Heather Anne

Here’s what’s happening in the world of animated movies this week:

Bee Movie (in theaters now!)

When I heard about Bee Movie back in the spring I was so excited about it. Dreamworks Animation has kind of been hit-and-miss for me, but I thought to myself, “Dude, Seinfeld! It has to be good!” Wrong. Everything about this movie tries too hard. From the promos to the Jerry Seinfeld guest spots to the actual story and the jokes. The animation is stellar, and there are some sweet moments. But I only laughed out loud twice. Honestly, I would have rather watched an animated movie with Jerry, Kramer, Elaine, and George bees. Amy made me buy her five-dollar theater nachos after the movie to recompense for the ninety minutes she lost. Ah, well.

Meet the Robinsons (on DVD now!)

I loved Meet the Robinsons when I saw it in the theater. And it’s the first movie to be released this year that I actually bought on DVD. The story is quick and imaginative and touching. It’s hilarious without smashing you in the face with jokes. There’s time travel! And a tyrannosaurus rex! And an awesomely misunderstood bad guy! The animation is a bit of a breakthrough with its deep, rich 3D images, but the cartoon itself feels wonderfully familiar. I think it’s the best Pixar-less Disney animated film since Tarzan. Eight years is a long time to miss you, Mickey Mouse.

Ratatouille (on DVD Friday!)

Simply put, Ratatouille is the best movie of the year, and the best movie in the nearly-perfect Pixar canon. If every writer/director/producer in Hollywood had the kind of love for his characters and his audience as Ratatouille’s writer and director, Brad Bird, we would all quit our jobs and watch movies and television every moment for the rest of our lives. Ratatouille is the perfect blend of action, humor, drama, and heart. I’ll buy this movie on Friday, and I’ll watch it again and again. I’ll probably cry every time, but that’s just who I am. My heart, it is as big as a rat’s.

Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 1 (on DVD Friday!)

How exciting is this! It includes all 13 short films that have been released by Pixar to date:

The Adventures of Andre & Wally B
Luxo Jr.
Red's Dream
Tin Toy
Knick Knack
Geri's Game
For the Birds
Mike's New Car
Boundin'
Jack-Jack Attack
Mater and the Ghost Light
One Man Band
Lifted

This would make an awesome gift for someone who really likes cartoons. (Hem hem.)