Tuesday, November 13, 2018

This Missing Link Official Trailer LAIKA

The first trailer is out for LAIKA's new film, the Missing Link.

My first impressions about the film still seem to hold up even after watching this trailer. It didn't get me excited for the film. I showed it to my wife, and she was disappointed with it too. The only reason I am curious about watching the film is because it's stopmotion and done my LAIKA. Apart from that, I wouldn't see it. It looks and feels too much like a CG film, which in my opinion is a terrible comment for a stopmotion movie. Perhaps they are deliberately trying to make it appear to be CG to appeal to a broader audience as CG films do better in theaters.

Regarding the trailer itself. It looks like they gave away the whole film in the one trailer. In one of the first shots of the camera panning to the left showing the masks on a table, I can only image the rest of that shot is going to show Links head as he is standing there trying to blend it. Ugh. There doesn't appear to be any creativity in this film. Nothing that jumps out that tells me that it's going to be a fun and unique adventure. You know, something I have not seen before. Jokes I have not heard before. Even the grandmother fainting is reminiscent of ParaNorman when his uncle died.

I get it, it's for kids. I mean, it's really just for kids. It would be nice if someone made a film for the whole family.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

LAIKA Film Five = The Missing Link

It's here! LAIKA's fifth film has been Announced as "The Missing Link"

My faith in this film hasn't been restored yet, instead my reservations have sunk even further down. The image released looks very cartoony, aimed at young kids. It also has the feeling of CG which looses all its Stopmotion charm. Whomever wrote the article (link above) has has done a terrible job writing something smart and appealing. I read it and have to roll my eyes.

Examples of eye rolling:

"Missing Link is an artistic and technical wonder"
"...visionary director..."
"...a raucous comedy entwined with a swashbuckling epic, underscoring the universal need to find belonging. Commingling keenly felt emotion, madcap humor, and retina-bursting visuals, Missing Link is a kaleidoscopic cinematic experience unlike any other. It’s the most striking thing we’ve ever done."
"...the slightly silly, surprisingly smart and soulful beast..."
"...unlikely trio embarks on a riotous roller-coaster of a ride..."
 "...dastardly villains..."
"...Mr. Link’s disarming charm and good-humored conviction..."
"...this fun-filled family film..."
Hugh lends Sir Lionel a giddy schoolboy enthusiasm bubbling beneath the surface of his suave English gent; Zoe brings an unflappable ardor and a witty playfulness to Adelina, and Zach's performance as Link is not only laugh-out-loud funny, but a beautifully nuanced balance of innocence and vulnerability. It was a treat to be able to join this eclectic gang of adventurers on their journey across the world.

This article sounds like every teaser article ever written for a movie. Using lots of exaggerated adjectives to hype up the movie without actually talking about it. The synopsis that they do tell sounds like a very simple plot for young kids (not a very good one either) that has been done to death, yet they say the film will be "...Unlike any movie ever seen". It fills my mind with visuals of what to expect...and I am left with the feeling that this movie is not for me. They mention that the film is for 10 and up, but this article is written in a way that it feels more for kids 7 and under (least in my opinion) and the photo released with the article attests to that. I am not excited.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Wildwood Chronicles rights bought by LAIKA

LAIKA has purchased rights to (maybe) bring the world of Wildwood to the big screen . I recently came across an article announcing this, but a quick search shows that it's been in the works since 2011 (according to LAIKA's News blog). Reading a brief description I see that that the protagonist is a child, which makes me wonder if Wildwood is going to be released as Film Six, Seven & Eight, instead of Film Five. I say this as it was "promised" that Film Five was not going to have a child protagonist by Travis Knight. I believe he said it in a video somewhere too.

Another Article Announcing this project

Article Three - Oregon Confluence

Article Four - Portland Business Journal

Article Five - Oregonian

I am glad to hear that LAIKA is doing another book. It has promise of a good story.

Another rumored project of LAIKA's is Philip Reeve's Goblins. My first impressions on this possibility, is "didn't LAIKA already do this movie? It was called Boxtrolls..."Perhaps Film Five is Goblins...

Sunday, April 29, 2018

LAIKA's Film Five

Time is getting closer to the final announcement (and possible teaser trailer) for LAIKA's fifth film! In the mean time, LAIKA has released this article revealing some of the main cast who will voice characters in the upcoming movie.

Personally, I feel getting an all star cast (or A-List) actors to do voice overs really is meaningless. Most, if not all "kids" have no idea who these people are. For instance, Hiring Bill Murry and Meryl Streep to voice the pupets in Fantastic Mr Fox wasn't because kids 12 and under are huge fans of either of these actors. Not to discredit what they brought to the movie, as they were great. When a voice for a character is done well, I shouldn't be thinking "That's George Clooney" they whole time. Instead, I should be thinking "That's Mr Fox". 

My point is, my nephew isn't saying to himself "YES! Hugh Jackman is going to be voice in Film Five! I want to see it now". They will never see Hugh Jackman on screen, and shouldn't be "hearing" Hugh Jackman throughout the movie (if you understand my previous paragraph you know what I mean). These kind of hires and names are directed specifically towards the parents/adults who grew up with these actors and enjoy their films. With that said, the movie has to be enjoyable for adults as well, otherwise, what is the point?

But, back on track to my original first thoughts...This article does NOT make me excited about the new film. Yes, it's stop-motion, and yes it's probably going to look great, but for ALL movies, I mean, ALL movies need to have a good story. I have to enjoy my time at the movies. All the effects, action, attention to detail in costumes, props, sets, music, all comes to not if the story is not fun to watch.

This article failed to get me excited about Film Five. Things that stick out to me like a sore thumb in this article that causes me to have pause are as follows: 

"...described as a globe-trotting comedy-adventure “bursting with humor, heart and a profound message of acceptance and finding one's place.”"

"...layered with wit and imagination and soul. Plus it's really, really funny."

One of the things that was "nice" about ParaNorman and Kubo was that it had a moral to the story reminiscent of old children's books that was trying to teach you to be a better person. Unfortunately, the "Message" wasn't interwoven into the story naturally, but kind of slapped on at the end, then crammed down my throat, where it was off putting and preachy. Reading this reminds me of how the message was executed in the previous films and how campy it turned out to be in the end. I am not optimistic that it will be well executed this time either.

The other comment that makes me cringe is the emphasis on how funny the movie is going to be. I love movies when they have humor in all the right places and done well. A globe-trotting comedy-adventure (Redundant?) that is bursting with humor and really really funny says they are trying too hard to convince me that it's funny. I am left with the feeling that instead of being genuinely funny, it's going to be filled with stupid slapstick humor, fart jokes and cheap laughs. I fear that this "comedy" is going to try to be making a joke with every line of dialogue. I mean, why mention it three times in the article how funny it is, how really really funny it is, unless that is your soul argument on why I should see this movie? Honestly, a stop-motion comedy isn't the kind of movie I want to see.

Most Comedies are dumb movies. They are not made to have heart and sole and provide a moral message. They are deliberately dumb, that's why they are comedies. Rarely do we get a smart comedy that is great to watch multiple times, but it does happen (the Jerk comes to mind).

You're welcome to read the article and come to your own conclusions. I am still excited to see that LAIKA is doing and eager to see what they do next. I am going to try and hold back my pessimism until I see more. Hopefully I wont be turned off any more by future updates for this movie.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Isle of Dogs Review & Promotional Items

I watched the Isle of Dogs this weekend and I got to say, that I really enjoyed it. I would send a word of caution, this isn't a "kids" movie. Would say, maybe 10 and up. There is the use of the "B" word, and explores the issue of cruelty to dogs, which animal lovers may find unsettling. I mention it only so one is prepared for it.

The sets were fun, even sometimes a bit "cartoony", but in this medium of film, it works perfectly. It's not about realism. The humor was well executed and smart. The puppets were great. The animation was fantastic. It was nice to see a stop-motion film rely on more practical in camera effects than CG when it comes to little things like smoke, or explosions.

Overall, it was a great movie, with a very moving and engaging story. I cared about all the characters and rooted for them to prevail. I would highly recommend this movie if it's playing near you.

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
With my bad luck, I missed the opportunity to pick up any promotional items when they were available. You can find them now on eBay.

Set of action Figures of: Chief, Boss, Rex, Duke, King and Atari
Tote Bag
Lunchbox with bag
Bandana
PRO Dog headband (like ones in the film)
Calander
Posters

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Stopmotion "Best short of the Week"

Found a website and posts links to the "best" shorts for the week. Might be worth a peek for those who enjoy stopmotion shorts

the Isle of Dogs

New stopmotion film in select theaters, The Isle of Dogs by Wes Anderson
who also did Fantastic Mr Fox.
The website has a Creature Comforts style to it.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Portland Art Museum Laika Exhibit take 2

For my birthday, I wanted to go back to the Portland Art Museum to see LAIKA's exhibit again. I took a ton more photos, where I am sure I am still going to want more. After my first walk around with the camera, I put it away and walked around again with just my eyes. I really enjoy seeing all the little detail and the props/puppets first hand. While circling the Other Garden, I noticed Ashley Hunker (by her name badge) was talking about working on Kubo and LAIKA's new feature.
It was great to see someone there who works at LAIKA to be able to ask her questions. I tried to ask as many as I could think of. She said she worked on coloring all of the feathers on the Sister's Cape (KUBO). Being my birthday, it was an added treat to meet someone.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Phil Tippett's "Mad God" stop motion film

I literally just learned of this yesterday. I am totally late to the game here, but in case you have not seen it either, I present to you Phil Tippet's Mad God movie.

It is a three part movie, with Part 1 and Part 2 already released and ready for download. Mr Tippet had a kickstarter campaign to fund Part 3.

You can download parts 1 and 2 now from his website, or purchase the DVD/Blu Ray from Amazon (not currently available)

From the short clips I have seen, I am really excited to download and watch this film. It looks beautiful and fantastically animated.
Tippett Studios.com
UPDATE: Just watched parts 1 & 2. Word of warning, this is a mature film, not intended for kids. It very much has a student film kind of feel to it but with a bigger budget and better talent. He is telling a story through visuals, not dialogue. "Macabre" is a good word to describe it. If you don't like disturbing images & characters this isn't for you. 

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Coraline, Kubo, Paranorman, & Boxtrolls are all at the Portland Art Museum

LAIKA has on display several props, puppets, costumes, and set pieces at the Portland Art Museum. The exhibit will go till May 20th, 2018, so you still have plenty of time to get to Portland OR to see it.

What to expect: The museum has dedicated two major rooms to house the various items created by the artists at LAIKA. As you walk into the Museum you will be able to get up close and personal (no touching) to the Other Mother's Pink Palace 1/6th scale house. Just beyond that is the skeleton warrior from Kubo and the Two strings that towers over you. A puppet of Beetle, Monkey and Kubo are also found in this room.

There is a huge wall full of replacement faces from each film that show the how many different faces it takes for one full second of film.

In the second and main room you will find the puppets of Kubo's mother, one of the Sisters, Agatha Pentergast, the Other Mother in her final form, Kubo, Norman, Eggs, and Coraline. There are full sets of the Babcock home & school hallway, Kubo's fathers home, the Hall of Lord Portley-Hind dance scene (also full of puppets), Snatcher chasing Eggs, Fish and Shoe, and the Other Father's Garden as a main centerpiece. Several little props and costumes (too many to county) littler the walls. Three Little Me dolls, the sewing machine of the Other Mother, full Moombeast puppet, the one eye'd sea creature from Kubo, armatures, pre-production art, and more. I was finally able to go this weekend, and would love to go back with a high definition camera to take millions of photos!

There is a gift shop off to the side where you can get tons of LAIKA merchandise.

Coraline Dolls by Reel Toys & NECA are back!


The 7" Coraline bendy doll with raincoat has been re-released and currently at a great affordable price. This doll's box is marked with the 2017 year, so make sure you double check that before purchasing a new doll being passed of an an original 2009.

A second Coraline Doll in her pajama's was also re-released in this limited edition (3000) box set exclusive to San Diego Comic Con that originally retailed for $45. Your best search now is find one on eBay.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Curse of the Were-Rabbit: Airfix Anti-Pesto Van Seat upgrade

The only screen shot we get of the bottom side of the seats is during the opening credits as Wallace and Gromit are lifted into the Van from underground.

I trimmed off the 'feet' from the original kit. These seat frames are inaccurate to the show and even an original Austin A35. They also made the chairs sit too low for my liking. In reviewing the film, the top of the back rest sits just under the back walls window. Another missing detail is the ribbing stitched around the seat and the back support.

I designed in AutoCAD the bottom of the seats as I saw it in the screen shot above, and gave them some extra height. I uploaded the .stl to shapeways.com and had them 3D printed.
Once the parts arrived, I glued them to the bottom. I had to also sand down the tabs on the frame where the original seat supports were supposed to line up. I like how the turned out.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Airfix Anti-Pesto Van Decals

For anyone wanting to make a more movie accurate Anti-Pesto van, this first thing to do is throw away the decal sheet and make your own. I am pretty sure all the decals are wrong, either in size, color, font, or style. Below are some comparisons between the Kits provided decals, and the actual Movie Van.

Kit Decal (incorrect font, spacing, and size)
Actual Prop

Kit Decal
Actual Prop (not even close)

Kit Decal
Actual Prop (no border)

Kit Decal (Wrong Color)
Actual Prop

Kit Decal (need to trim out white center)
Actual Prop

Kit Decal
This license plate actually comes from the Full Size Replica, not the movie prop

Wallace & Gromit Curse of the Were-Rabbit Anti-Pesto Van

I picked up two Airfix Anti-Pesto Vans in the hopes to making The Van from Top Bun as well. Studying the Top Bun van it is clear that it is the exact same van (least Aardman used the same molds), as all the same dents, scratches, rust, etc. are in all the same places. First thing I too notice to was the image of the Van on the box appears to be the original prop (not the kit you get in the box).

The Van itself is an Austin A35 and appears to be 1:12 scale (although never stated). There are a lot of inaccuracies in the kit when compared to the Movie Prop. I do believe the kit makers studied a real Austin A35 and not the prop.

I am going to try to make my van's closer in appearance to the van's seen on screen vs the model kit out of the box.
All the rust spots cast into the plastic is going to have to be filled in. Windshield wipers & gas cap trim will need to be sanded off for starters.

Friday, January 19, 2018

My Life as a Zucchini Promo Figure

Limited edition promotional Zucchini figure, number ?/89 for sale on eBay. Measures 7.5" x 2.5"
Auction HERE by Movieheaven1968

Life as a Courgette (Zucchini) REVIEW

I added My Life as a Zucchini to my Netflix and watched it last night. It was a good film. The puppets and sets are simple and makes it really feel like a kids world. The film itself, is a bit more too mature for younger audiences. My first impressions was this was a kids movie. It's not.
I am now surprised thinking back to when I saw it in the Family/kids Section at Target. I don't want to give the wrong impression, it's fairly tame, but there are some real adult topics and conversations that are not appropriate for younger views.
For instance, topics of sex, murder suicide, pedophilia, child neglect, abuse, etc. All that to say, I don't think it's for kids. Defiantly a movie I would recommend a parent watch first and then make a decision if they think it's OK for their kid to watch.
However, the movie was very moving and the story was fun and interesting to watch. I was involved in Zucchini's life and cared about the characters. It felt like real kids conversations and how they talk and interact. The animation was well done. It does make me curious about reading the original book Autobiographie d'une Courgette.