TF Issue 192: Is It Just Me? DreamWorks...

[Lizhawkins]

On page 145 of TF issue 192, Nathan Ditum asks:

"Is it just me... or is DreamWorks now on a par with Pixar?"



Here are a few excerpts:

Yes, at first glance this appears to be lunacy. Pixar are the infallible artists behind an unprecedented run of hits which has defied Hollywood logic by combining big box-office with intelligence and emotional storytelling. They make huge profits and classic movies. DreamWorks makes Shrek. Worse than that, DreamWorks makes Antz and A Shark’s Tale, and as many Shreks as are needed in between to stop it all falling apart. Its films are smirking shadows of its rival’s, bringing a plastic proficiency to the same insect hives and underwater worlds into which Pixar has breathed bustling, beautiful life.

Or at least, it used to be that way. In 2006, Pixar released Cars, a film which never sat right with its earlier films. Maybe because the idea of a world populated by vehicles with giant-eyeball windscreens is unsettling on an eerily existential level. Or maybe because the film ditched the formula of small communities having adventures in our normal world (toys coming to life when no one’s looking, monsters coming out at night) which had brought so much success.

...

Since then DreamWorks has made Megamind, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss In Boots, while Pixar has made an (admittedly timeless) second sequel in Toy Story 3 and, crucially, Cars 2, which fails John Lasseter’s self-imposed rule that Pixar sequels would only happen if they had a good enough story. Cars 2, which celebrates stupidity and tarnishes Pixar’s record of subtlety and wit. Cars 2 which, most worryingly of all, seems more focused on repeating the first film’s trick of selling toys than telling a story. And while Pixar trades sincerity for cynicism, DreamWorks seems to have discovered the secret to making films filled with warmth and wonder. Or is it just me?

Check out the full article in Issue 192 - on sale 15 March 2012.

Agree? Disagree? Have your say below - a selection will be printed in the next issue...

[LSJShez]

For me, Pixar are like The Beatles of animation. They're so far in front, that it's going to take a long time for the rest to catch up.
All Nath's rant did for me was highlight the one "bad" film Pixar made (Cars 2), and highlight one "good" film Dreamworks made (How To Train Your Dragon). I enjoyed both Kung Fu Pandas, Antz and Shrek, but even without the mighty Toy Story trilogy, they still can't measure up. Sure, Pixars scruples may not be as pure as they once were, but I can't think of any leading voice talent in DW's oeuvre that doesn't reek of stunt casting. Christ, they even make their fish look like Will Smith!

[gordonmclean]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is nicely timed for April Fools, yeah?

[Jeffbiscuits]

Dreamworks are definitely finding their feet. The Kung Fu Panda films are great. But Pixar made Toy Story (1, 2 and3), Monsters Inc., Wall-E and Up. Kung Fu Panda isn't worth the comparison.

[morris]

Originally Posted by Jeffbiscuits

But Pixar made Toy Story (1, 2 and3), Monsters Inc., Wall-E and Up. Kung Fu Panda isn't worth the comparison.

And Bug's Life. Pixar will always be in a league of their own. They're innovators. All the shitty Cars movies in the world won't change that.

[Jeffbiscuits]

I admit that pretty much all of the animated films i've seen in the last 12 months have looked amazing and been highly entertaining ( Kung Fu Panda 2, Rango and even Tangled were awesome) but for pure entertainment, beauty and innovation (I stole your word, Morris, but only because it's perfectly apt) Pixar win hands down and I don't see that changing. Brave looks unbelievable.

[jaykays hat]

Both have their pro's & cons, but I think Pixar just edges in front, especially as it wasn't responsible for Sharks Tale.

[Ancient One]

It's close. I thought How To Train Your Dragon was brilliant and Tangled very good as well. However Pixar are SO good at what they do it is difficult to place any studio ahead of them.

[Punchbowl]

If we all do the decent thing and allow Cars 2 to just die, then Pixar haven't put a foot wrong. I enjoy Cars because it doesn't follow that formula and has its own world. Brave looks to be awesome and animation as an art form has just come on in great strides over the last few years. Dragon, Rango, Despicable Me and Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs are all stunning films in their own way. And it's all thanks to Pixar. Even Disney, with Princess and The Frog are back on form with traditional animation.