style critter costumes, and general air of inspired absurdity.
Well, not entirely unique: Director Mike Cheslik and star Ryland Brickson Cole Tews previously collaborated on 2018’s “Lake Michigan Monster,” a similarly nonsensical B&w comedy, albeit in a more Guy Maddin-esque pseudo-early-talkie vein, with a fantasy adventure gist in the vein of Jules Verne. But for all its enterprise,...
Well, not entirely unique: Director Mike Cheslik and star Ryland Brickson Cole Tews previously collaborated on 2018’s “Lake Michigan Monster,” a similarly nonsensical B&w comedy, albeit in a more Guy Maddin-esque pseudo-early-talkie vein, with a fantasy adventure gist in the vein of Jules Verne. But for all its enterprise,...
- 2/17/2024
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Victor...
Victor...
- 1/6/2024
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
A Complete Guide to the Best Grinch Movies and TV Shows Out There(Photo Credit –IMDb)
The grumpy Grinch, known for his dislike of all things Christmas, has always been a staple of mainstream media during the holidays, thanks to Dr. Suess’s children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” But it’s the young adults of this generation that relate to this green goblin more than children do. He’s a mean-spirited, cynical, and sarcastic creature who just does not get the appeal of Christmas. He doesn’t enjoy the racket that Christmas causes and prefers to be in a quiet, peaceful place instead. But when the folks of Whoville go too far with their festivities, he vows to destroy Christmas once and for all.
The Grinch is undeniably fascinating. There have been multiple adaptations of him across the film industry centering around the premise of him trying to ruin Christmas.
The grumpy Grinch, known for his dislike of all things Christmas, has always been a staple of mainstream media during the holidays, thanks to Dr. Suess’s children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” But it’s the young adults of this generation that relate to this green goblin more than children do. He’s a mean-spirited, cynical, and sarcastic creature who just does not get the appeal of Christmas. He doesn’t enjoy the racket that Christmas causes and prefers to be in a quiet, peaceful place instead. But when the folks of Whoville go too far with their festivities, he vows to destroy Christmas once and for all.
The Grinch is undeniably fascinating. There have been multiple adaptations of him across the film industry centering around the premise of him trying to ruin Christmas.
- 12/12/2023
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Will Ferrell in ElfScreenshot: New Line Cinema
2003 was an exciting time for Christmas movies. As Love Actually and Bad Santa gave adults a reason to get in the spirit, a little film about a big elf became a box office heavyweight. Jon Favreau’s Elf turns 20 on November 7, and it...
2003 was an exciting time for Christmas movies. As Love Actually and Bad Santa gave adults a reason to get in the spirit, a little film about a big elf became a box office heavyweight. Jon Favreau’s Elf turns 20 on November 7, and it...
- 11/7/2023
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
Did you know "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie" was even happening before you clicked on this article? You would think Warner Bros. would treat the first-ever fully animated feature-length theatrical film (not including any of the previous "Looney Tunes" package movies that compile multiple shorts) featuring some of the most iconic cartoon characters in cinema history as a momentous occasion. But no, under the reign of current WB Discovery CEO David Zaslav, "The Day the Earth Blew Up" has thus far been treated as little more than extra "content" for the fire (apologies for using the C-word).
Case in point, the original plan was to quietly shuffle "The Day the Earth Blew Up" onto Max with little fanfare -- right up until Zaslav's regime went all Freddy Krueger on the streaming platform's animation department and canceled half a dozen of their developing projects back in...
Case in point, the original plan was to quietly shuffle "The Day the Earth Blew Up" onto Max with little fanfare -- right up until Zaslav's regime went all Freddy Krueger on the streaming platform's animation department and canceled half a dozen of their developing projects back in...
- 10/31/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
“Night and day. Summer and winter, boys. Seedtime and harvest. Life and death. That’s what Halloween is, all rolled up in one.”
Halloween is dominated by iconography both macabre and delightful. Terrifying and pleasant. Freeing and disguised. It’s a night that’s been assigned to the fantasies of youth and yet remains steeped in the realities of the very old. Where dark and ancient tradition mingle with the lightness of modernity and treats are exchanged for the chants of possible tricks which invite more devilish favors than sweets. At its core— at the core of all such wicked celebrations— is death. What it means. Why those in this existence are so fascinated, incensed, intoxicated and repulsed by its shadow and how it is people reconcile death’s existentially labyrinthian impact on their lives.
Halloween is the day that we face that chilling finality. Commune with it. Drape our world in its trappings.
Halloween is dominated by iconography both macabre and delightful. Terrifying and pleasant. Freeing and disguised. It’s a night that’s been assigned to the fantasies of youth and yet remains steeped in the realities of the very old. Where dark and ancient tradition mingle with the lightness of modernity and treats are exchanged for the chants of possible tricks which invite more devilish favors than sweets. At its core— at the core of all such wicked celebrations— is death. What it means. Why those in this existence are so fascinated, incensed, intoxicated and repulsed by its shadow and how it is people reconcile death’s existentially labyrinthian impact on their lives.
Halloween is the day that we face that chilling finality. Commune with it. Drape our world in its trappings.
- 10/10/2023
- by Paul Farrell
- bloody-disgusting.com
Happy Birthday, Bugs Bunny!
The world’s favorite rabbit turns 75 this month: July 27, 1940, saw the debut of the cotton-tailed character’s first cartoon short “Wild Hare,” directed by Tex Avery.
There won’t be much hoopla to celebrate, because Warner Bros. doesn’t observe the birthdays of animated characters. And there’s some logic to that, especially in Mr. Bunny’s case.
There had been earlier variations: A wisecracking rabbit, voiced by Mel Blanc, debuted in the 1938 “Porky’s Hare Hunt” but the speech patterns and look were very different. In the next few years, WB’s Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons featured other rabbits.
But the 1940 “Wild Hare” was the first one where Bugs looked like himself, sounded like himself and, significantly, it was the first time he uttered the immortal words “What’s up, Doc?”
Don’t be misled by those earlier rabbits. On Sept. 10, 1940, Variety ran...
The world’s favorite rabbit turns 75 this month: July 27, 1940, saw the debut of the cotton-tailed character’s first cartoon short “Wild Hare,” directed by Tex Avery.
There won’t be much hoopla to celebrate, because Warner Bros. doesn’t observe the birthdays of animated characters. And there’s some logic to that, especially in Mr. Bunny’s case.
There had been earlier variations: A wisecracking rabbit, voiced by Mel Blanc, debuted in the 1938 “Porky’s Hare Hunt” but the speech patterns and look were very different. In the next few years, WB’s Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons featured other rabbits.
But the 1940 “Wild Hare” was the first one where Bugs looked like himself, sounded like himself and, significantly, it was the first time he uttered the immortal words “What’s up, Doc?”
Don’t be misled by those earlier rabbits. On Sept. 10, 1940, Variety ran...
- 7/27/2023
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
In the pouring rain, upwards of 100 people marched outside of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Park Avenue South building Tuesday afternoon in New York as part of a themed Writers Guild picket that doubled as a promise to unionize east coast animation writers.
“This has been a long, horrible battle trying to get animation writing covered. We are not giving up. I’m really just here to say that when the strike is over, when we have won the contract we deserve, we are circling back to animation,” Susan Kim, WGA East animation caucus co-chair and a writer/story editor behind hits like Arthur, Bubble Guppies, Courage the Cowardly Dog and Clifford the Big Red Dog, told a drenched crowd of picketers. “We are going to be back. We’re going to be better than ever. And we are going to get this goddamn industry organized.”
During her brief speech — which...
“This has been a long, horrible battle trying to get animation writing covered. We are not giving up. I’m really just here to say that when the strike is over, when we have won the contract we deserve, we are circling back to animation,” Susan Kim, WGA East animation caucus co-chair and a writer/story editor behind hits like Arthur, Bubble Guppies, Courage the Cowardly Dog and Clifford the Big Red Dog, told a drenched crowd of picketers. “We are going to be back. We’re going to be better than ever. And we are going to get this goddamn industry organized.”
During her brief speech — which...
- 7/26/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Telluride Film Festival turns 50 this year (though it remains to be seen how many of the chief film festivals in North America will go off without a hitch due to the duo actor/writer strikes currently unfolding), but until we know more, you can feast your eyes on this brand-new, eye-poppingly colorful poster promoting the popular Colorado annual event.
The artists chosen to design the poster is Luke Dorman, the principal graphic designer of the Santa Fe-based Meow Wolf, a hugely attended multimedia arts center that now has outposts in Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth and Las Vegas, with one on the way in the Houston area in 2024. As an homage to the festival’s history, Dorman reconfigured a single moment from each of the 49 installments to include in this half-century poster.
“Fifty years is a momentous milestone,” Dorman said, returning to artists duty after drawing up the 2021 poster. “It’s...
The artists chosen to design the poster is Luke Dorman, the principal graphic designer of the Santa Fe-based Meow Wolf, a hugely attended multimedia arts center that now has outposts in Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth and Las Vegas, with one on the way in the Houston area in 2024. As an homage to the festival’s history, Dorman reconfigured a single moment from each of the 49 installments to include in this half-century poster.
“Fifty years is a momentous milestone,” Dorman said, returning to artists duty after drawing up the 2021 poster. “It’s...
- 7/20/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Pete Docter, Pixar’s creative chief officer, is hoping the animation studio’s 27th release, “Elemental,” will draw families to movie theaters this weekend. Peter Sohn‘s film is a story about immigration, families, duty and love. Not only does Docter say the visuals are “a spectacle,” but believes it should be experienced with an audience.
Docter, who has been with the studio since the beginning and was upped to Cco in 2018, has come under criticism recently that Pixar has lost its magic touch.
Here, Docter sits down with Variety over Zoom to discuss Pixar’s approach to programming, Cannes, “Elemental,” and what’s next for the studio.
In a recent interview you said, “I don’t think of Pixar as making children’s programming.” Can you elaborate on that?
We’ve always looked at what we do as we’re the first audience. We make stuff we want to see ourselves.
Docter, who has been with the studio since the beginning and was upped to Cco in 2018, has come under criticism recently that Pixar has lost its magic touch.
Here, Docter sits down with Variety over Zoom to discuss Pixar’s approach to programming, Cannes, “Elemental,” and what’s next for the studio.
In a recent interview you said, “I don’t think of Pixar as making children’s programming.” Can you elaborate on that?
We’ve always looked at what we do as we’re the first audience. We make stuff we want to see ourselves.
- 6/16/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" had big shoes and expectations to fill. The sequel is coming after an Oscar win and a revolution in Hollywood studio animation that has inspired experimentation in every major studio. And yet, the movie not only exceeded expectations but also crushes them. This is a grand achievement in myth building and deconstruction, with the film pulling not an "Empire Strikes Back" but a "Matrix Reloaded," interrogating the idea and tropes of the hero, while continuing Miles' poignant coming-of-age story.
Unsurprisingly, the film is gorgeous. It is easy to take that for granted but to see it with your own eyes defies description and expectations. Like the first film, it breaks apart the rules of animation to challenge the entire medium, but "Across the Spider-Verse" goes beyond, breaking film itself like it's the second coming of Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese's "Duck Amuck." The result is...
Unsurprisingly, the film is gorgeous. It is easy to take that for granted but to see it with your own eyes defies description and expectations. Like the first film, it breaks apart the rules of animation to challenge the entire medium, but "Across the Spider-Verse" goes beyond, breaking film itself like it's the second coming of Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese's "Duck Amuck." The result is...
- 6/2/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The very premise of “Mrs. Davis” all but encouraged the Peacock show’s creative team to embrace their pop culture influences. Co-created by Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof, “Mrs. Davis” is about the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence algorithm and a nun named Simone (Betty Gilpin), who the computer programs tasks with its destruction by sending her on a quest to find the Holy Grail. “Algorithms love cliches,” Wiley (Jake McDorman), Simone’s ex – who happens to lead a group of male resistance fighters like he’s “Fight Club” figure Tyler Durden – says at one point.
“It’s such a pastiche,” “Mrs. Davis” cinematographer Joe Anderson tells Gold Derby in an exclusive video interview. “The show deals with cliches – like when you do a Google search, the very first topic that comes up. Some of the writing toys with that idea. So we kind of leaned into some of these kind of obvious references,...
“It’s such a pastiche,” “Mrs. Davis” cinematographer Joe Anderson tells Gold Derby in an exclusive video interview. “The show deals with cliches – like when you do a Google search, the very first topic that comes up. Some of the writing toys with that idea. So we kind of leaned into some of these kind of obvious references,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Joe Dante’s Gremlins came out on the eve of my seventh birthday, and I was instantly smitten. I saw the movie multiple times, read various adaptations and wore out the grooves on the series of tie-in records that were distributed through Hardee’s.
Gizmo, the seemingly innocent mogwai who, through modern humanity’s inability to follow three very basic rules, helped unleash a chaotic surge of nefarious gremlins, has been a constant companion over four decades, serving as my frequent social media avatar.
If the allure of Gremlins to Young Daniel was something primal — the lizard-brain appeal of Gizmo’s cuteness and the gremlins’ Chuck Jones-inspired mayhem — the subsequent appeal in countless rewatches has been different. As directed by Dante, like the cinematic spawn of Frank Capra and Roger Corman, Gremlins is simultaneously elemental and malleable. Mogwai are manifestations of repressed ego, gremlins the embodiment of untethered id.
Gizmo, the seemingly innocent mogwai who, through modern humanity’s inability to follow three very basic rules, helped unleash a chaotic surge of nefarious gremlins, has been a constant companion over four decades, serving as my frequent social media avatar.
If the allure of Gremlins to Young Daniel was something primal — the lizard-brain appeal of Gizmo’s cuteness and the gremlins’ Chuck Jones-inspired mayhem — the subsequent appeal in countless rewatches has been different. As directed by Dante, like the cinematic spawn of Frank Capra and Roger Corman, Gremlins is simultaneously elemental and malleable. Mogwai are manifestations of repressed ego, gremlins the embodiment of untethered id.
- 5/23/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article contains minor spoilers for "The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."
Actor Nathan Fillion, a widely beloved figure thanks to his appearances on the cult series "Firefly" and on the hit series "Castle," has played three different roles across James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies. In the 2014 original, Fillion played the voice of a character called Monstrous Inmate, a tough space-alien prison denizen that the Guardians fought. Fillion also filmed scenes for "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2," but they were cut for the film's theatrical release. He was to play a human actor named Simon Williams.
In "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3," Fillion finally appears on screen in a recognizable way, playing a character named Karja. Karja was one of the many elite security guards — called Orgosentries — who worked on the high-tech, organically grown medical space station called the Orgosphere. It was explained that the Orgosentries,...
Actor Nathan Fillion, a widely beloved figure thanks to his appearances on the cult series "Firefly" and on the hit series "Castle," has played three different roles across James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies. In the 2014 original, Fillion played the voice of a character called Monstrous Inmate, a tough space-alien prison denizen that the Guardians fought. Fillion also filmed scenes for "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2," but they were cut for the film's theatrical release. He was to play a human actor named Simon Williams.
In "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3," Fillion finally appears on screen in a recognizable way, playing a character named Karja. Karja was one of the many elite security guards — called Orgosentries — who worked on the high-tech, organically grown medical space station called the Orgosphere. It was explained that the Orgosentries,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
.
Genndy Tartakovsky has proudly become the auteur of adult 2D animation. His new “Unicorn Warriors: Eternal” steampunk series premieres May 4 on Adult Swim; he’s completing his R-rated dog comedy “Fixed” for release next year at Sony Pictures Animation; and he’s prepping for Season 3 of his Emmy-winning “Primal” series at Adult Swim, but departing from the prehistoric world.
With “Unicorn Warriors,” though, Tartakovsky combines his personal steampunk aesthetic with action and humor, going back to his old Cartoon Network days, but without the gore of “Primal” or “Samurai Jack.” It’s about three heroes — powerful sorceress Melinda (Hazel Doupe), cosmic monk Seng (Demari Hunte), and warrior elf Edred (Tom Milligan) — reawakened through eternity as teenagers to fight a mysterious supernatural force threatening humanity. In the first season, the three find themselves in industrial London, joined by a steam-powered robot, Copernicus.
“I started to develop it at the end of ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars,...
Genndy Tartakovsky has proudly become the auteur of adult 2D animation. His new “Unicorn Warriors: Eternal” steampunk series premieres May 4 on Adult Swim; he’s completing his R-rated dog comedy “Fixed” for release next year at Sony Pictures Animation; and he’s prepping for Season 3 of his Emmy-winning “Primal” series at Adult Swim, but departing from the prehistoric world.
With “Unicorn Warriors,” though, Tartakovsky combines his personal steampunk aesthetic with action and humor, going back to his old Cartoon Network days, but without the gore of “Primal” or “Samurai Jack.” It’s about three heroes — powerful sorceress Melinda (Hazel Doupe), cosmic monk Seng (Demari Hunte), and warrior elf Edred (Tom Milligan) — reawakened through eternity as teenagers to fight a mysterious supernatural force threatening humanity. In the first season, the three find themselves in industrial London, joined by a steam-powered robot, Copernicus.
“I started to develop it at the end of ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The two biggest streaming releases this week could not be more different. One is a nostalgia-fueled special based on one of the most popular franchises of the '90s, in the form of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always." The other is a brand new, original, and very bizarre TV show, "Mrs. Davis." Elsewhere, for those looking for more tokusatsu fun like "Power Rangers," there are anime series like "Ssss Dynazenon" and "Love After World Domination," which offer unique spins on the "Power Rangers" formula. Or perhaps you want something that embraces the fun of these stories while offering something more serious, like "Shin Godzilla." Similarly, while you're waiting to know more about the mystery that is "Mrs. Davis," you would do well to check out co-creator Damon Lindelof's previous work on "Lost" and its vast mythology, the darkly weird blend of sexy and funny in "Alien: Covenant,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
In 1939, Judy Garland went over the rainbow, and the world would never be the same again. Garland, who'd first gained major fame singing, dancing, and acting alongside Mickey Rooney, was suddenly catapulted to superstardom. From her roots in vaudeville, Garland had been performing her whole life, and she eventually became one of the world's most beloved stars. Her singing voice is completely unmatched, and it was backed up with intensity, passion, and unparalleled charm. Though her personal history is not without difficulty -- and Rene Zellweger won an Oscar for portraying part of that history in "Judy" -- Garland is largely remembered as one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses.
Looking through Garland's career, it was her latter years that offered opportunities for rich experimentation. Though she still appeared in musicals, after her MGM contract expired, she boldly took risks, such as starring in an animated feature and an epic courtroom drama.
Looking through Garland's career, it was her latter years that offered opportunities for rich experimentation. Though she still appeared in musicals, after her MGM contract expired, she boldly took risks, such as starring in an animated feature and an epic courtroom drama.
- 4/13/2023
- by Barry Levitt
- Slash Film
Spring is finally here, though you wouldn't know it from the snow flurries currently battering my house. Fortunately, there are plenty in the way of options to choose from, should you find yourself, like me, looking for something you can stream from the comfort of your home while you wait for the weather to get its act together. Or perhaps you don't really do the whole "leaving the house" thing very much, even when it is nice and sunny outside. Believe me, I get it, my fellow creatures of the dark.
In case you need further incentive to chill at home: HBO Max will be streaming the final season of "Succession" throughout April and it sounds as though the trainwreck that is the Roy family civil war remains as entertaining as ever, judging by Shania Russell's rapturous review of season 4 for /Film. The "Doctor Who" special "The Power of...
In case you need further incentive to chill at home: HBO Max will be streaming the final season of "Succession" throughout April and it sounds as though the trainwreck that is the Roy family civil war remains as entertaining as ever, judging by Shania Russell's rapturous review of season 4 for /Film. The "Doctor Who" special "The Power of...
- 3/24/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof's "Mrs. Davis" is going to be one seriously wild ride. /Film's Jacob Hall has called it "The Lonely Island riffing on Neal Stephenson," but he's also detected notes of Chuck Jones and Kurt Vonnegut. Anything this anarchic — and, praise the saints, original — in this day and age demands our attention. And if it's good, we must protect it with all our might.
It's both refreshing and frustrating to write about "Mrs. Davis" sight unseen. I'm not the most avid comic book reader or gamer nowadays, so it's exciting to know there isn't a rabid fanbase that's way ahead of me as I venture into this universe. But as a viewer who prefers to know as little as possible prior to watching a new movie or TV show, I'm tasked with laying down tracks to make it sound interesting for you, the potential Peacock subscriber.
It's both refreshing and frustrating to write about "Mrs. Davis" sight unseen. I'm not the most avid comic book reader or gamer nowadays, so it's exciting to know there isn't a rabid fanbase that's way ahead of me as I venture into this universe. But as a viewer who prefers to know as little as possible prior to watching a new movie or TV show, I'm tasked with laying down tracks to make it sound interesting for you, the potential Peacock subscriber.
- 3/15/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Trying to describe "Mrs. Davis," the new Peacock TV series from creators Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof, will be a tough hill to climb for any pop culture critic. I feel like I've settled on "The Lonely Island riffing on Neal Stephenson," but there's also shades of Chuck Jones, early Kurt Vonnegut, Lindelof's own "The Leftovers," and even the classic Vertigo comic book "Preacher." It's goofy until it's sincere, outrageous until it cuts to the bone, frustrating until it's ... Well, until it's not.
One thing is for sure: it's the most audacious science fiction TV show I've seen since the early episodes of HBO's "Westworld," and the two episodes that screened at the SXSW Film Festival make a hard sell for the Peacock streaming service. What was once a footnote in the streaming wars has increasingly distinguished itself by taking big swings, and this is certainly a big swing. I...
One thing is for sure: it's the most audacious science fiction TV show I've seen since the early episodes of HBO's "Westworld," and the two episodes that screened at the SXSW Film Festival make a hard sell for the Peacock streaming service. What was once a footnote in the streaming wars has increasingly distinguished itself by taking big swings, and this is certainly a big swing. I...
- 3/15/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
Depeche Mode, the pioneering ‘80s U.K. technopop band, has long had a strong following in Los Angeles — thanks to their exposure on local alternative stalwart Kroq — and now they’re proving a favorite of film and TV creative executives.
The group, consisting of co-founders Martin Gore and vocalist Dave Gahan after the death of keyboardist Andrew Fletcher in May 2022, is on a roll following its 2020 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they were introduced by Charlize Theron, who called them “the soundtrack of my life.”
Depeche Mode’s new Mute/Columbia Records album, “Memento Mori,” comes out March 24, their first since 2017’s “Spirit” and 15th overall, which will be followed by a year-long tour that launches March 23 in Sacramento and includes a show at L.A.’s Kia Forum on March 28 and four concluding area shows in December, two apiece at Kia and Crypto.com Arena.
The group, consisting of co-founders Martin Gore and vocalist Dave Gahan after the death of keyboardist Andrew Fletcher in May 2022, is on a roll following its 2020 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they were introduced by Charlize Theron, who called them “the soundtrack of my life.”
Depeche Mode’s new Mute/Columbia Records album, “Memento Mori,” comes out March 24, their first since 2017’s “Spirit” and 15th overall, which will be followed by a year-long tour that launches March 23 in Sacramento and includes a show at L.A.’s Kia Forum on March 28 and four concluding area shows in December, two apiece at Kia and Crypto.com Arena.
- 3/10/2023
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
"The Little Mermaid" saved Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1989. It earned rave reviews from critics like Roger Ebert, who wrote that "the magic of animation has been restored to us." It won an Academy Award and a Grammy for the hit song "Under the Sea." Best of all, the film popularized animated musicals; not just animated films with songs, but films with songs that expressed motivation and character as aptly as the animation did. Lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken, responsible for the off-Broadway legend "Little Shop of Horrors," brought their hard-won expertise to a project that was floundering on the rocks. The results didn't just set the standard for the Disney Renaissance; they set the standard for its competition. For the first time in many years, Disney took the lead as opposed to ceding ground to challengers like Don Bluth. Not every film in the coming years would be successful,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Adam Wescott
- Slash Film
What if a character in a stop-motion animated film gained awareness that he was a character in a stop-motion animated film?
The premise is so wonderfully simple that you can’t help but believe it. And that’s what transpires in director Lachlan Pendragon’s Oscar-nominated “An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It.” Pendragon, a 26-year-old Australian animator, also voices the role of Neil, the office-bound telemarketer who questions his own existence after the event of the title. (More about that title in our interview below.)
Pendragon made the 10-minute short over the course of a year while in Covid lockdown. In an even deeper self-reflexive twist, his real human hands are sometimes visible in the film.
In fact, almost the entire story plays out on a camera monitor, with all of Pendragon’s meticulous, frame-by-frame labor visible in the margins, like so:...
The premise is so wonderfully simple that you can’t help but believe it. And that’s what transpires in director Lachlan Pendragon’s Oscar-nominated “An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It.” Pendragon, a 26-year-old Australian animator, also voices the role of Neil, the office-bound telemarketer who questions his own existence after the event of the title. (More about that title in our interview below.)
Pendragon made the 10-minute short over the course of a year while in Covid lockdown. In an even deeper self-reflexive twist, his real human hands are sometimes visible in the film.
In fact, almost the entire story plays out on a camera monitor, with all of Pendragon’s meticulous, frame-by-frame labor visible in the margins, like so:...
- 2/22/2023
- by Joe McGovern
- The Wrap
The animated Oscar-winning 'French' cartoon character 'Pepé Le Pew', following his cut scenes from "Space Jam: A New Legacy", has been officially canceled from the "Looney Tunes" cartoon roster, now considered more of a predator, than a skunk:
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his gagging stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye.
Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench, but also because of his obnoxious, seductive manner.
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his gagging stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye.
Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench, but also because of his obnoxious, seductive manner.
- 2/20/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The animated Oscar-winning 'French' cartoon character 'Pepé Le Pew' has been canceled from the newly woke "Looney Tunes" cartoon roster, now considered more of a predator, than a skunk:
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye.
Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench, but also because of his obnoxious, seductive manner.
'Franglais' was spoken in the cartoons, by adding 'le'...
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye.
Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench, but also because of his obnoxious, seductive manner.
'Franglais' was spoken in the cartoons, by adding 'le'...
- 12/31/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are not exactly known for having movies made about them, at least compared to the volumes of movies made about Christmas. However, there are some movies about that transition time and some of them are great to watch during that short period after Christmas and before life returns to the usual humdrum of work and responsibilities. Here are a few of our favorites:
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! (1986)
Seemingly, every major holiday has a Charlie Brown special. Well, almost. New Year’s is not to be left out and got its own Charlie Brown special in 1986. While most folks will think of Charlie Brown as a Christmas cartoon or a Halloween one, this special is actually quite good. In the story, Charlie Brown doesn’t want to celebrate, he wants to be left alone so he can read “War and Peace”, however,...
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! (1986)
Seemingly, every major holiday has a Charlie Brown special. Well, almost. New Year’s is not to be left out and got its own Charlie Brown special in 1986. While most folks will think of Charlie Brown as a Christmas cartoon or a Halloween one, this special is actually quite good. In the story, Charlie Brown doesn’t want to celebrate, he wants to be left alone so he can read “War and Peace”, however,...
- 12/31/2022
- by Emilie Black
- JoBlo.com
Dr. Seuss’ children’s story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” has likely withstood the test of time because of its simple yet effective message: The Christmas season has more to do with community than material items. There’s also its eponymous villain, whose grouchy “Bah! Humbug!” spirit in the face of borderline-oppressive seasonal cheer is as understandable as his eventual redemption. The fable has been adapted to the big and small screen numerous times, from the lovely 1966 animated TV film directed by Chuck Jones to Ron Howard’s misbegotten eyesore starring Jim Carrey as a live-action Grinch. The source material’s bare plot and ubiquitous imagery make it a malleable text ripe for a wide range of interpretations, the latest of which is “The Mean One,” an unauthorized slasher parody starring David Howard Thornton, aka the man behind Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” films.
Director Steven Lamorte cheekily repurposes...
Director Steven Lamorte cheekily repurposes...
- 12/8/2022
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Well, how about that? Deadpool 3 is going to bring back Hugh Jackman as Wolverine! Considering the big announcement centered around it and the claw-based logo, Marvel looks to be treating this as a major part of the movie and not a high-profile cameo like Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. They are outright selling us on the idea of a Deadpool/Wolverine team-up at the box office!
This is obviously not the first time we’ve seen these two together in the movies. Deadpool 3 will be coming out a sobering Fifteen Years after X-Men Origins: Wolverine, known as what not to do with the X-Men movie rights. The movie introduced a version of Deadpool that has been met with rightful mockery. Since then, images of Wolverine have shown up in the Deadpool movies as a running gag, including a moment of reused footage from...
This is obviously not the first time we’ve seen these two together in the movies. Deadpool 3 will be coming out a sobering Fifteen Years after X-Men Origins: Wolverine, known as what not to do with the X-Men movie rights. The movie introduced a version of Deadpool that has been met with rightful mockery. Since then, images of Wolverine have shown up in the Deadpool movies as a running gag, including a moment of reused footage from...
- 9/28/2022
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Jason Momoa is all over the place these days. In addition to preparing for the release of the next "Aquaman" movie and playing the villain in the tenth installment of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, he's also set to star in the live-action "Minecraft" adaptation, an action-comedy called "Shots! Shots! Shots!," the fantasy murder mystery "The Executioner," a Hawaiian historical drama "Chief of War," and much more. Since the statuesque beefcake of an actor is someone that many consider the man of their dreams, I don't think too many people will be complaining.
In fact, the former "Game of Thrones" star has also taken a starring role in the World of Dreams. Based on the acclaimed comic strip "Little Nemo In Slumberland" by Winsor McCay, he will appear in the upcoming Netflix movie "Slumberland." Ahead of the film's fall premiere, the streamer has released the first teaser that gives off...
In fact, the former "Game of Thrones" star has also taken a starring role in the World of Dreams. Based on the acclaimed comic strip "Little Nemo In Slumberland" by Winsor McCay, he will appear in the upcoming Netflix movie "Slumberland." Ahead of the film's fall premiere, the streamer has released the first teaser that gives off...
- 8/24/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
The Emmy landscape has changed drastically in the past two decades. Going in to the 54th Emmy Awards, which took place on Sept. 22, 2002, it was a broadcast network — NBC — that led the nominations with 47. Emmy powerhouse HBO came in second with 38. FX and VH1 earned their first nominations while the first major streaming series, Netflix’s “House of Cards,” was still 11 years away. Several of this year’s contenders for Emmy gold were either nominated or won 20 years ago.
Laura Linney, who has been nominated nine times and won four statuettes, is nominated this year for her lead role in the final season of Netflix’s “Ozark” and as co-executive producer of this drama series contender. Two decades ago, she won her first Emmy for her lead role in the Showtime telefilm “Wild Iris.”
HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has been nominated 51 times and has won two Emmys, is...
Laura Linney, who has been nominated nine times and won four statuettes, is nominated this year for her lead role in the final season of Netflix’s “Ozark” and as co-executive producer of this drama series contender. Two decades ago, she won her first Emmy for her lead role in the Showtime telefilm “Wild Iris.”
HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has been nominated 51 times and has won two Emmys, is...
- 8/22/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
In addition to Warners removing any reference to their Oscar-winning cartoon character 'Pepé Le Pew' from "Space Jam: A New Legacy", the French charmer has also disappeared from the "Looney Tunes" cartoon roster, as he is now considered a 'predator' rather than a skunk:
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films for Warners, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye. Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench,...
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films for Warners, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye. Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench,...
- 7/6/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Josh Olson and Joe Dante answer fan questions and comments.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy (1955) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary
Monster A-Go-Go (1965)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Straw Dogs (2011)
Mississippi Burning (1988)
The Ghost And Mrs. Muir (1947) – Axelle Carolyn’s trailer commentary
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Bad Boy Bubby (1993) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Mummy (1932) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Mummy (1999)
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Slappy And The Stinkers (1998)
Casper (1995)
Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man (1933) – Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Robot Monster (1953) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary
The Stewardesses (1969)
The Hole (2012) – Joe Dante’s US, Italian, British trailer commentaries, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
Love (2015)
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
McCabe And Mrs.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy (1955) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary
Monster A-Go-Go (1965)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Straw Dogs (2011)
Mississippi Burning (1988)
The Ghost And Mrs. Muir (1947) – Axelle Carolyn’s trailer commentary
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Bad Boy Bubby (1993) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Mummy (1932) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Mummy (1999)
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Slappy And The Stinkers (1998)
Casper (1995)
Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man (1933) – Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Robot Monster (1953) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary
The Stewardesses (1969)
The Hole (2012) – Joe Dante’s US, Italian, British trailer commentaries, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
Love (2015)
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
McCabe And Mrs.
- 7/5/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Angus MacLane, animation veteran and director of the new Pixar adventure Lightyear, discusses his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taking Off (1971)
Reign of Terror (1949)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s review
Lightyear (2022)
Toy Story (1995)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Beyond Furious series, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Mars Attacks! (1996)
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, ’Burbs Mania at Tfh
Alive (1993)
Star Wars (1977)
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The Matrix (1999)
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Tron (1982)
The Blues Brothers (1980) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Howard The Duck (1986) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Wall-e (2008)
Predator 2 (1990)
Alien vs. Predator...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taking Off (1971)
Reign of Terror (1949)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s review
Lightyear (2022)
Toy Story (1995)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Beyond Furious series, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Mars Attacks! (1996)
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, ’Burbs Mania at Tfh
Alive (1993)
Star Wars (1977)
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The Matrix (1999)
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Tron (1982)
The Blues Brothers (1980) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Howard The Duck (1986) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Wall-e (2008)
Predator 2 (1990)
Alien vs. Predator...
- 6/7/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
This year’s Academy Awards could be decided by a few votes among the Academy’s 9,000 or so members. No category is as down-to-the-wire as Best Actress, with experts making the case for any of the nominees to prevail, as four of the women have evenly split the precursor awards. TheWrap’s Steve Pond is forecasting Carey Mulligan of “Promising Young Woman” to win, but writes, “Does anybody have a four-sided coin I can flip?”
In 1969, the Best Actress category was host to the most spectacular tie in Oscar history, with two of the most famous performers of the twentieth century each winning the statuette. Here are the six times that ties have occurred since Oscar’s beginning. A seventh could be right on track for this year.
1932: Best Actor
Fredric March in “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and Wallace Beery in “The Champ”
The 5th Annual Academy Awards...
In 1969, the Best Actress category was host to the most spectacular tie in Oscar history, with two of the most famous performers of the twentieth century each winning the statuette. Here are the six times that ties have occurred since Oscar’s beginning. A seventh could be right on track for this year.
1932: Best Actor
Fredric March in “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and Wallace Beery in “The Champ”
The 5th Annual Academy Awards...
- 3/25/2022
- by Joe McGovern
- The Wrap
In “Turning Red,” director Domee Shi turned Pixar upside down in the pursuit of a 2D anime look for dorky 13-year-old Mei (Rosalie Chiang), who transforms into a giant red panda as part of her sexual awakening. The unconventional coming-of-age comedy set in Toronto streams March 11 on Disney+ and will screen at Hollywood’s El Capitan for a one-week Oscar-qualifying run.
“I grew up watching anime films as much as Disney and Pixar,” said Shi, who makes her directorial feature debut after her Oscar-winning “Bao” animated short. “I really wanted to bring this expressive style into the movie and convey how Mei was feeling at any given moment. She has such big emotions and we had to push the animation in a way, like in anime, where the character’s embarrassed or mad or sad or has stars in their eyes. So it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore...
“I grew up watching anime films as much as Disney and Pixar,” said Shi, who makes her directorial feature debut after her Oscar-winning “Bao” animated short. “I really wanted to bring this expressive style into the movie and convey how Mei was feeling at any given moment. She has such big emotions and we had to push the animation in a way, like in anime, where the character’s embarrassed or mad or sad or has stars in their eyes. So it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore...
- 3/10/2022
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Jackass.With the triumphant return of the Jackass gang, one of the few true events of theatrical moviegoing in the pandemic era, the franchise built on absurd stunts, crass hijinks, and bruised cocks has at last been seriously accepted as the masterful trash it’s always been. Although much Jackass analysis revolves around the on-screen content—from the cinematic form of bold stunts to the interpersonal dynamics and bodies of the cast—the uniquely digital nature of the series is central to its reclamation. It’s that ramshackle camcorder aesthetic, bordering on snuff compared to glossy Hollywood productions, that gives the film series part of its distinct appeal. As much as the naked bodies and buttholes, the illicit sensation of going to a multiplex to watch MiniDV tape makes the first Jackass movie what it is—even as the image resolution and budget have increased, there’s an intimacy and...
- 3/4/2022
- MUBI
Ladies and gentlemen, it's common knowledge that Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius, has gotten the short end of the stick from the fictional Acme (a creation of animator Chuck Jones). Out in the unforgiving Southwest desert, there is no Target or Woolworth's, so the furry doggo has no choice but to send away for his own weapons of singular destruction. The company's mail-order products, from anvils to giant kites to nitroglycerin, are purported to help predators catch their prey by land, sea, and air, as well as biological warfare if the occasion calls for it, so why has the shifty Road Runner successfully eluded, nay humiliated,...
The post Read The Article That Inspired Coyote vs. Acme appeared first on /Film.
The post Read The Article That Inspired Coyote vs. Acme appeared first on /Film.
- 2/17/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
The animated comedy of Friz Freleng, Chuck Jones, and Tex Avery has left its mark on the childhoods of multiple generations of kids now. Between Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes, a cadre of silly, endearing characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig have carved out a sturdy place in the pop-culture consciousness. The cartoons' hold on public recognition is so strong that the title of Warner Bros. latest offering banks on common knowledge of each 'toon's speech pattern — we know a Tweety title when we hear one. It's all about the love in...
The post Looney Tunes Cartoons Valentine's Extwavaganza Trailer: Love is In the Air for Bugs and Co. on HBO Max appeared first on /Film.
The post Looney Tunes Cartoons Valentine's Extwavaganza Trailer: Love is In the Air for Bugs and Co. on HBO Max appeared first on /Film.
- 1/25/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
The animated Oscar-winning French cartoon character 'Pepé Le Pew' has been retired from the "Looney Tunes" cartoon roster, as he is now considered more of a 'predator', than a skunk:
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye. Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench, but also because of his obnoxious, seductive manner.
'Franglais' was spoken in the cartoons, by adding...
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye. Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench, but also because of his obnoxious, seductive manner.
'Franglais' was spoken in the cartoons, by adding...
- 1/21/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
In addition to Warners removing any reference to their Oscar-winning cartoon character 'Pepé Le Pew' from "Space Jam: A New Legacy", the French charmer has also disappeared from the "Looney Tunes" cartoon roster, as he is now considered a 'predator' rather than a skunk:
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films for Warners, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye. Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench,...
Created in 1945 by Chuck Jones, 'Pepé Le Pew' starred in more than 12 animated films for Warners, with the cartoon "For Scent-imental Reasons" winning an Oscar for 'Best Animated Short Subject' (Cartoons) in 1949.
The narcissistic skunk would stroll around Paris in the springtime, looking for 'l'amour' conquests, while his malodorous stank, unknown to him, chased everyone away.
Storylines typically involved Pepé in pursuit of what appears to be a female skunk, but is actually a black cat ('Penelope Pussycat') who had a white stripe painted down her back, often by accident from paint or dye. Usually Penelope ran away from Pepé, not only because of his stench,...
- 12/21/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
Some coyotes just can't catch a break. Wile E. Coyote, the cartoon canine created by animator Chuck Jones and writer Michael Maltese, can never seem to catch one. He can't ever catch the Roadrunner, either, despite using many contraptions and traps from the fictional Acme corporation in his attempts. Warner Bros. is set to release a new cartoon and live-action hybrid film, "Coyote vs. Acme," highlighting the efforts of the wily Wile E. Here's everything we know about the upcoming...
The post Coyote vs. Acme: Release Date, Cast, and More appeared first on /Film.
Some coyotes just can't catch a break. Wile E. Coyote, the cartoon canine created by animator Chuck Jones and writer Michael Maltese, can never seem to catch one. He can't ever catch the Roadrunner, either, despite using many contraptions and traps from the fictional Acme corporation in his attempts. Warner Bros. is set to release a new cartoon and live-action hybrid film, "Coyote vs. Acme," highlighting the efforts of the wily Wile E. Here's everything we know about the upcoming...
The post Coyote vs. Acme: Release Date, Cast, and More appeared first on /Film.
- 12/1/2021
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
"Looney Tunes Cartoons", a reboot in the style of Warners classic 1940's cartoon shorts, is directed by David Gemmill, Ryan Kramer, Kenny Pittenger and Pete Browngardt, based on characters from "Looney Tunes" and "Merrie Melodies", streaming Season Three November 25, 2021 on HBO Max:
The style of the series is reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes cartoon shorts directed by Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng and Robert McKimson.
The series brings together 'Bugs Bunny', 'Daffy Duck', 'Tweety', 'Sylvester', 'Porky Pig', 'The Gremlin', 'Elmer Fudd', 'The Gashouse Gorillas', 'Yosemite Sam', 'Granny', 'Beaky Buzzard', 'Mama Buzzard', 'Road Runner', 'Wile E. Coyote', 'Cecil Turtle', 'Sam Sheepdog', 'Ralph Wolf', 'Cicero Pig', 'Taz'...
...'Gossamer', 'Dr. Frankenbeans', 'Petunia Pig', the 'French Horse', 'Rocky', 'Mugsy', the 'Irish Policeman', the 'Russian Dog', the 'Rich Lady', 'Foghorn Leghorn', 'Barnyard Dawg', 'The Weasel', 'Hector the Bulldog', 'Marvin the Martian', the 'Dead End Kid',...
The style of the series is reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes cartoon shorts directed by Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng and Robert McKimson.
The series brings together 'Bugs Bunny', 'Daffy Duck', 'Tweety', 'Sylvester', 'Porky Pig', 'The Gremlin', 'Elmer Fudd', 'The Gashouse Gorillas', 'Yosemite Sam', 'Granny', 'Beaky Buzzard', 'Mama Buzzard', 'Road Runner', 'Wile E. Coyote', 'Cecil Turtle', 'Sam Sheepdog', 'Ralph Wolf', 'Cicero Pig', 'Taz'...
...'Gossamer', 'Dr. Frankenbeans', 'Petunia Pig', the 'French Horse', 'Rocky', 'Mugsy', the 'Irish Policeman', the 'Russian Dog', the 'Rich Lady', 'Foghorn Leghorn', 'Barnyard Dawg', 'The Weasel', 'Hector the Bulldog', 'Marvin the Martian', the 'Dead End Kid',...
- 11/12/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The Simpsons animator, character layout artist and assistant director Edwin E. Aguilar died in Los Angeles on Saturday, two days after having a stroke. He was 46.
While the news of Aguilar’s passing was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, it was also noted on Sunday by The Simpsons executive producer, Matt Selman. “We @TheSimpsons family are mourning the loss of animator Edwin Aguilar,” he tweeted, “a talented artist and beloved fountain of love and inspiration to all.”
Reportedly, Aguilar’s health had been on the decline for years, given his struggle with diabetes and heart issues. Several years ago, the artist had a stroke, from which he recovered.
Born in the San Miguel region of El Salvador in 1974, Aguilar gravitated toward comic strips at an early age. At age 9, he fled his native country—which was in the midst of a civil war—alongside his brother, to avoid being...
While the news of Aguilar’s passing was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, it was also noted on Sunday by The Simpsons executive producer, Matt Selman. “We @TheSimpsons family are mourning the loss of animator Edwin Aguilar,” he tweeted, “a talented artist and beloved fountain of love and inspiration to all.”
Reportedly, Aguilar’s health had been on the decline for years, given his struggle with diabetes and heart issues. Several years ago, the artist had a stroke, from which he recovered.
Born in the San Miguel region of El Salvador in 1974, Aguilar gravitated toward comic strips at an early age. At age 9, he fled his native country—which was in the midst of a civil war—alongside his brother, to avoid being...
- 4/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Norton Juster, the children’s book author best known for his 1961 classic The Phantom Tollbooth, has died. He was 91.
A representative from Random House confirmed Juster’s death to Rolling Stone. Per The New York Times, Juster’s daughter, Emily Juster, issued a statement saying the cause of death was complications from a recent stroke.
Author, animator, and friend of Juster’s, Mo Willems, posted about his death on Twitter, writing, “My lunch partner, Norton Juster, ran out of stories and passed peacefully last night. Best known for The Phantom Tollbooth...
A representative from Random House confirmed Juster’s death to Rolling Stone. Per The New York Times, Juster’s daughter, Emily Juster, issued a statement saying the cause of death was complications from a recent stroke.
Author, animator, and friend of Juster’s, Mo Willems, posted about his death on Twitter, writing, “My lunch partner, Norton Juster, ran out of stories and passed peacefully last night. Best known for The Phantom Tollbooth...
- 3/9/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Photo: ‘Tom & Jerry’/HBO Max Tom and Jerry were a huge part of my childhood. In addition to the ‘Looney Tunes’ and ‘Merrie Melodies’ series with Bugs Bunny and Co., Tom and Jerry were among the first cartoons I ever saw when I was a kid. I still have fond memories of sitting in front of the TV and devouring the shorts whenever Cartoon Network ran marathons of the series whether it’s the original run from William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the quirky Gene Deitch era (with its strong Eastern European animation feel), or the more stylized and comparatively subdued Chuck Jones years. There’s a reason the gray and white housecat and his brown mouse foil have endured for 81 years since their debut in 1940: they’re the quintessential cat-and-mouse team. There’s a simplicity to the premise: Tom tries to catch Jerry, plucky Jerry always outsmarts unlucky Tom,...
- 2/28/2021
- by Mario Yuwono
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Here’s a vintage SpongeBob moment, the kind that makes some of us who are years past the demo feel like we can’t get enough of him. In “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” our hero, voiced in that Daffy-Duck-on-happy-pills way by Tom Kenny, discovers that Gary the Snail, his beloved pet companion, has been snailnapped. For a moment, SpongeBob lapses into a misty memory, flashing back to Camp Coral, where he first knew Gary as a kid. It’s all very sweet. Then SpongeBob comes out of the reverie and, sitting back on his haunches, his face turned to the heavens, he bawls so hard that the tears shoot out of his eyes like twin geysers. That moment, which turns sentiment into sheer mockery and then back again, could have been staged by Chuck Jones. But it’s pure SpongeBob.
The characters in “Sponge on the Run” say what they mean,...
The characters in “Sponge on the Run” say what they mean,...
- 2/27/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
A new documentary about “Frankenstein” actor Boris Karloff is in the works.
Voltage Films is currently in production on the feature documentary “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster.” Co-produced and co-written by Ron MacCloskey and Thomas Hamilton with Hamilton directing and Tracy Jenkins producing, the film offers a fascinating portrait of Karloff, examining his illustrious 60-year career in the entertainment industry and his enduring legacy as one of the icons of 20th century popular culture.
The film follows on from the acclaimed 2010 biography “Boris Karloff: More Than A Monster,” written by Karloff’s official biographer Stephen Jacobs, who serves as the film’s historical consultant.
MacCloskey dedicated 23 years to the project, travelling the world to conduct extensive research. Since 2018, the team has filmed 50 interviews in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and London. Contributors include Peter Bogdanovich, Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Plummer, John Landis, Roger Corman and Kevin Brownlow.
The...
Voltage Films is currently in production on the feature documentary “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster.” Co-produced and co-written by Ron MacCloskey and Thomas Hamilton with Hamilton directing and Tracy Jenkins producing, the film offers a fascinating portrait of Karloff, examining his illustrious 60-year career in the entertainment industry and his enduring legacy as one of the icons of 20th century popular culture.
The film follows on from the acclaimed 2010 biography “Boris Karloff: More Than A Monster,” written by Karloff’s official biographer Stephen Jacobs, who serves as the film’s historical consultant.
MacCloskey dedicated 23 years to the project, travelling the world to conduct extensive research. Since 2018, the team has filmed 50 interviews in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and London. Contributors include Peter Bogdanovich, Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Plummer, John Landis, Roger Corman and Kevin Brownlow.
The...
- 1/22/2021
- by Lynsey Ford
- Variety Film + TV
Animated films are primarily targeted towards kids, so it makes sense that our Meet the Experts: Film Animation panelists — Tomm Moore (“Wolfwalkers”), Dan Scanlon (“Onward”), Kris Pearn (“The Willoughbys”) and Walt Dohrn (“Trolls World Tour”) — were first drawn (no pun intended) to the animation when they were young. Click on each name above to view individual panel interviews with each person.
“Just growing up, drawing all the time, watching ‘The Muppets’ — which aren’t animated, but they’re such great designs — watching Chuck Jones films, Warner Bros. shorts — all of that I think made me think, ‘I want to be someone who can put on a show and yet I never wanna be onstage,’” Scanlon shares. “So how is that possible?”
See 2021 Oscar Predictions: Best Animated Feature
Moore recalls his parents waking him up when he was a kid to watch Don Bluth draw the dogs from “All Dogs Go to Heaven...
“Just growing up, drawing all the time, watching ‘The Muppets’ — which aren’t animated, but they’re such great designs — watching Chuck Jones films, Warner Bros. shorts — all of that I think made me think, ‘I want to be someone who can put on a show and yet I never wanna be onstage,’” Scanlon shares. “So how is that possible?”
See 2021 Oscar Predictions: Best Animated Feature
Moore recalls his parents waking him up when he was a kid to watch Don Bluth draw the dogs from “All Dogs Go to Heaven...
- 12/28/2020
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
The names of the legendary animators of the 30s and 40s have faded with time, except to the connoisseurs and collectors, which is a shame. Chuck Jones, Bob Clampett, and Tex Avery should be as well known as respected as is Walt Disney, though these days, the latter is better known as an entrepreneur than an animator.
This is why we should love and support Warner Archive, for gathering the forgotten but still vital cartoons of the past and making them available in contemporary forms, which brings me to the just-released Tex Avery Screwball Classics: Volume 2. One a single disc we have 21 cartoons to enjoy, most of which hold up extremely well.
Avery, to those who recognize the name, certainly know him for his work on Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Bugs Bunny. But, after he moved to MGM, he continued to offer up side-splitting entertainment with characters such as...
This is why we should love and support Warner Archive, for gathering the forgotten but still vital cartoons of the past and making them available in contemporary forms, which brings me to the just-released Tex Avery Screwball Classics: Volume 2. One a single disc we have 21 cartoons to enjoy, most of which hold up extremely well.
Avery, to those who recognize the name, certainly know him for his work on Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Bugs Bunny. But, after he moved to MGM, he continued to offer up side-splitting entertainment with characters such as...
- 12/26/2020
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
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