Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong first established their "wastoid" characters while working together in a Canadian improv troupe in the late 1960s. They first found success performing as "Cheech & Chong" as the opener for a touring bad. The story goes that Cheech & Chong were so funny, the band never came on stage. They began releasing their best bits on comedy albums starting with 1971's "Cheech and Chong," a must-have for comedy record collectors. Their bits were played by hip DJs, and they appeared regularly on "The Dr. Demento Show."
Their success was helped by a growing drug culture in the early 1970s. Cheech & Chong were stoners through and through, and their jokes hit harder for those who were under the influence. Those who are inexperienced with marijuana may not find Cheech & Chong terribly funny. The stoner shtick has continued to the present day, and now Marin and Chong have...
Their success was helped by a growing drug culture in the early 1970s. Cheech & Chong were stoners through and through, and their jokes hit harder for those who were under the influence. Those who are inexperienced with marijuana may not find Cheech & Chong terribly funny. The stoner shtick has continued to the present day, and now Marin and Chong have...
- 3/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Fans saw a rumor indicating that a live-action remake of 1992's FernGully: The Last Rainforest is slated for a 2024 release, but how true is that?
FernGully Live-Action Remake Rumor Addressed
A fan-made poster recirculated across the internet and social media in late November 2023 that teased a live-action remake of the animated FernGully: The Last Rainforest movie, which debuted in theaters on April 10, 1992.
Read full article on The Direct.
FernGully Live-Action Remake Rumor Addressed
A fan-made poster recirculated across the internet and social media in late November 2023 that teased a live-action remake of the animated FernGully: The Last Rainforest movie, which debuted in theaters on April 10, 1992.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 12/1/2023
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
Machine Media Advisors has acquired 1992 animated film “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” and its associated rights.
“FernGully: The Last Rainforest” — starring Robin Williams, Samantha Mathis, Tim Curry and Christian Slater — follows a group of fairies living in a rainforest fighting off an evil force that aims to pollute and destroy their home. Led by Jonathan Sheinberg, Susan Sheinberg and Matt Feige, Machine Media Advisors along with Moonheart Entertainment plans to revive the environmentally-conscious film in new iterations while also honoring the original.
The team is currently in the process of reimagining the “FernGully” concept with new worlds, characters and storylines, according to the press release. They are in talks with major studios for both live-action and animated additions to the “FernGully” universe.
Machine Media Advisors with the instrumental support of their minority partner Moonheart led by Moonli Singha, Rosa Gudmundsdottir and Krystine Beneke re-released the original film’s soundtrack. In 2022, they...
“FernGully: The Last Rainforest” — starring Robin Williams, Samantha Mathis, Tim Curry and Christian Slater — follows a group of fairies living in a rainforest fighting off an evil force that aims to pollute and destroy their home. Led by Jonathan Sheinberg, Susan Sheinberg and Matt Feige, Machine Media Advisors along with Moonheart Entertainment plans to revive the environmentally-conscious film in new iterations while also honoring the original.
The team is currently in the process of reimagining the “FernGully” concept with new worlds, characters and storylines, according to the press release. They are in talks with major studios for both live-action and animated additions to the “FernGully” universe.
Machine Media Advisors with the instrumental support of their minority partner Moonheart led by Moonli Singha, Rosa Gudmundsdottir and Krystine Beneke re-released the original film’s soundtrack. In 2022, they...
- 11/20/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Caroline Brew and Valerie Wu
- Variety Film + TV
Squint very hard and you might be able to divine an allegory about the Russian attack on Ukraine – but you can also enjoy it for the nice designs and throat singing
This Ukrainian animated feature offers a bricolage of tropes from a wide range of children’s stories; mostly these derive from other movies but there’s a strong, proper folk-story spine in there too. Forest sprite protagonist Mavka (voiced in the English version by Laurie Hymes) is a fetchingly designed ingenue with green hair, disproportionally large doe eyes and magical healing skills, who lives in a part of the forest where humans no longer go, thanks to an old treaty between them and the forest spirits. But wealthy villainess Kalina wants to acquire an elixir from a magic tree in the forest that keeps her from ageing, so she sends a guileless young musician hunk named Lucas in to...
This Ukrainian animated feature offers a bricolage of tropes from a wide range of children’s stories; mostly these derive from other movies but there’s a strong, proper folk-story spine in there too. Forest sprite protagonist Mavka (voiced in the English version by Laurie Hymes) is a fetchingly designed ingenue with green hair, disproportionally large doe eyes and magical healing skills, who lives in a part of the forest where humans no longer go, thanks to an old treaty between them and the forest spirits. But wealthy villainess Kalina wants to acquire an elixir from a magic tree in the forest that keeps her from ageing, so she sends a guileless young musician hunk named Lucas in to...
- 7/24/2023
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Shout! Studios is thrilled to announce its return to the convention center this summer for San Diego Comic-Con 2023! Showcasing fan favorites and the best of pop culture, this year’s highlights include Alf, a photo opportunity and giveaways in celebration of the studio’s new partnership with Aardman Animations, Shout! TV’s Always a Sword: A Sword & Sorcery Adventure marathon, Sdcc exclusive giveaways, and more! Visit the Shout! Studios booth at #4118 to check out this year’s activities.
This year, Shout! will be giving away a number of exclusive items at its booth. Everyone’s favorite alien is back—in milk cap form—with the Sdcc exclusive Alf Milk Cap toy, promoting the series’ latest home on Shout! TV. Fans of animation classics from Aardman Animations won’t want to miss Shaun the Sheep headbands or the Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers photo opportunity commemorating the 30th anniversary of beloved film.
This year, Shout! will be giving away a number of exclusive items at its booth. Everyone’s favorite alien is back—in milk cap form—with the Sdcc exclusive Alf Milk Cap toy, promoting the series’ latest home on Shout! TV. Fans of animation classics from Aardman Animations won’t want to miss Shaun the Sheep headbands or the Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers photo opportunity commemorating the 30th anniversary of beloved film.
- 7/14/2023
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
As we take a deeper dive into Pandora’s depths will this turn out to be The Empire Strikes Back of the seven-film saga?
This article contains spoilers for Avatar: The Way of Water
Avatar is back, and the jury’s still out on whether sequel The Way of Water is going to make quite the splash its predecessor did. James Cameron’s 3D space fantasy spectacular has opened to a staggering 441m (£362m) across the globe, but its US bow of an estimated 134m (£110m) is down on expectations, if only just. If the first movie, the highest-grossing film of all time, was Dances with Wolves in space (with a side-order of FernGully: The Last Rainforest), then part two is a family affair, with Cameron digging into his experiences as a father to imagine what battling to save your planet from evil humans would be like if you had...
This article contains spoilers for Avatar: The Way of Water
Avatar is back, and the jury’s still out on whether sequel The Way of Water is going to make quite the splash its predecessor did. James Cameron’s 3D space fantasy spectacular has opened to a staggering 441m (£362m) across the globe, but its US bow of an estimated 134m (£110m) is down on expectations, if only just. If the first movie, the highest-grossing film of all time, was Dances with Wolves in space (with a side-order of FernGully: The Last Rainforest), then part two is a family affair, with Cameron digging into his experiences as a father to imagine what battling to save your planet from evil humans would be like if you had...
- 12/20/2022
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
The year is 3042, and the Earth has been destroyed. 15 years ago, humankind unveiled a mysterious and powerful technology called the Titan Project. Its true nature is not revealed immediately, but a species of envious aliens made of pure energy, the Drej, fear it and have destroyed humankind in defense. Now, the galaxy's remaining humans roam the cosmos as outcasts, forced to take odd jobs on freighters. A young human named Cale (Matt Damon) has taken a job on a vessel called the Valkyrie, where he works alongside a smarmy bat alien named Preedex (Nathan Lane), a kooky frog-like scientist named Gune (John Leguizamo), a bitter and angry kangaroo-like engineer named Stith (Janeanne Garofalo), a human pilot named Akima (Drew Barrymore), and the heroic Captain Korso (Bill Pullman). Together, they travel the stars avoiding Drej and following an obscure map to the location of the Titan, the ship that still contains Earth's technological breakthrough.
- 12/18/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Ralph Eggleston, the veteran Pixar animator, art director and production designer who won an Oscar for his much-loved short film For the Birds, has died. He was 56.
The Pixar Post reported that Eggleston died on Aug. 28 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Pixar and the world will be forever grateful,” tweeted the official Pixar account honoring Eggleston on Tuesday.
“Truly one of a kind. His massive talent was matched only by his kindness,” tweeted Lightyear director Angus MacLane.
Eggleston was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1956. He attended Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles. He began his animation career at Bill Kroyer’s Kroyer Films working on projects such as the TV pilot Computer Warriors (1990) and the feature FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992).
Eggleston was hired by Pixar in 1992 during the development of the first computer-animated feature that was to become Toy Story,...
Ralph Eggleston, the veteran Pixar animator, art director and production designer who won an Oscar for his much-loved short film For the Birds, has died. He was 56.
The Pixar Post reported that Eggleston died on Aug. 28 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Pixar and the world will be forever grateful,” tweeted the official Pixar account honoring Eggleston on Tuesday.
“Truly one of a kind. His massive talent was matched only by his kindness,” tweeted Lightyear director Angus MacLane.
Eggleston was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1956. He attended Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles. He began his animation career at Bill Kroyer’s Kroyer Films working on projects such as the TV pilot Computer Warriors (1990) and the feature FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992).
Eggleston was hired by Pixar in 1992 during the development of the first computer-animated feature that was to become Toy Story,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ralph Eggleston, an animation whiz who was hired by Pixar in the lead-up to the release of “Toy Story,” has died following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.
Over the course of his storied career, Eggleston went on to serve in a variety of roles at Pixar, memorably contributing to everything from “Monsters, Inc.” to both “Incredibles” movies to “Inside Out” and “Soul.” (The animation studio didn’t release an official statement but sent an email to staff confirming the news this morning.)
Also Read:
Animators Voice ‘Deep Distrust’ of Warner Bros. Discovery After Latest HBO Max Purge
Eggleston started his career with former Disney animator Bill Kroyer, working on things like the title sequence for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and eventually Kroyer’s directorial debut “Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest.” Eggleston then left to join Disney, working on some of the most celebrated movies in the company...
Over the course of his storied career, Eggleston went on to serve in a variety of roles at Pixar, memorably contributing to everything from “Monsters, Inc.” to both “Incredibles” movies to “Inside Out” and “Soul.” (The animation studio didn’t release an official statement but sent an email to staff confirming the news this morning.)
Also Read:
Animators Voice ‘Deep Distrust’ of Warner Bros. Discovery After Latest HBO Max Purge
Eggleston started his career with former Disney animator Bill Kroyer, working on things like the title sequence for “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and eventually Kroyer’s directorial debut “Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest.” Eggleston then left to join Disney, working on some of the most celebrated movies in the company...
- 8/29/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Hulu is out with its list of new and expiring content for the month of September, and what better way to beat the back-to-school blues than with a whole bunch of binge-watching.
Among the new goodies coming next month is the 12th episode and season finale of horror anthology series “Into the Dark.” Out Sept. 6, the finale is called “Pure,” and is described as a female coming-of-age horror story in which a group of teenage girls perform a secret ritual at a “Purity Retreat.” When one of them begins to see a “supernatural entity,” a scary question is posed: “What is more dangerous: the demon they’ve unleashed, or the pressure to conform to their fathers’ expectations?” Scary indeed!
The Hulu original documentary “Untouchable” will be released on Sept. 2, described as “the inside story of the meteoric rise and shocking fall of movie titan Harvey Weinstein.” Directed by Ursula Macfarlane,...
Among the new goodies coming next month is the 12th episode and season finale of horror anthology series “Into the Dark.” Out Sept. 6, the finale is called “Pure,” and is described as a female coming-of-age horror story in which a group of teenage girls perform a secret ritual at a “Purity Retreat.” When one of them begins to see a “supernatural entity,” a scary question is posed: “What is more dangerous: the demon they’ve unleashed, or the pressure to conform to their fathers’ expectations?” Scary indeed!
The Hulu original documentary “Untouchable” will be released on Sept. 2, described as “the inside story of the meteoric rise and shocking fall of movie titan Harvey Weinstein.” Directed by Ursula Macfarlane,...
- 8/31/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
With Deadpool’s Tim Miller at the helm, Cameron is ‘hands-on’ producer as he focuses on Avatar 2. It had better be worth it
When Avatar 2 finally hits cinemas (the projected release date is now 18 December 2020), it may well have a lot to answer for. Without James Cameron’s decade-long mission to bring us a follow-up as technically groundbreaking as the original 2009 film, this time without stealing the entire plot of FernGully: The Last Rainforest, it’s easy to imagine an alternative reality in which Alita: Battle Angel was hailed as the greatest manga-inspired sci-fi smackdown since Akira. Instead, the version overseen by stand-in Robert Rodriguez (because Cameron was too busy perfecting the CGI swell and ebb of Pandora’s oceans to direct his own pet project) has received a distinctly lukewarm reception.
It’s also possible we might have Cameron in charge of the new Terminator movie, whose...
When Avatar 2 finally hits cinemas (the projected release date is now 18 December 2020), it may well have a lot to answer for. Without James Cameron’s decade-long mission to bring us a follow-up as technically groundbreaking as the original 2009 film, this time without stealing the entire plot of FernGully: The Last Rainforest, it’s easy to imagine an alternative reality in which Alita: Battle Angel was hailed as the greatest manga-inspired sci-fi smackdown since Akira. Instead, the version overseen by stand-in Robert Rodriguez (because Cameron was too busy perfecting the CGI swell and ebb of Pandora’s oceans to direct his own pet project) has received a distinctly lukewarm reception.
It’s also possible we might have Cameron in charge of the new Terminator movie, whose...
- 2/14/2019
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, was a popular film when it came out in 1992, but like so many other animated features back then it was swamped by a host of other cartoon films that kind of made it irrelevant after a while. One of the only non-Disney films that has been remembered for so long, Ferngully is still one of those films that manages to serve a purpose and point out without pulling any punches how mankind is slowly decimating the world we live in. It also points out just how important it is that the pollution that is left
10 Facts You Never Knew about the Movie “Ferngully”...
10 Facts You Never Knew about the Movie “Ferngully”...
- 5/28/2018
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
It's time to re-prioritize your queue, because on Thursday, Netflix announced which film and TV titles will be expiring in the month of March. In less than a week, movies including Hitch, Jaws, Memento, Safe Haven and Zootopia will no longer be available for streaming, while popular series including Archer, The Crazy Ones and The Killing will each be vanishing from its catalogue. Here's the complete list of titles that are expiring in March 2018: Leaving 3/1 Anastasia Baby's Day Out Eyewitness FernGully: The Last Rainforest First Response Forget and Forgive A Gang Story Hitch Jaws Jaws 2 Jaws...
- 2/22/2018
- E! Online
It’s almost September and that means Netflix is about to refresh their content, for better or worse. Some of the notable titles leaving include: High Fidelity, Anchorman 2, and The Skeleton Twins. So if you haven’t seen some of these titles, plan your nights accordingly. We of course can look forward more than a few new titles including The Monster Squad, Moonrise Kingdom (pictured above), and The Walking Dead: Season 5.
Available 9/1
72 Dangerous Animals: Australia: Season 1
Arthur: Season 17
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)
Battle Creek: Season 1
Blackbird (2014)
Capital C (2014)
Combustion (2013)
Da Jammies: Season 1
Divorce Corp. (2014)
Giggle and Hoot’s Best Ever! (2014)
Hamlet (1990)
Hardball (2001)
Heather McDonald: I Don’t Mean To Brag (2014)
Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version (1962)
Los hombres también lloran: Season 1
Masters of the Universe (1987)
Mississippi Damned (2009)
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Volume 1
Mouk: Season 1
Our Man in Tehran (2013)
Pandas: The Journey Home (2014)
Person of Interest:...
Available 9/1
72 Dangerous Animals: Australia: Season 1
Arthur: Season 17
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)
Battle Creek: Season 1
Blackbird (2014)
Capital C (2014)
Combustion (2013)
Da Jammies: Season 1
Divorce Corp. (2014)
Giggle and Hoot’s Best Ever! (2014)
Hamlet (1990)
Hardball (2001)
Heather McDonald: I Don’t Mean To Brag (2014)
Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version (1962)
Los hombres también lloran: Season 1
Masters of the Universe (1987)
Mississippi Damned (2009)
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Volume 1
Mouk: Season 1
Our Man in Tehran (2013)
Pandas: The Journey Home (2014)
Person of Interest:...
- 9/2/2015
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
As you've likely heard, a slew of high-profile movies, including "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and "World War Z" are leaving Netflix in September, thanks to the expiration of a deal with Epix.
Also going bye-bye, TV series including "Coach," "Undeclared," and Britcom "The It Crowd."
Leaving September 1
"Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London" (2004)
"Bratz: Rock Angelz" (2005)
"Care Bears: Big Wish Movie" (2005)
"Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-Lot" (2004)
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000)
"Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey!" (2009)
"Doomsday Preppers": Season 1-3
"Electrick Children" (2012)
"FernGully: The Last Rainforest" (1992)
"Ink Master": Season 2
"Jackie Brown" (1997)
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" (1998)
"Mortal Kombat: The Movie" (1995)
"Patch Adams" (1998)
"Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" (2006)
"Rugrats in Paris: The Movie" (2000)
"Rules of Engagement" (2000)
"Rumpelstiltskin" (1987)
"Sarah's Choice" (2009)
"School of Rock" (2003)
"She's the One" (1996)
"Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)
"The It Crowd": Series 1-4
"The Lost Boys" (1987)
"Total Recall" (1990)
"W." (2008)
Leaving September 2
"Cheech & Chong's Hey Watch This...
Also going bye-bye, TV series including "Coach," "Undeclared," and Britcom "The It Crowd."
Leaving September 1
"Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London" (2004)
"Bratz: Rock Angelz" (2005)
"Care Bears: Big Wish Movie" (2005)
"Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-Lot" (2004)
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000)
"Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey!" (2009)
"Doomsday Preppers": Season 1-3
"Electrick Children" (2012)
"FernGully: The Last Rainforest" (1992)
"Ink Master": Season 2
"Jackie Brown" (1997)
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" (1998)
"Mortal Kombat: The Movie" (1995)
"Patch Adams" (1998)
"Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" (2006)
"Rugrats in Paris: The Movie" (2000)
"Rules of Engagement" (2000)
"Rumpelstiltskin" (1987)
"Sarah's Choice" (2009)
"School of Rock" (2003)
"She's the One" (1996)
"Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)
"The It Crowd": Series 1-4
"The Lost Boys" (1987)
"Total Recall" (1990)
"W." (2008)
Leaving September 2
"Cheech & Chong's Hey Watch This...
- 8/31/2015
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
Each year, the Library of Congress selects 25 films to be named to the National Film Registry, a proclamation of commitment to preserving the chosen pictures for all time. They can be big studio pictures or experimental short films, goofball comedies or poetic meditations on life. The National Film Registery "showcases the extraordinary diversity of America’s film heritage and the disparate strands making it so vibrant" and by preserving the films, the Library of Congress hopes to "a crucial element of American creativity, culture and history.” This year’s selections span the period 1913 to 2004 and include a number of films you’re familiar with. Unless you’ve never heard of "Saving Private Ryan," "The Big Lebowski," “Rosemary’s Baby” or "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Highlights from the list include the aforementioned film, Arthur Penn’s Western "Little Big Man," John Lasseter’s 1986 animated film, “Luxo Jr.," 1953’s “House of Wax,...
- 12/17/2014
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
Spanning the years 1913-2004, the 25 films to be added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry for 2014 include Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby, Arthur Penn’s Little Big Man, John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the Coen brothers’ The Big Lebowski. The annual selection helps to ensure that the movies will be preserved for all time. This year’s list brings the number of films in the registry to 650.
Also on the list are John Lasseter’s 1986 animated film, Luxo Jr; the original Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder; and Howard Hawks’ classic 1959 Western Rio Bravo. Documentaries and silent films also make up part of the selection which represents titles that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant; they must also each be at least 10 years old. Check out the rundown of all 25 movies below:
2014 National Film Registry...
Also on the list are John Lasseter’s 1986 animated film, Luxo Jr; the original Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder; and Howard Hawks’ classic 1959 Western Rio Bravo. Documentaries and silent films also make up part of the selection which represents titles that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant; they must also each be at least 10 years old. Check out the rundown of all 25 movies below:
2014 National Film Registry...
- 12/17/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
It's always a good time to revisit our favorite children's movies, whether you're introducing your kids to them for the first time or enjoying a Disney classic yet again. If kids' movies like "Dumbo" and "The Rescuers" aren't already in your library, they're available right now to stream on Netflix, along with a lot of newer movies that will appeal to your kids (and to the kid in you).
(Availability subject to change.)
1. "Anastasia" (1997) G
This winning tale of a girl who might be the lost Romanov princess features the voice talents of Meg Ryan, Christopher Lloyd, John Cusack, and Hank Azaria.
2. "Antz" (1998) PG
Woody Allen voices a neurotic ant who falls in love with a princess (Sharon Stone) and must foil the plans of the power-mad General Mandible (Gene Hackman).
3. "Born Free" (1966) PG
A still-moving classic about the couple who raised Elsa the Lioness, an orphaned lion cub, then...
(Availability subject to change.)
1. "Anastasia" (1997) G
This winning tale of a girl who might be the lost Romanov princess features the voice talents of Meg Ryan, Christopher Lloyd, John Cusack, and Hank Azaria.
2. "Antz" (1998) PG
Woody Allen voices a neurotic ant who falls in love with a princess (Sharon Stone) and must foil the plans of the power-mad General Mandible (Gene Hackman).
3. "Born Free" (1966) PG
A still-moving classic about the couple who raised Elsa the Lioness, an orphaned lion cub, then...
- 11/14/2014
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
Tim here. In case you’re just tuning in, it’s been a brutal week for celebrity deaths (and in the world at large, but let’s not start getting into that or I’ll be too depressed to function). Nathaniel has already written lovely pieces remembering both Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall, so I hope you’ll permit me to go much smaller, to share with you a couple of animated curios paying tribute to those stars’ respective gifts.
Befitting a great vocal contortionist, Williams played several parts in animated films over the years, most famously Aladdin in 1992, though that wasn’t his first (he was in FernGully: The Last Rainforest earlier the same year, as I expect readers born within a very narrow window of years know well, while everyone else is wondering “FernWhat?”). And even that wasn’t his very first brush with animation, which I believe...
Befitting a great vocal contortionist, Williams played several parts in animated films over the years, most famously Aladdin in 1992, though that wasn’t his first (he was in FernGully: The Last Rainforest earlier the same year, as I expect readers born within a very narrow window of years know well, while everyone else is wondering “FernWhat?”). And even that wasn’t his very first brush with animation, which I believe...
- 8/15/2014
- by Tim Brayton
- FilmExperience
Yesterday we ran a story on some of Robin Williams’ most under appreciated performances. But as the remembrances keep rolling in and as new, gruesome details about his suicide become apparent, it became clear that Williams didn’t just have depth in his filmography; he was an actor and performer who displayed worlds of expression and moved so many in remarkable and distinct ways.
Rather than ask our staff to rattle off more of their favorites, we asked them to recall Williams’ personality and the legacy his work left on their lives. We’re looking at each side of his many faces as a comedian, a movie star, a voice actor and a true character, offering our final goodbye to a man who gave us so much.
Zany, Charismatic Exuberance
Say what you will about Robin Williams’ quiet, dramatic abilities or his subtle grace notes of acting, but Williams at...
Rather than ask our staff to rattle off more of their favorites, we asked them to recall Williams’ personality and the legacy his work left on their lives. We’re looking at each side of his many faces as a comedian, a movie star, a voice actor and a true character, offering our final goodbye to a man who gave us so much.
Zany, Charismatic Exuberance
Say what you will about Robin Williams’ quiet, dramatic abilities or his subtle grace notes of acting, but Williams at...
- 8/13/2014
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
Innovative animator whose credits include Lady and the Tramp, Petroushka and Grease
The pioneering animator John David Wilson, who has died aged 93, launched his studio, Fine Arts Films, in 1955 and found success with his first short subject, an adaptation of a Japanese folk tale, Tara the Stonecutter, which was screened in America with Teinosuke Kinugasa's Oscar-winning samurai drama Jigokumon (Gate of Hell, 1953). Next came Petroushka (1956), for which Igor Stravinsky (despite negative feelings towards animation following Disney's Fantasia) was persuaded by Wilson to prepare a shortened score for the film and conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the soundtrack. Petroushka won several festival awards and was the first animated film to be accepted by the Venice film festival.
Wilson's diverse productions ranged from innovative TV commercials for Instant Butter-Nut Coffee, made with the actor and humorist Stan Freberg, to a groundbreaking 15-minute film, Journey to the Stars, for the United...
The pioneering animator John David Wilson, who has died aged 93, launched his studio, Fine Arts Films, in 1955 and found success with his first short subject, an adaptation of a Japanese folk tale, Tara the Stonecutter, which was screened in America with Teinosuke Kinugasa's Oscar-winning samurai drama Jigokumon (Gate of Hell, 1953). Next came Petroushka (1956), for which Igor Stravinsky (despite negative feelings towards animation following Disney's Fantasia) was persuaded by Wilson to prepare a shortened score for the film and conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the soundtrack. Petroushka won several festival awards and was the first animated film to be accepted by the Venice film festival.
Wilson's diverse productions ranged from innovative TV commercials for Instant Butter-Nut Coffee, made with the actor and humorist Stan Freberg, to a groundbreaking 15-minute film, Journey to the Stars, for the United...
- 7/2/2013
- by Brian Sibley
- The Guardian - Film News
Epic
Directed by Chris Wedge
Written by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember
USA, 2013
We are living in a golden age of animation, yet so many people working at Hollywood’s studio-funded animation companies are content working in the realm of the familiar. Too frequently, new mainstream animated films are like a big bowl of soup, with countless flavors that you’ve tasted before tweaked only slightly to not be total carbon copies of something bigger and often better. Blue Sky’s latest, distributed by 20th Century Fox, is no different: Epic is pleasingly colorful and well animated. Unfortunately, it is immensely derivative and thus, only moderately charming some of the time.
It would take as much space to review this movie as it would to catalog its many inspirations (the word we’ll use in the spirit of being charitable) and describe exactly how Epic echoes them. Like FernGully: The Last Rainforest,...
Directed by Chris Wedge
Written by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember
USA, 2013
We are living in a golden age of animation, yet so many people working at Hollywood’s studio-funded animation companies are content working in the realm of the familiar. Too frequently, new mainstream animated films are like a big bowl of soup, with countless flavors that you’ve tasted before tweaked only slightly to not be total carbon copies of something bigger and often better. Blue Sky’s latest, distributed by 20th Century Fox, is no different: Epic is pleasingly colorful and well animated. Unfortunately, it is immensely derivative and thus, only moderately charming some of the time.
It would take as much space to review this movie as it would to catalog its many inspirations (the word we’ll use in the spirit of being charitable) and describe exactly how Epic echoes them. Like FernGully: The Last Rainforest,...
- 5/24/2013
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
Earth Day may have been on Monday, but this entire week schools and communities around the country have been celebrating the environment with various events and rallies. If you want to tie in your weekend entertainment with the environment, check out these three films, each of which provides an ecological message for preschoolers, kids and teens alike. After seeing these green movies, turn off the TV and computer and head outside to help the environment! Rated G Pick: "FernGully: The Last Rainforest" (1992, 76 minutes) Netflix Amazon Instant iTunes Kids Will Love: Even though the animation is a bit dated, young kids will get caught up in this fantasy adventure about a young fairy who discovers that humans are cutting down all of the trees of her magical rainforest, so she shrinks a boy and teaches him about preserving their shared land. Magic and friendship (with a dash of romance) make for an exciting (and eco-friendly) tale.
- 4/26/2013
- by Sandie Chen
- Moviefone
In honor of Earth Day we are bringing back a whole bunch of childhood memories with this clip from FernGully: The Last Rainforest, the ultimate Earth-loving flick. While it definitely doesn't have the special effects of its similar counterpart Avatar, it does have some more-than fabulous songs conveying extremely important environmental messages in the most amazing way possible. So please enjoy this "Toxic Love" tribute - no, we don't think Hexxus has got any less terrifying over the years - and then get the slightly less scary Tim Curry as he records the song.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 4/22/2013 by reelz
FernGully: The Last Rainforest...
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 4/22/2013 by reelz
FernGully: The Last Rainforest...
- 4/22/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
Yes, the effects were spectacular. Absolutely, the use of 3D was groundbreaking. But the story was familiar. Really familiar. When Avatar hit theaters, many scoffed that they'd seen the movie the first time, when it was called Dances With Wolves, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, and/or Pocahontas. But there were screenwriters out there who claim they recognized the story from something closer to home. And so one by one, they have sued Avatar's writer-director James Cameron. Of all these plagiarism suits, the one that has gained the most momentum is that of screenwriter Bryant Moore, who insists Cameron's Avatar is an amalgamation of two of his own screenplays titled Aquatica and Descendants: The Pollination. Moore has filed suit against Cameron, Lightstorm Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation over copyright claims, seeking a hefty $2.5 billion in damages-- and today, a judge has allowed at least part of his suit...
- 3/18/2013
- cinemablend.com
Matt and Kevin get all up in 1992′s eco-friendly “FernGully: The Last Rainforest.” Yes, that is how it is spelled. Capital “G” in the middle of a one-word name. Crazy, just like this feature. The guys later play the Name Game, and Ryan pops in to ruin it.
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Email: SketchyPodcast@gmail.com...
Listen on iTunes!
This episode is sponsored by Audible. Click the banner below to get your free audiobook download and 30-day trial now.
Follow Sketchy!
Email: SketchyPodcast@gmail.com...
- 8/2/2012
- by Ryan Clagg
- SoundOnSight
Matt and Kevin get all up in 1992′s eco-friendly “FernGully: The Last Rainforest.” Yes, that is how it is spelled. Capital “G” in the middle of a one-word name. Crazy, just like this feature. The guys later play the Name Game, and Ryan comes in to ruin it.
This episode in sponsored by Audible. Click the banner below to get your free audiobook download and 30-day trial now.
Listen on iTunes!
Follow Sketchy!
Twitter
Facebook
Email: SketchyPodcast@gmail.com...
This episode in sponsored by Audible. Click the banner below to get your free audiobook download and 30-day trial now.
Listen on iTunes!
Follow Sketchy!
Email: SketchyPodcast@gmail.com...
- 7/25/2012
- by Ryan Clagg
- SoundOnSight
Computer-generated motion picture animation from “Vertigo” to “Toy Story” to the 3D spectacles of today will be explored during “The Development of the Digital Animator,” the latest installment of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Marc Davis Celebration of Animation, on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Several pioneers of digital animation will revisit the long path from laboratory to cineplex during a panel moderated by animator and historian Tom Sito.
When “Toy Story” burst onto the scene in 1995, computer-generated imagery was, for many, a bold new technique in animation. However, its lengthy and meticulous development can be traced back to its first public exposure with the mesmerizing title sequence for “Vertigo” (1958). Of equal importance to the technical developments were the influential animators and designers who devised artistic uses for engineering advances.
Scheduled panelists include:
Rebecca Allen, an experimental filmmaker...
When “Toy Story” burst onto the scene in 1995, computer-generated imagery was, for many, a bold new technique in animation. However, its lengthy and meticulous development can be traced back to its first public exposure with the mesmerizing title sequence for “Vertigo” (1958). Of equal importance to the technical developments were the influential animators and designers who devised artistic uses for engineering advances.
Scheduled panelists include:
Rebecca Allen, an experimental filmmaker...
- 5/2/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
DVD or Blu-ray? Redbox or Netflix? Streaming? Whatever your poison, we've got the highlights and lowlights on the week's new releases -- plus exclusive previews from "Footloose" and "Immortals." Moviefone's Pick of the Week "The Skin I Live In" What's It About? After his wife is horribly burned in a car accident, a plastic surgeon (played by Antonio Banderas) dedicates his life to developing a miraculous new kind of skin -- that he tests on a helpless woman, held captive in his mansion. See It Because: The movie's director Pedro Almodovar is the only selling point you need. His totally unique style and prolific career can be daunting. If you're not familiar with his previous work ("Volver," "All About My Mother" among others), there's really no other way to prepare for his approach than to just dive in with one of his movies. Also available on Redbox | Amazon Instant Video...
- 3/6/2012
- by Eric Larnick
- Moviefone
Not all moviegoers want their movies dripping with heavy-handed moral messages, but when they’re presented as part of the colorful, warm fuzzy goodness of an animated film, somehow said message or moral is easier to swallow. The latest entrant into the animated movie with a message canon is “The Lorax,” Dr. Seuss’ classic story about a young boy who must save endangered trees in hopes of winning a girl's heart.
In celebration of the cute, fluffy friend of trees The Lorax (voiced by Danny DeVito), here are the top five animated movies with an environmental message.
5. "Happy Feet"
Although the plot of this Oscar-winner for Best Animated Feature Film revolves around Mumble the penguin (Elijah Wood) learning to dance to the beat of his own drum, literally, the third act reveals a glaringly obvious message about over fishing in the Arctic and general ocean pollution. The animated penguins are...
In celebration of the cute, fluffy friend of trees The Lorax (voiced by Danny DeVito), here are the top five animated movies with an environmental message.
5. "Happy Feet"
Although the plot of this Oscar-winner for Best Animated Feature Film revolves around Mumble the penguin (Elijah Wood) learning to dance to the beat of his own drum, literally, the third act reveals a glaringly obvious message about over fishing in the Arctic and general ocean pollution. The animated penguins are...
- 3/2/2012
- by Kara Warner
- MTV Movies Blog
I'm going to the latest Academy Celebration of Animation, Mary Blair’s World of Color: A Centennial Tribute, on October 20. Mary Blair died in 1978 and created the concept art for such Disney greats as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Song of the South and Cinderella, as well as the character designs for Disneyland's "It's a Small World." Check out the panel to be moderated by animation expert Charles Solomon: Pixar writer-director Pete Docter (Up, Wall-e, Toy Story, Monsters, Inc.), character designer/art director Michael Giaimo (The Brave Little Toaster, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Pocahontas), Disney supervising animator Eric Goldberg (Genie in Aladdin, Phil in Hercules, and Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh), and director (Pocahontas, the “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Carnival of the Animals” segments of ...
- 10/18/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Beverly Hills, CA . The lasting influence of Disney artist Mary Blair will be celebrated through an examination of her concept artwork for “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan” in the 1950s during “Mary Blair.s World of Color: A Centennial Tribute,” the latest installment of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Marc Davis Celebration of Animation, on Thursday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Several of today.s top animation talents will discuss Blair.s work as an artist and stylist and will also demonstrate how her work has influenced their own. The panel will be moderated by animation critic and film historian Charles Solomon.
Blair.s unmistakably bold and colorful designs continue to inspire artists in all areas of animation today. Her unique and lasting impact on animation continues to this day, though Blair is best known for her...
Several of today.s top animation talents will discuss Blair.s work as an artist and stylist and will also demonstrate how her work has influenced their own. The panel will be moderated by animation critic and film historian Charles Solomon.
Blair.s unmistakably bold and colorful designs continue to inspire artists in all areas of animation today. Her unique and lasting impact on animation continues to this day, though Blair is best known for her...
- 9/29/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Fine Brothers have released a new episode of their entertaining "Spoiler" series. This time they bring us 50 Animated Movie Spoilers in 3 Minutes. Check out the video below and tell us what you think! Just a reminder they do these videos in only one take, which is pretty impressive.
Movies Spoiled in this episode:
Toy Story, Toy Story 2, a bug's life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Cars 2, Ratatouille, Wall-e, The Hobbit, Fluppy Dogs, The Flight of Dragoms, GI Joe: The Movie, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, The Land Before Time, The Care Bears Movie, The Care Bears Movie II, Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Rango, Rock A Doodle, All Dogs Go to Heaven, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, An American Tail, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Anastasia, Thumbelina, The Pebble and the Penguin, Titan A.E., Gnomeo & Juliet, Rio,...
Movies Spoiled in this episode:
Toy Story, Toy Story 2, a bug's life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Cars 2, Ratatouille, Wall-e, The Hobbit, Fluppy Dogs, The Flight of Dragoms, GI Joe: The Movie, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, The Land Before Time, The Care Bears Movie, The Care Bears Movie II, Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Rango, Rock A Doodle, All Dogs Go to Heaven, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, An American Tail, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Anastasia, Thumbelina, The Pebble and the Penguin, Titan A.E., Gnomeo & Juliet, Rio,...
- 9/15/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Rapper was also hit with felony possession of an assault weapon charge, following alleged altercation in June.
By Gil Kaufman
Tone Loc
Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images
"Wild Thing" rapper Tone Loc was in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday, where the 45-year-old Mc (born Anthony Smith) pleaded not guilty to felony possession of an assault weapon and domestic violence charges.
Loc was arrested last month for suspicion of felony domestic violence following an alleged altercation with the mother of one of his children.
According to TMZ, police found an unregistered military-grade assault rifle, a semi-automatic Colt Ar-15 Sporter, during their investigation into the incident on June 18. He is slated to return to court in the case on July 28.
Last December, Loc was arrested for DUI, but his manager told TMZ that his client does not drink and it was a seizure that caused him to drive erratically.
Best known...
By Gil Kaufman
Tone Loc
Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images
"Wild Thing" rapper Tone Loc was in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday, where the 45-year-old Mc (born Anthony Smith) pleaded not guilty to felony possession of an assault weapon and domestic violence charges.
Loc was arrested last month for suspicion of felony domestic violence following an alleged altercation with the mother of one of his children.
According to TMZ, police found an unregistered military-grade assault rifle, a semi-automatic Colt Ar-15 Sporter, during their investigation into the incident on June 18. He is slated to return to court in the case on July 28.
Last December, Loc was arrested for DUI, but his manager told TMZ that his client does not drink and it was a seizure that caused him to drive erratically.
Best known...
- 7/15/2011
- MTV Music News
'Funky Cold Medina' Mc released on bail after alleged altercation with a woman on Saturday.
By Gil Kaufman
Tone Loc
Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images
Rapper Tone Loc was arrested on Saturday afternoon for suspicion of felony domestic violence, following an alleged physical altercation with the mother of one of his children.
The 45-year-old Los Angeles Mc (born Anthony Terrell Smith), best known for his late 1980s rap hits "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina," was arrested around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday at an apartment complex in Burbank, California, according to TMZ.
At press time, it was reported that the sometime actor had posted the $50,000 bail and was released from jail after three hours. Police did not reveal who the alleged victim in the incident was.
Best known for his gravelly voice and laid-back attitude, Loc's two best-selling singles came from his 1989 debut, Loc-ed After Dark, which was followed...
By Gil Kaufman
Tone Loc
Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images
Rapper Tone Loc was arrested on Saturday afternoon for suspicion of felony domestic violence, following an alleged physical altercation with the mother of one of his children.
The 45-year-old Los Angeles Mc (born Anthony Terrell Smith), best known for his late 1980s rap hits "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina," was arrested around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday at an apartment complex in Burbank, California, according to TMZ.
At press time, it was reported that the sometime actor had posted the $50,000 bail and was released from jail after three hours. Police did not reveal who the alleged victim in the incident was.
Best known for his gravelly voice and laid-back attitude, Loc's two best-selling singles came from his 1989 debut, Loc-ed After Dark, which was followed...
- 6/20/2011
- MTV Music News
3D has been out of control for some time now and I accuse the fake versions that were shot flat and converted in post-production for the over-saturation in the market. Bow your heads in shame for selling moviegoers short by going the ghetto route to try and make a buck. I am pointing directly at you Alice in Wonderland, Clash of the Titans, and Piranha. For the studios who do it the right way and go by the book, God bless you. If you did a poll right now asking which film has employed the finest use of 3D technology, most people will vote for that big-budget version of FernGully: The Last Rainforest – Avatar. They are so wrong!
Anyone who saw My Bloody Valentine in theaters will tell you nothing compares to the awesomeness that was director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Todd Farmer’s re-imagining of the Canadian slasher My Bloody Valentine.
Anyone who saw My Bloody Valentine in theaters will tell you nothing compares to the awesomeness that was director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Todd Farmer’s re-imagining of the Canadian slasher My Bloody Valentine.
- 2/25/2011
- by Jason Bene
- Killer Films
James Cameron has issued a major snob attack against Piranha 3D - only to have his ass handed to him by Piranha 3D producer Mark Canton.
Cameron, who has apparently ascended himself to Godhood since his insipid cartoon ripoff of FernGully: The Last Rainforest and Dances with Wolves broke a billion dollars, has raised his nose high, pointed at the lowly peasant film Piranha 3D, and deemed it unworthy of the elite nobility that is 3D theater.
"I tend almost never to throw other films under the bus," said Cameron, while sipping a cup of Earl Grey and delicately curling his pinky, "but [that vile little fishy film with those awful boobs in it] is exactly an example of what we should not be doing in 3D because it just cheapens the medium and reminds you of the bad 3D horror films from the '70s and '80s, like Friday The 13th 3D. When movies got to the bottom of...
Cameron, who has apparently ascended himself to Godhood since his insipid cartoon ripoff of FernGully: The Last Rainforest and Dances with Wolves broke a billion dollars, has raised his nose high, pointed at the lowly peasant film Piranha 3D, and deemed it unworthy of the elite nobility that is 3D theater.
"I tend almost never to throw other films under the bus," said Cameron, while sipping a cup of Earl Grey and delicately curling his pinky, "but [that vile little fishy film with those awful boobs in it] is exactly an example of what we should not be doing in 3D because it just cheapens the medium and reminds you of the bad 3D horror films from the '70s and '80s, like Friday The 13th 3D. When movies got to the bottom of...
- 8/31/2010
- by Tristan Sinns
- Planet Fury
Cliff never got the chance to catch Avatar first time round. For our second look at the new special edition, we sent him along to experience Pandora for the first time...
As far as breaking your 3D duck goes, you probably can't beat Avatar. That my first viewing of the film at all comes with the release of the Special Edition may come as a surprise. A borrowed DVD lay on my desk for a good couple of weeks before I returned it, unwatched, having failed to find the time or inclination to give it the attention I imagined it required.
That was my first mistake, because, as attractive and entertaining as the film is, it's not really particularly complicated or original. Sully (Sam Worthington) is a marine in a wheelchair, drafted in to assist with the Avatar project. These are human/alien hybrid body timeshares that allow survival and...
As far as breaking your 3D duck goes, you probably can't beat Avatar. That my first viewing of the film at all comes with the release of the Special Edition may come as a surprise. A borrowed DVD lay on my desk for a good couple of weeks before I returned it, unwatched, having failed to find the time or inclination to give it the attention I imagined it required.
That was my first mistake, because, as attractive and entertaining as the film is, it's not really particularly complicated or original. Sully (Sam Worthington) is a marine in a wheelchair, drafted in to assist with the Avatar project. These are human/alien hybrid body timeshares that allow survival and...
- 8/26/2010
- Den of Geek
We interrupt this on-the-scene recap to report this breaking news: Drops of water are falling from the sky in Los Angeles. Motorists, please proceed to drive your vehicles at 1/10 their normal speed. Pedestrians -- all 13 of you -- please madly run for cover as if each droplet of rain contained the DNA of Carrot Top. Coffee shop patrons, please congratulate yourselves for being at a place that serves hot drinks while something cold is happening outside. And American Idol audience members, please pretend this is like one of those rainy days in elementary school when you got to have recess inside.
- 4/21/2010
- by John Young
- EW.com - PopWatch
I seem to recall that when the Producers Guild nominations were announced recently there was a lot of excited noise around the web regarding the representation of science fiction films in the Best Picture category. Some people spouted frustration, still, that Moon wasn't one of the nominees along with Star Trek, Avatar and District 9, but you just can't please everyone.
Yet today, with announcement of the Writers Guild nominations, nobody seems at all satisfied with the choices for either the original or adapted screenplay categories. Why? Mostly because of the inclusion of certain science fiction films, namely Star Trek and Avatar, the latter of which coincidentally has just become available online in script form (including a deleted sex scene).
But the movie receiving the most stunned reactions is The Hangover. I'll agree, the nomination does seem odd considering it's no better than tons of other comedies released each year...
Yet today, with announcement of the Writers Guild nominations, nobody seems at all satisfied with the choices for either the original or adapted screenplay categories. Why? Mostly because of the inclusion of certain science fiction films, namely Star Trek and Avatar, the latter of which coincidentally has just become available online in script form (including a deleted sex scene).
But the movie receiving the most stunned reactions is The Hangover. I'll agree, the nomination does seem odd considering it's no better than tons of other comedies released each year...
- 1/11/2010
- by Christopher Campbell
The consensus is in: James Cameron's Avatar is the greatest movie ever made, according to the fans. According to critics, it doesn't have much in the way of plot, characters, ideas or originality, but it's so dazzling that it's one of the best movies of the year! As one of the few who was underwhelmed by this new movie, I would like to know why Cameron was given such a low bar for excellence. It seems to me that to qualify as one of the greatest films of all time, or even one of the best movies of the year, some of the mandatory requirements ought to include strong plot, characters, ideas and/or originality, and not just visual effects alone.
In this business, spectacular visuals usually don't make up for a tired plot, half-baked characters and an obvious message. Just take a look back at Shane Acker's...
In this business, spectacular visuals usually don't make up for a tired plot, half-baked characters and an obvious message. Just take a look back at Shane Acker's...
- 1/8/2010
- by Jeffrey M. Anderson
- Cinematical
Out This Week
Avatar (12A)
(James Cameron, 2009, Us) Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver. 163 mins
The King Of The World returns with an awesomely expensive epic that makes everything else out there look cheap. It really is a visit to a strange new world: part-prog rock album cover, part-Japanese anime come to life. The mix of real action and animation is flawless, the 3D is unobtrusively immersive, and Cameron has lost none of his gift for gripping, purposeful action. It's a shame the story is so un-revolutionary: a formulaic mix of A Man Called Horse, other Cameron movies, The Matrix Sequels, and Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, all washed down with an eco message that's at odds with the technological spectacle served up. But you'd be churlish not to be carried away by the experience. Come on, this is amazing!
Nine (12A)
(Rob Marshall, 2009, Us) Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz.
Avatar (12A)
(James Cameron, 2009, Us) Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver. 163 mins
The King Of The World returns with an awesomely expensive epic that makes everything else out there look cheap. It really is a visit to a strange new world: part-prog rock album cover, part-Japanese anime come to life. The mix of real action and animation is flawless, the 3D is unobtrusively immersive, and Cameron has lost none of his gift for gripping, purposeful action. It's a shame the story is so un-revolutionary: a formulaic mix of A Man Called Horse, other Cameron movies, The Matrix Sequels, and Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, all washed down with an eco message that's at odds with the technological spectacle served up. But you'd be churlish not to be carried away by the experience. Come on, this is amazing!
Nine (12A)
(Rob Marshall, 2009, Us) Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz.
- 12/19/2009
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Looking At Avatar
He did it. James Cameron pulled it off. All of the praise and positive quips you’ve read, heard, and watched are spot on. Avatar is a behemoth spectacle to behold, a mighty game-changing cinematic dinosaur made of fire and fueled by Jolt Cola. The all-encompassing 3D CG environment coupled with the “Best Ever” motion-captured actors is all numbingly realistic to the point of confusion. Take one of the greatest mainstream directors of all time, let him gestate on a film’s production for over a decade, then stir in a well-used $300 million and you will get Avatar. This is hardly the misfire, dream-project that so many feared. This isn’t James Cameron’s Legend (even though I like Legend.) It has all the markings of a wet-dream-big-director-project gone wrong, yet in the equation Cameron remembered one thing, to make the movie for himself And the audience.
He did it. James Cameron pulled it off. All of the praise and positive quips you’ve read, heard, and watched are spot on. Avatar is a behemoth spectacle to behold, a mighty game-changing cinematic dinosaur made of fire and fueled by Jolt Cola. The all-encompassing 3D CG environment coupled with the “Best Ever” motion-captured actors is all numbingly realistic to the point of confusion. Take one of the greatest mainstream directors of all time, let him gestate on a film’s production for over a decade, then stir in a well-used $300 million and you will get Avatar. This is hardly the misfire, dream-project that so many feared. This isn’t James Cameron’s Legend (even though I like Legend.) It has all the markings of a wet-dream-big-director-project gone wrong, yet in the equation Cameron remembered one thing, to make the movie for himself And the audience.
- 12/18/2009
- by bobrose
As I walked down the blue carpet, herded away from the celebrities and stars and hustled into the Empire cinema at Leicester Square, I couldn’t help thinking that perhaps the choice of carpet colour was a little inappropriate. It would be like going to see a film about a group of bananas with brains* and arriving by walking over a carpet made out of fruit. To be fair, I was probably alone in missing the fact that the carpet was blue in honour of the skin colour of the alien race at the heart of James Cameron’s Avatar, not because it was made out of said skin. Inside the cinema we were treated to a live broadcast from a breathlessly excited Alex Zane who was working the blue carpet, chatting with various celebrities as they strolled past. This line-up included Simon Pegg, two member of popular music group The Saturdays,...
- 12/11/2009
- by Joe West
- t5m.com
Avatar, James Cameron's 3D spectacular, had its world premiere in London last night. Stand by for the official verdict from the Guardian, but the shock of the night is that everyone else seems to have loved it
A fortnight ago it all looked so different. An early review of selected footage from James Cameron's space opera, posted anonymously on Gawker, comprehensively panned what had been hailed as a game-changingly ambitious and successful foray into the world of 3D. Avatar, said the writer, apparently an industry insider, was "literally vomit inducing". Despite some "beautiful moments", concluded the review, "overall it's a horrible piece of shit".
This morning, the first official reviews are in, and the anticipated sneers, jeers and retches have been gazumped by notices that will afford the poster designers an embarrassment of riches. "Bottom Line: A titanic entertainment – movie magic is back!" ran the first line of the Hollywood Reporter's rave.
A fortnight ago it all looked so different. An early review of selected footage from James Cameron's space opera, posted anonymously on Gawker, comprehensively panned what had been hailed as a game-changingly ambitious and successful foray into the world of 3D. Avatar, said the writer, apparently an industry insider, was "literally vomit inducing". Despite some "beautiful moments", concluded the review, "overall it's a horrible piece of shit".
This morning, the first official reviews are in, and the anticipated sneers, jeers and retches have been gazumped by notices that will afford the poster designers an embarrassment of riches. "Bottom Line: A titanic entertainment – movie magic is back!" ran the first line of the Hollywood Reporter's rave.
- 12/11/2009
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
[Big thanks to Mike Sizemore for the following review.]
I just got back home from the world premiere of Avatar here in London. It's safe to keep reading. You are entering a spoiler-free zone.
I wasn't expecting much. I attended the 15 minute IMAX preview a few months back and out of context what I saw was pretty. Very pretty. The immersive technology was an obvious step up, but the scenes with the marines came across as just weird on the eye and the sequences with all the alien fauna gave me flashbacks to James Mason clambering through mushrooms forests in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. But what really had me worried was the story.
There's a lot of that same worry online. Avatar is often mentioned in the same breath as Ferngully: The Last Rainforest and Dances with Wolves, and then there was *that* South Park episode. I arrived this evening to a blue carpet event (I...
I just got back home from the world premiere of Avatar here in London. It's safe to keep reading. You are entering a spoiler-free zone.
I wasn't expecting much. I attended the 15 minute IMAX preview a few months back and out of context what I saw was pretty. Very pretty. The immersive technology was an obvious step up, but the scenes with the marines came across as just weird on the eye and the sequences with all the alien fauna gave me flashbacks to James Mason clambering through mushrooms forests in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. But what really had me worried was the story.
There's a lot of that same worry online. Avatar is often mentioned in the same breath as Ferngully: The Last Rainforest and Dances with Wolves, and then there was *that* South Park episode. I arrived this evening to a blue carpet event (I...
- 12/11/2009
- Screen Anarchy
It's not exactly original for someone to use this clip from the 2004 film Downfall and change around the dialogue. We've seen it countless times before, with the most recent being Hitler's reaction to the death of Michael Jackson. But the videos are only as good as the person writing the dialogue, and I'm sorry if you don't agree with me here -- but this one just cracked me the hell up.
In the video after the jump, watch as Hitler freaks out over the failure of James Cameron's Avatar trailer, comparing it to The Land Before Time 3 (among other things) with lines like, "He should have left the remake of Ferngully: The Last Rainforest to Lucas!" Thankfully not everyone is hating on Avatar as much as Hitler, and as our own William Goss and Jessica Barnes recently reported, the sneak preview footage in 3D was pretty fantastic to watch.
In the video after the jump, watch as Hitler freaks out over the failure of James Cameron's Avatar trailer, comparing it to The Land Before Time 3 (among other things) with lines like, "He should have left the remake of Ferngully: The Last Rainforest to Lucas!" Thankfully not everyone is hating on Avatar as much as Hitler, and as our own William Goss and Jessica Barnes recently reported, the sneak preview footage in 3D was pretty fantastic to watch.
- 8/28/2009
- by Erik Davis
- Cinematical
Oh Dear. James Cameron's sci-fi flick Avatar has been marketed on its thrilling 3D CGI visuals and hailed as the future of filmmaking, but it looks like another movie did it all before.
In 2008, the animated fantasy Delgo bombed at the box office with the worst opening weekend on record. The $40million movie opened with just $512,000. It was pulled from cinemas after only a week on release, making a total of just $695,000 in the USA. Flop-a-doodle-do.
But Cameron's much-anticipated Avatar bears a remarkable resemblance to the movie, so much so that Delgo's makers Fathom Studios are considering a lawsuit.
"From what we have seen, we are amazed by the visual similarities between the two films," Atlanta-based Fathom Studios said in a statement. "We are considering what legal options may be available to us."
Cameron has claimed his film has been in the planning stages since the late 90s, although...
In 2008, the animated fantasy Delgo bombed at the box office with the worst opening weekend on record. The $40million movie opened with just $512,000. It was pulled from cinemas after only a week on release, making a total of just $695,000 in the USA. Flop-a-doodle-do.
But Cameron's much-anticipated Avatar bears a remarkable resemblance to the movie, so much so that Delgo's makers Fathom Studios are considering a lawsuit.
"From what we have seen, we are amazed by the visual similarities between the two films," Atlanta-based Fathom Studios said in a statement. "We are considering what legal options may be available to us."
Cameron has claimed his film has been in the planning stages since the late 90s, although...
- 8/27/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Comic-Con, July 23rd, 2009. Annie Award nominee David Bowers (“Flushed Away”) takes a seat. The helmer of “Astro Boy” has vast experience in animation which goes way back to the lovely “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” as well as “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West,” “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest,” “The Prince of Egypt” as well as the most recent “Shark Tale” starring Will Smith. We introduce ourselves to the friendly Mr. Bowers who has a great calmness about him. A comment is made on the look of the film being more western. Bowers talks about the visual style “You gotta remember in the original Astro Boy…Manga is not that hard anime look. It’s very cartoony. It’s actually further away from whatever you call hardcore Manga anime than the things that we’ve done. I think when you see the movie, the city for example is very Japanese. Metro City...
- 7/29/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
MELBOURNE, Australia -- U.S.-based film producer Brian Rosen has been named CEO of Film Finance Corp. Australia, the country's principal government-funded screen investment agency. The appointment ends a protracted recruitment process that lasted more than a year. Rosen, who in recent weeks emerged as a strong contender for the job, is managing director of Rosen Harper Entertainment, Australia, and president of Classic Films U.S. His credits include We of the Never Never, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest and James and the Giant Peach. He also has been CEO of Hoyts Prods. Australia. He will assume his new role at the beginning of next month. By far the most important of Australia's screen funding sources, the FFC receives about $AUS60 million ($37 million) a year to invest in fiction features, TV programs and documentaries.
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