4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
#301
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Today, I went over to my sister and brother-in-law's house, and we watched Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox. As I've mentioned in other threads, Anderson is one of my favorite directors, and his meticulously detailed world is wondrous to behold. Every time I watch it, there is some new detail that I somehow missed. This time I noticed that one of Badger's children is always dressed in a skeleton Halloween costume; I'm not sure how I missed that! Also, I didn't realize that celebrity chef Mario Batali was the voice of Rabbit. As with most of his films, Fantastic Mr. Fox deals with dysfunctional families and sibling rivalry (this time between cousins and decided one-sided). I really identified with Ash (the Fox clan's son) who really wants to be the best and is constantly upstaged by others.
Favorite line: "Are you a bully? You're starting to sound like a bully."
Favorite line: "Are you a bully? You're starting to sound like a bully."
#302
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
My totals this month are terrible so I'm trying to salvage a bit of list dignity in the stretch run. I rented and watched The Secret of NIMH last night because the family had never seen it. So I'm watching for a while (after being annoyed at the foolscreen presentation), and while the characters are pretty dull there's a lot of action. However, I check the running time, and I realize there's not a whole lot of time for the rodents to leave for America and sing the big song.
At that point I realize I was watching the wrong movie, and I really intended to rent An American Tail. Both are 1980s Don Bluth movies about rodents, and the beginning almost implied there'd be some travel involved. Thing is, I didn't watch Don Bluth movies as a kid so it's not like they're deeply embedded in my brain. I actually think The Secret of NIMH ended up as a first-time watch, so hooray for that. But now I'm not sure I have time to return the disc to Netflix and get An American Tail in time to count. Curses on movie stupidity!
At that point I realize I was watching the wrong movie, and I really intended to rent An American Tail. Both are 1980s Don Bluth movies about rodents, and the beginning almost implied there'd be some travel involved. Thing is, I didn't watch Don Bluth movies as a kid so it's not like they're deeply embedded in my brain. I actually think The Secret of NIMH ended up as a first-time watch, so hooray for that. But now I'm not sure I have time to return the disc to Netflix and get An American Tail in time to count. Curses on movie stupidity!
#304
#305
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
#306
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I like The Secret of NIMH and I watched it for this challenge. Dom DeLuise is hilarious and it was cool to hear Shannen Dougherty and Wil Wheaton early in their careers. One of these years I will read the book the film was based on.
#307
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
The book is excellent. I read it before seeing the film and really enjoyed both of them.
#308
DVD Talk Gold Edition
#309
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Followed up Secret of NIMH with a very similar title, The Black Cauldron. I was a big fan of the books when I was a kid but haven't read them in years, so I don't know if they or the movie is to blame for being a complete ripoff of Lord of the Rings. Pretty mediocre overall, but not a waste of time. I sure would like to see someone else take a shot at this material, though, preferably the complete series. I've heard that the Gummi Bears series is a better representation, but I haven't seen it.
#310
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I've had another "blah" stretch the last several days with my health so I've been in bed quite a bit. Naturally, this led to being incapable of sleeping tonight. I decided to go ahead and watch Aqua Teen Hunger Force Volume Three. It started off pretty strong. "Frat Aliens" (with Patton Oswalt as the titular screw-offs) and "Total Re-Carl" were both 4-star episodes for me. So was the fifth episode, "The Cloning". Unfortunately, the rest of the set isn't as satisfying.
I really loved the show when it debuted. Some episodes still make me laugh, but I think I've hit a brick wall with it. I've owned the first three volumes for several years now, and kept making a mental note to eventually get the rest of the series. I dusted off Volume One in January for the TV on DVD* Challenge, and now I've gone through Volumes Two and Three this month, and I think I'm bailing on it.
I wish [adult swim] still did that burn-on-demand program where you got to pick out your own episodes. There are enough episodes that hold up that I could be content with such a compilation. Oh, well. I do still have the feature film in my library, and I'll get to that maybe later today or tomorrow. Not so much so that it can win me back over, but so that it can go out when I take the rest of the show.
I really loved the show when it debuted. Some episodes still make me laugh, but I think I've hit a brick wall with it. I've owned the first three volumes for several years now, and kept making a mental note to eventually get the rest of the series. I dusted off Volume One in January for the TV on DVD* Challenge, and now I've gone through Volumes Two and Three this month, and I think I'm bailing on it.
I wish [adult swim] still did that burn-on-demand program where you got to pick out your own episodes. There are enough episodes that hold up that I could be content with such a compilation. Oh, well. I do still have the feature film in my library, and I'll get to that maybe later today or tomorrow. Not so much so that it can win me back over, but so that it can go out when I take the rest of the show.
#311
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Thread Starter
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I won a free Amazon gift card off of one of those surveys for points sites and last weekend I placed an order for Challenge of the Superfriends. It was shipped out Monday. Here's hoping it arrives before the end of the challenge.
#312
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I finished up Popeye: Volume 1 and now I'm going through Popeye withdrawals. The second volume is on the top of my list when I start having disposable income again. The Popeye shorts are so charming and stylish. Of course, the stories get repetitive, but just when you think you have seen the formula one too many times, the next short surprises you. My favorites are the episodes with Swee' Pea and the two colored two-reels included in the collection.
I also watched a guilty pleasure - Gnomeo & Juliet (2011). While I know it is a silly, vapid cartoon, I still love it. I think part of it has to do with the supporting cast, especially Stephen Merchant and Ashley Jensen. I love their characters and they bring such energy to the film. Also, Patrick Stewart's cameo is pretty awesome. Plus, there's Elton John music, and I love me some Elton John music. (Had the pleasure of seeing him and Billy Joel in concert a couple years ago - phenomenal!)
#313
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I finished off season 3 "Beetlejuice." I really enjoyed it, but by the end it was getting a bit repetitive. There were a few episodes where you could really see the Tim Burton influence. (Prince Vince especially!) By season 3, the show was really getting into swing and all my favorite characters were popping up quite frequently.
I also watched Shrek 3-D for the first time. I was expecting 30 mins, got 15, so am REALLY glad I got it cheap from Big Lots. After looking around, found out that it was really Shrek 4-D and that they made it for theme parks. Had no idea. I did like it. Fast paced, of course. It would have been fun to see it in the 4D presentation. I started out with 3D here, but it looked so awful I switched within seconds to the 2D.
Finished up last night with The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride. Agree with Travis, it is not especially good. I don't think I dislike it as much as he did, but the music was very bland and unmemorable. The story was pretty cliched and I thought it was pretty scary at times, even more than the original, for the kids it was aimed at. That dream sequence, while not only being predictable, was pretty dark.
We're watching my nephew this week and while we are in the middle of a heatwave (mid 90s all the way!), we can't really do much. So this afternoon, we're trying to get to see Monsters University. I've wanted to see it all summer and now I finally get to, just at the tail end of this challenge! Perfect timing!
I also watched Shrek 3-D for the first time. I was expecting 30 mins, got 15, so am REALLY glad I got it cheap from Big Lots. After looking around, found out that it was really Shrek 4-D and that they made it for theme parks. Had no idea. I did like it. Fast paced, of course. It would have been fun to see it in the 4D presentation. I started out with 3D here, but it looked so awful I switched within seconds to the 2D.
Finished up last night with The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride. Agree with Travis, it is not especially good. I don't think I dislike it as much as he did, but the music was very bland and unmemorable. The story was pretty cliched and I thought it was pretty scary at times, even more than the original, for the kids it was aimed at. That dream sequence, while not only being predictable, was pretty dark.
We're watching my nephew this week and while we are in the middle of a heatwave (mid 90s all the way!), we can't really do much. So this afternoon, we're trying to get to see Monsters University. I've wanted to see it all summer and now I finally get to, just at the tail end of this challenge! Perfect timing!
#314
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I did get to Monsters U this afternoon. When the short started, I was totally thrown for about 30 secs until I remember, oh yeah, they usually show a short first! So, I also saw The Blue Umbrella. I liked both, though the short was only ok. I think they've done better, though I did enjoy how they gave everyday objects faces and expressions-like a mail box or the down spout-without drawing a face on. The main feature was cute. I laughed through a lot of it and I enjoyed the ending quite a bit.
After watching the short, I was inspired, so I popped in Pixar Short Films Collection Vol 1.
After watching the short, I was inspired, so I popped in Pixar Short Films Collection Vol 1.
#315
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I think I'm probably done this year. Thought I might get a couple of shorts in last night, but ended up having to work late and got home just in time to watch the Vandy-Ole Miss football game (WOW, what a way to start the season!!!). With football cranking up full blast this weekend, I doubt I'll have time to do much more.
As always, I didn't get to as much as I wanted, but I had fun and that's what counts.
As always, I didn't get to as much as I wanted, but I had fun and that's what counts.
#316
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Well, unless it comes today, which is doubtful, as there was still no tracking info yesterday, won't be able to watch any of Challenge of the Superfriends for this challenge. However, that won't stop me from watching it, and ordering more Superfriends DVDs when I get more Amazon gift cards from the site.
#317
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Had a lull in the middle of the month and didn't get as far as I hoped. Made it through the first season of Batman The Brave and the Bold and was surprised that half of the episodes were new to me. If you've hesitated watching this because you think it looks too cartoony and kiddie, give it a chance. It's one of those situations where it has appeal to young viewers, but has references that the grown-ups will get. Loads of inside jokes if you know your DC Universe. Goofy fun, yes, but well done goofy fun.
Listen to the lyrics.
Listen to the lyrics.
#318
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Had a lull in the middle of the month and didn't get as far as I hoped. Made it through the first season of Batman The Brave and the Bold and was surprised that half of the episodes were new to me. If you've hesitated watching this because you think it looks too cartoony and kiddie, give it a chance. It's one of those situations where it has appeal to young viewers, but has references that the grown-ups will get. Loads of inside jokes if you know your DC Universe. Goofy fun, yes, but well done goofy fun.
Listen to the lyrics.
Listen to the lyrics.
I'm a fan of Birds of Prey but don't think of Catwoman as a member.
#319
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Yesterday and last night, I worked through the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Academy Awards Animation Collection - 15 Winners DVD compilation. I've already discovered I no longer enjoy Family Guy and that Aqua Teen Hunger Force doesn't entertain me as much as it used to. This collection of shorts was just as disappointing. I think it's time that I concede that I'm too old and/or too sensitive to different subjects to really be entertained by a lot of things anymore. Titles link to my film-specific reviews on Letterboxd:
The short version is that I've never liked Tom and Jerry and this set did nothing to win me over. Additionally, the Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies shorts tended to rankle me in ways they didn't when I was young. I've already decided to add that DVD compilation to the assortment of titles being purged from my library as a result of this challenge.
The two standouts on the set, though, were So Much for So Little, which blew me away with its depiction of healthcare in 1949, and The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics, which was clever and had amazing animation.
I think I'm going to have my niece tomorrow night, and if so, then we're certain to wind up watching some animated movies. We'll see. So far, though, this year's challenge has been more about revealing to me how much my taste has changed than it has been about affirming that I still enjoy things I once did.
- 8/29 The Milky Way
- 8/29 The Yankee Doodle Mouse
- 8/29 Mouse Trouble
- 8/29 Quiet Please!
- 8/29 The Cat Concerto
- 8/29 Tweetie Pie
- 8/29 The Little Orphan
- 8/29 For Scent-imental Reasons
- 8/29 So Much for So Little
- 8/29 The Two Mouseketeers
- 8/29 Johann Mouse
- 8/30 Speedy Gonzales
- 8/30 Birds Anonymous
- 8/30 Knighty Knight Bugs
- 8/30 The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics
The short version is that I've never liked Tom and Jerry and this set did nothing to win me over. Additionally, the Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies shorts tended to rankle me in ways they didn't when I was young. I've already decided to add that DVD compilation to the assortment of titles being purged from my library as a result of this challenge.
The two standouts on the set, though, were So Much for So Little, which blew me away with its depiction of healthcare in 1949, and The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics, which was clever and had amazing animation.
I think I'm going to have my niece tomorrow night, and if so, then we're certain to wind up watching some animated movies. We'll see. So far, though, this year's challenge has been more about revealing to me how much my taste has changed than it has been about affirming that I still enjoy things I once did.
#320
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I agree that it's great that it mostly features second-tier characters, but when they finally get to a Superman episode in the third season, it uses exposure to Red Kryptonite to turn him into "Superman is a dick", directly taking inspiration from the Superdickery website.
#321
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Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Decided since it was obvious I wasn't going to fall asleep very well tonight that I may as well squeeze in something else. I decided to re-watch Superman: Doomsday. From m Letterboxd diary:
***SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAILS***
Superman: Doomsday
Watch works from 3 different studios:
-X- Warner Bros
Watch works from 3 different directors:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch 5 Annie Awards - Winsor McCay Award Winners:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch animation from at least 9 different decades:
-X- 2000 (2007)
Watch animation from at least 4 different ratings:
-X- PG-13
Watch animation from at least 6 different genres:
-X- Action
-X- Science Fiction
[Side note: It occurred to me just now that there are six names in both the Directors and Winsor McCay Award Winners lists. We should probably eliminate the redundant names from the Directors list next year.]
Spoiler:
***SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAILS***
Superman: Doomsday
Watch works from 3 different studios:
-X- Warner Bros
Watch works from 3 different directors:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch 5 Annie Awards - Winsor McCay Award Winners:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch animation from at least 9 different decades:
-X- 2000 (2007)
Watch animation from at least 4 different ratings:
-X- PG-13
Watch animation from at least 6 different genres:
-X- Action
-X- Science Fiction
[Side note: It occurred to me just now that there are six names in both the Directors and Winsor McCay Award Winners lists. We should probably eliminate the redundant names from the Directors list next year.]
#322
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Thread Starter
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Decided since it was obvious I wasn't going to fall asleep very well tonight that I may as well squeeze in something else. I decided to re-watch Superman: Doomsday. From m Letterboxd diary:
***SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAILS***
Superman: Doomsday
Watch works from 3 different studios:
-X- Warner Bros
Watch works from 3 different directors:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch 5 Annie Awards - Winsor McCay Award Winners:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch animation from at least 9 different decades:
-X- 2000 (2007)
Watch animation from at least 4 different ratings:
-X- PG-13
Watch animation from at least 6 different genres:
-X- Action
-X- Science Fiction
[Side note: It occurred to me just now that there are six names in both the Directors and Winsor McCay Award Winners lists. We should probably eliminate the redundant names from the Directors list next year.]
***SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAILS***
Superman: Doomsday
Watch works from 3 different studios:
-X- Warner Bros
Watch works from 3 different directors:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch 5 Annie Awards - Winsor McCay Award Winners:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch animation from at least 9 different decades:
-X- 2000 (2007)
Watch animation from at least 4 different ratings:
-X- PG-13
Watch animation from at least 6 different genres:
-X- Action
-X- Science Fiction
[Side note: It occurred to me just now that there are six names in both the Directors and Winsor McCay Award Winners lists. We should probably eliminate the redundant names from the Directors list next year.]
#323
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Decided since it was obvious I wasn't going to fall asleep very well tonight that I may as well squeeze in something else. I decided to re-watch Superman: Doomsday. From m Letterboxd diary:
***SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAILS***
Superman: Doomsday
Watch works from 3 different studios:
-X- Warner Bros
Watch works from 3 different directors:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch 5 Annie Awards - Winsor McCay Award Winners:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch animation from at least 9 different decades:
-X- 2000 (2007)
Watch animation from at least 4 different ratings:
-X- PG-13
Watch animation from at least 6 different genres:
-X- Action
-X- Science Fiction
[Side note: It occurred to me just now that there are six names in both the Directors and Winsor McCay Award Winners lists. We should probably eliminate the redundant names from the Directors list next year.]
***SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAILS***
Superman: Doomsday
Watch works from 3 different studios:
-X- Warner Bros
Watch works from 3 different directors:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch 5 Annie Awards - Winsor McCay Award Winners:
-X- Bruce Timm [co-director]
Watch animation from at least 9 different decades:
-X- 2000 (2007)
Watch animation from at least 4 different ratings:
-X- PG-13
Watch animation from at least 6 different genres:
-X- Action
-X- Science Fiction
[Side note: It occurred to me just now that there are six names in both the Directors and Winsor McCay Award Winners lists. We should probably eliminate the redundant names from the Directors list next year.]
#324
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
Did a bit of an ALF marathon last night to finish up season one. Man, I love that show all over again. I got 4 seasons of Dr. Katz done, so that was a good effort. Did not even TOUCH my Flintstones box set, even though that was my original goal. Weird how that happens. Next year, I guess.
Last edited by pacaway; 08-31-13 at 09:29 AM.
#325
Re: 4th Annual August Animation Challenge - Discussion Thread
I pretty much hit my limit with animation earlier this month. It was my own fault for watching animation exclusively. I've never been able to do that, even when a kid. The last couple of weeks have been spent finishing Flash Gordon in the 25th Century and *finally* watching the full run of the original Battlestar Galactica. I must say it was a far better series than I'd been giving it credit for over the years. I never watched past the first 4-5 episodes during the initial run as it felt like a dumbed down kiddie show. It really began to improve after those episodes. Oh well...
So... I'm back on track for the final day and am currently working on completing Mission Hill. So far it's been pretty good. I'd put off watching this one as I'd only purchased it because I got it real cheep ($3) at BL a few years back. Sometimes on stuff like that I'll find what sounded interesting is really a chore to get through so I tend to put off watching such purchases until I'm really bored. That way if it's bad I don't feel so bad about the "wasted" time. I should have pulled it out earlier. I'm surprised it didn't have a longer run.