The Good Dinosaur

THE GOOD DINOSAUR
2015 | Dir. Peter Sohn | 100 Minutes

"Sometimes you gotta get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side."

In an alternate world where dinosaurs and humans exist side-by-side, a young dinosaur named Arlo is separated from his family after chasing a wild human boy that steals food from their farm. Stranded in the wilderness far from home, Arlo and the boy learn to survive together as they fend off predators and endure the perils of nature to find their way home.

The Good Dinosaur is another innovative technological marvel crafted by Pixar Animation Studios that is heavy on themes of family, featuring a strange but not unpleasant mesh of stunningly animated natural environments that are virtually photo-real inhabited by decidedly-cartoonish characters. At the forefront is the relatable and heartfelt story of Arlo’s struggle to overcome his fear, made more severe by a tragedy early in the film, and his quest to accomplish a task that is greater than him alone. Amusingly and unfortunately, there isn’t much development for Spot, the feral human child Arlo learns to forgive and befriend. While the world established in the film is populated by other intelligent dinosaurs with colorful personalities, where the film truly shines are in its quieter emotional moments shared between Arlo and Spot.

Young actor Raymond Ochoa does a lot of emotional heavy-lifting as Arlo but manages to pull it off in spades with a vocal performance that carries the film, supported by Jack Bright as the grunting and howling Spot. Jeffrey Wright plays Arlo’s poppa with a stern but kind guiding tone. Sam Elliott is featured as the patriarch of a family of ox herding tyrannosauruses with his signature grumble, with Anna Paquin and A. J. Buckley as his rowdy children. The featured antagonist of the film is a slightly unhinged pterodactyl played by character actor Steve Zahn. The film also features, Frances McDormand as Arlo’s momma and director Peter Sohn in a brief but memorable turn as a crazed styracosaurus named Forrest Woodbrush.

Like all of the best Pixar films, The Good Dinosaur pushes emotional buttons that are universal, offering a mixture of funny visual gags without relying on topical humor and a genuine emotional core at its center. Though it may not have the most complex story to tell, it is told with beauty and technical magnificence.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS…
- Earl the Velociraptor


007 CONNECTIONS
- Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and No Time To Die)

Creed

CREED
2015 | Dir. Ryan Coogler | 133 Minutes

"You belong in here. They don't know what you've been through, and they sure don't know what we've been through."

Adonis Johnson, the son of former boxing world champion Apollo Creed born out of wedlock, is driven to brawl his entire life. A self-taught boxer eager to fight professionally but reluctant to take on his father's name or legacy, Donnie forgoes a life of luxury in Los Angeles to seek out Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia, his father's friend and another former champion, for formal training. Donnie and Rocky quickly form a close bond, but when the inexperienced Donnie receives an opportunity to fight the current world champion, tragedy strikes Rocky.

Creed is a phenomenal film that can be seen as an astoundingly natural extension of the Rocky film series, but more importantly it stands on its own merits. With the touching moments, the epic training montages, the tense boxing matches, and the sort of ending one would expect from a Rocky film, Creed falls in line with the themes and familiar trappings established in Sylvester Stallone's Rocky. Where the picture finds its own identity is its focal point set on the story of a young man who fights for his own integrity separate from the preconceived expectations others may have of him based on his lineage. While events from previous Rocky films are mentioned in passing, they are in no way required viewing to appreciate the emotional impact of this feature. Director Ryan Coogler helms the film with confidence and style, utilizing long single takes in several boxing scenes and graphics highlighting each fighter's statistics before a match. Coogler also brings out truly excellent performances from the two central figures of the film.

Michael B. Jordan delivers a passionate and charismatic performance as Donnie, skillfully evoking the pain, anger, inherent kindness, and ambition of the complex character while still absolutely convincing as an actual contender that belongs in the ring. For the first time in his career, Sylvester Stallone plays his signature character with dialogue he didn't write himself. However, Stallone seamlessly returns to the role that made him a star nearly forty years ago without losing any of the character's inherent charm. In his best dramatic performance yet, Stallone brings a new layer of melancholy to the endearingly goofy champ, as old age begins to wear Rocky down. Though seemingly unlikely from the outset, the chemistry between Jordan and Stallone is genuine and incredibly moving, especially after the revelation of Rocky's deteriorating health during the final stretch of the film. Bringing dimension to the role of Donnie's love interest, actress and musician Tessa Thompson is delightful as the singer Bianca with a tragic struggle of her own. British professional boxer Tony Bellew makes for a formidable opponent to Donnie as the hot-headed world champion Ricky Conlan. The film also briefly features Phylicia Rashād in a small but vital role as Apollo's widow Mary Anne, Wood Harris as a trainer in LA who refuses to train Donnie, professional boxer Gabriel Rosado as first Donnie’s first professional opponent Leo Sporino with Ritchie Coster as his embittered father and trainer, and British actor Graham McTavish as Conlan's manager.

Like Donnie, Creed is a film that succeeds on its own strengths. It is supported, but not carried, by its famous and well-established pedigree. On its own, it is a crowd-pleasing and inspirational story of self-made success, not unlike the original Rocky.


FRAGMENTS
- While establishing a new musical identity for Donnie's character, composer Ludwig Göransson's musical score also sparingly but poignantly shares a few musical themes with Bill Conti's work on the Rocky series primarily in scenes focused on Rocky

- When Donnie first meets Rocky at his restaurant, he finds out who won the private fight between Rocky and Apollo in the last scene of Rocky III

- Part of Donnie's training regimen with Rocky is chasing live chickens just as how Mickey trained Rocky in Rocky II


SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Funny Or Die - Scott Stapp Reviews "Creed"


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Wood Harris (Officer Gale in Ant-Man)

- Sylvester Stallone (Stakar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)

- Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder, and The Marvels)

 
- Michael B. Jordan (Erik "Killmonger" Stevens/N'Jadaka in Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

Inside Out

INSIDE OUT
2015 | Dir. Pete Docter | 94 Minutes

"This is crazy, this is crazy! No, no, no, Joy. Be positive... I am positive this is crazy!"

11-year-old Riley struggles to adapt when she moves with her mother and father from Minnesota to San Francisco. The personified emotions of Joy and Sadness within Riley's mind are stranded in labyrinth of long-term memory after Joy attempts to prevent Sadness from influencing Riley's core memories. While Joy and Sadness journey back to Riley's emotional headquarters, Anger, Disgust and Fear run amok at the control panel.

Pixar Animation Studios breaks new high-concept ground with Inside Out, setting the majority of the action within the mind of a person. It's a challenging film, telling the larger story of the difficulty an average person faces trying to find emotional balance during a major life change, but director Pete Docter and his story crew of writers created a miracle of a film, cleverly turning various emotions, psychological concepts and cognitive functions into fully-realized characters and set pieces. Memorable sequences include a dangerous shortcut through abstract thought, a frightening caper in the subconscious, and an extremely affecting daring escape from the memory dump.

Comedic television stars Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith shine as the voices of Joy and Sadness, with much of the film anchored on Poehler's sunny personality and the banter between the two characters. In a key supporting role, Richard Kind delivers performance that is in turn lighthearted and heartbreaking playing Riley's forgotten imaginary friend Bing Bong. Brilliantly cast, providing the voices of Anger, Disgust and Fear are stand-up comic Lewis Black, and comedy actors Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader. Kyle MacLachlan and Diane Lane play Riley's parents while SNL alums and seasoned comedic and voice actors Paula Poundstone, Bobby Monynihan, Rashida Jones, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz complete the supporting cast.

Inside Out is unlike any film before it, animated or otherwise, a truly unique experience. On the journey to maturity, Joy and Riley are put through the emotional ringer and ultimately learn that there is a place for Sadness in their lives alongside all of the other emotions. Few animated films aspire to tell such a complex story, and Inside Out not only attempts to do so, the film succeeds with style, clever humor, and genuine resonance.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Mind Worker Fritz


A113
- Riley's classroom number

- Graffiti on the streets of San Francisco seen when Riley runs away from home


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- The birds from 2000 Pixar animated short For the Birds can be seen sitting on a powerline at the beginning of the film

- Forrest Woodbush, the mentally unstable Styracosaurus from The Good Dinosaur, appears in Riley's memory of the dinosaur picture taken on the way to San Francisco

Monsters University

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY
2013 | Dir. Dan Scanlon | 104 Minutes

"Mike, you're not scary. Not even a little. But you are fearless!"

Ever since a childhood field trip to Monsters, Inc., university student Mike Wazowski dreamed of becoming a professional scarer, to secretly enter the human world and obtain screams from children as a source of electrical energy. After they are expelled from the scare program, Mike and his naturally-talented rival James P. Sullivan join misfit fraternity Oozma Kappa to compete in a campus-wide scaring contest, their only chance to rejoin the scare program should they win and prove themselves worthy to the dean.

A college comedy with the signature Pixar Animation Studios touch, Monsters University is fresh and full of charm. The touching story centered around Mike and his struggle to fulfill a seemingly impossible dream despite his tireless efforts is strong enough to stand on its own without relying on familiarity with Monsters, Inc., although fans of the first film would find this experience more rewarding than the uninitiated. The MU campus is rendered in loving and highly believable detail and the film is an absolute delight, from the various amusing Scare Games events through a suspenseful finale in a highly unexpected place.

Returning from Monsters, Inc. the chemistry between Billy Crystal and John Goodman as Mike and Sulley is as organic and hilarious as ever. Also returning is Steve Buscemi's Randall Boggs who is given a more sympathetic subplot that elegantly sows the seed for his heated rivalry with Sulley. Dame Helen Mirren brings an astounding level of class to the role of the intimidating Dean Abigail Hardscrabble. Alfred Molina is a natural fit in the role of Scare Professor Derek Knight. Pixar animator Peter Sohn, comedic actors Joel Murray, Sean Hayes, Dave Foley, and Charlie Day play the quirky members of Oozma Kappa. The voice cast also features Nathan Fillion, Bobby Moynihan, Aubrey Plaza, John Krasinski, and Pixar regular Bonnie Hunt.

A wonderful addition to the Pixar canon, Monsters University takes an optimistic look at the discrepancy between life plans and reality. Despite his failings as a scarer, Mike does not give up, and although he does not end up where he thought he wanted to be, he ends up exactly where he is supposed to be. It's a great lesson for audiences of any age.


POST-CREDITS STINGER
A snail monster seen hurrying to his first class at the start of the film finally enters his classroom only to learn that the school year is over


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- A soon-to-be-banished Yeti working in the Monsters, Inc. mailroom


A113
- Scare 101 is in Classroom A113


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- A crude spray-painted version of the ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr. is seen as an example of a deadly object among other human items during Toxicity Scare Games challenge

- The Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story is seen parked outside a house party


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Nathan Fillion (Kyln Inmate in Guardians of the Galaxy, Master Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Headpool in Deadpool & Wolverine)

- John Krasinski (Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

Brave

BRAVE
2012 | Dir. Mark Andrews & Brenda Chapman | 93 Minutes

"Legends are lessons. They ring with truths."

Determined to follow her own path in an act of rebellion against the old ways of her people, Princess Merida inadvertently curses her mother to take on the form of a bear. On her quest to undo the spell and save the kingdom, Merida learns to communicate and bond with the cursed queen.

At its heart, Brave is the story of the struggle between a mother and daughter to speak honestly with one another - thematically, the value of youthful independence against the value of time-honored traditions. With Pixar Animation Studios' trademark humor, heart, and technological brilliance, the filmmakers introduce a brand new addition to parent company Disney's long line of princesses in the form of the headstrong and courageous Merida. Unlike any Disney Princess before her, Merida embarks on her own journey without relying on male heroes to drive her plot or determine her destiny.

Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald is the perfect vocal fit for the vivacious Merida. Emma Thompson is in turns regal and hilarious playing the dignified Queen Elinor with expert comedic timing. Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, and Craig Ferguson round out the cast playing King Fergus and the bickering lords of the kingdom, with Julie Walters as a friendly retail witch.

Brave continues Pixar Animation Studio's tradition of gorgeous groundbreaking animation and quality storytelling. The film is a worthy addition to Pixar's crowd-pleasing and award-winning library.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Gordon the guard


A113
- ACXIII is written above the entrance of the witch's shack


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- A wooden figure of the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story, and a wood carving of Sulley from Monsters, Inc. are hidden in the witch's shack

Cars 2

CARS 2
2011 | Dir. John Lasseter | 106 Minutes

"Everybody fights now and then, especially best friends. But you gotta make up fast. No fight more important than friendship."

Lightning McQueen participates in a globe-hopping race with Mater and company in tow as his support team. In a case of mistaken identity, British Intelligence agents mark Mater as an American spy and their ally. Together, Mater and his new friends from across the pond unravel a plot to discredit a new formula for clean alternative fuel.

While Cars 2 features more racing than its predecessor, as well as elaborate car chases and clever gadgets inspired by spy action films, it is unmistakably Mater's movie and ultimately suffers for it. Mater's struggle to be taken seriously despite his clumsy and oafish antics, emphasizing his undervalued knowledge of car parts, can be a relatable story but overall, the plot is paper-thin and merely an excuse to set up sight gags, car puns, and big action scenes barring a few twists during the film's final act. Like all Pixar Animation Studios films, Cars 2 is technologically sound, but this picture has even less heart than the director John Lasseter's first Cars film.

Larry the Cable Guy headlines this film returning as Mater, his severe Southern caricature sharply juxtaposed against the voice talents of British actors Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer as secret agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. John Turturro is amusingly arrogant as Lightning McQueen's Italian formula racer rival Francesco Bernoulli. Eddie Izzard plays Sir Miles Axlerod, sponsor of the global race and inventor of the new alternative fuel Allinol.

Returning from the first film are Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen in a reduced role, Tony Shalhoub as Luigi, Guido Quaroni as Guido, Paul Dooley as Sarge, Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera, Cheech Marin as Ramone, Jenifer Lewis as Flo, and Michael Wallis as the sheriff. Lloyd Sherr replaces the late George Carlin as hippy van Fillmore. The star-studded cast also includes Thomas Kretschmann as campy German villain Professor Zündapp, Italian film star Franco Nero as Luigi's Uncle Topolino in a small part, Vanessa Redgrave as Mama Topolino and the Queen of England, character actor Bruce Campbell as an American spy car in a brief but memorable role, and American NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon in a small cameo as Jeff Gorvette.

Cars 2 is not completely charmless, featuring fun set pieces and a new collection of colorful characters. However, the uncharacteristic lack of a strong story, and the shortage of emotional beats that ring true make this film a real disappointment to fans of Lasseter and his studio's body of work.


JOHN RATZENBERBER AS...
- Mack


A113
- Mater's license plate number

- The number on Siddeley the spy plane's tail


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- An anthropomorphized version of the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story is seen at the Radiator Springs Grand Prix

- A marquee at the drive-in theater at Radiator Springs advertises a car version of The Incredibles entitled "The Incredimobiles"

- A car version of Gusteau's from Ratatouille known as "Gastow's" is seen during the Paris sequence and in the end credits

- A car version of the family tapestry seen in Brave (in production when this film was released) is seen hanging in a London pub


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Thomas Kretschmann (Wolfgang von Strucker in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron)

- Owen Wilson (Mobius M. Mobius in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)

Toy Story 3

TOY STORY 3
2010 | Dir. Lee Unkrich | 103 Minutes

"The thing that makes Woody special is he'll never give up on you ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what."

After years of neglect, the toys find themselves stranded in a prison-like daycare ruled by a tyrannical stuffed bear due to a misunderstanding as Andy prepares to leave for college. Rescued by a young and friendly child, Woody returns to the daycare and arranges a daring prison break to save his friends.

A natural follow-up to Toy Story 2, Lee Unkrich's sequel is as full of heart and humor as its predecessors. Inventive, suspenseful, and touching, Toy Story 3 stays true to the core of the series. The film continues to explore the existential themes of what it means to be loved, inevitably left behind, and to love again. The story of Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear is a dark reflection of Jessie's, providing the film with an engaging three-dimensional villain. The plot takes a particularly dramatic and dark turn during its final act when the toys find themselves trapped on a conveyor belt at a garbage dump, rolling towards a massive incinerator, joining hands as they face certain doom together.

Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack return as Woody, Buzz, and Jessie without missing a beat along with Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, and Wallace Shawn as Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and Rex. Blake Clark replaces the late Jim Varney as Slinky Dog. Ned Beatty brings an incredible pathos to the role of Lotso. Michael Keaton practically steals the show as a narcissistic Ken doll playing opposite Jodi Benson's surprisingly eloquent Barbie. Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, Jeff Garlin, Pixar regular Bonnie Hunt, and Whoopi Goldberg lend their voices to small but hilarious roles.

Toy Story 3 is another winner for Pixar Animation Studios, striking gold once again with their flagship film series. The film is a funny and touching sequel, worthy to carry on the franchise's legacy as well as the studio's tradition of quality animated films.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Hamm the tech-savvy piggy bank


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- Wally B. from 1984 Pixar animated short The Adventures of André and Wally B. is featured on Bonnie's backpack

- The ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr. can been seen on a shelf above Woody before his conversation with the Chatter Telephone, and appears again in the Sunnyside Daycare sandbox

- Mr. Ray from Finding Nemo is on a shelf at Sunnyside Daycare

- A postcard from Carl and Ellie Fredricksen from Up is briefly seen in Andy's room

- Buzz's batteries are produced by the Buy n Large Corporation from WALL-E


FRAGMENTS
- Totoro from Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro is one of the toys in Bonnie's room


007 CONNECTIONS
- Timothy Dalton (James Bond in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill)


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Michael Keaton (Adrian Toomes in Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Up

UP
2009 | Dir. Pete Docter | 96 Minutes

"That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most."

Elderly widower Carl Fredrickson is about to lose the house that he and his late wife shared for decades to a faceless corporation. Taking matters into his own hands, Carl turns the house into a makeshift dirigible and sets off on the adventure of a lifetime. Carl is joined by an overenthusiastic Wilderness Explorer scout named Russell and together they learn that the "Beast of Paradise Falls" and Carl's childhood hero are not what they seem.

Up opens with quite possibly one of the most affecting and heartbreaking montages in all of cinema history, lovingly walking through decades of a long and happy marriage through its ups and downs until one of the spouses is slowly taken by the ravages of time. The film proper spends its time lifting the hearts of its audience with humor and wit, as Carl learns that it's never too late to set off on the journey he was always meant to take, and that one must let go in order to move on.

Seasoned film and television star Ed Asner and child actor Jordan Nagai are an unlikely hilarious comedic duo lending their voices to Carl and Russell, with much of the film's humor stemming from their conflicting personalities. Christopher Plummer is delightfully mean as the diabolical recluse Charles F. Muntz. With impeccable comedic timing, Pixar animator and occasional voice actor Bob Peterson steals the show as the voice of the affable Dug, one of Muntz's hunting dogs fashioned with a speech collar, who quickly befriends Carl and Russell.

Up ranks among the one of the most heartwarming films in the Pixar Animation Studios library. Once again, Pixar sets an astoundingly high bar for the animation medium.


JOHN RATZENBEGER AS...
- Construction Foreman Tom


A113
- Carl sits outside Courtroom A113 after he is sued for hitting a construction worker with his walker


FRAGMENTS
- Russell was designed to look like Pixar staff member and director of The Good Dinosaur Peter Sohn


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- The ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr. and Lots-o-Huggin' Bear from Toy Story 3 (in development at the time of the film's release) are seen in a child's room as Carl's house appears through a window flying through the city at the start of his adventure

- The logo of the Buy n Large Corporation from WALL-E is printed on the construction equipment surrounding Carl's house

- Carl's house flies by the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story, is seen again when Carl fantasizes about lowering Russell from the house tied-together sheets, and in the parking lot of an ice cream parlor at the end of the film

WALL-E

WALL-E
2008 | Dir. Andrew Stanton | 98 Minutes

"I don't want to survive, I want to live!"
 

In the distant future, WALL-E, a lone robot designed to sort waste, roams a ruined city on an abandoned planet Earth. One day, WALL-E befriends EVE, a robot from space that arrives on Earth to collect a plant sample. When an automated ship collects EVE to return to space, WALL-E follows EVE, leaving Earth and subsequently discovering the disturbing fate of humankind.

With WALL-E, Pixar Animation Studios continues to push the boundaries of the medium. Starring a cast of robots imbued with incredible personality, with its human characters only serving in minor supporting roles, WALL-E is a true work of art created in a medium that's accessible to audiences of all ages. The filmmakers tell a convincing love story between machines while presenting uncompromising social commentary on the state of the environment and the automated nature of society by showing audiences a potentially bleak future should humanity stay its destructive consumerist course.

Acclaimed Hollywood sound designer provides the mechanical voice of WALL-E while Pixar staff member plays EVE. Comedian Jeff Garlin does a fine job as the naive captain of the Axion, one of the few human characters of the film. Jovial character actor Fred Willard appears in live-action footage as the CEO of the Buy n Large Corporation. Sigourney Weaver is heard in a brief but memorable part as the voice of the Axiom's computer.

WALL-E is a technological and cinematic marvel, beautifully animated, standing head and shoulders above films from competing studios. The trademark visionary and heartfelt style of Pixar Animation Studios is in full force in this futuristic space adventure.


POST-CREDITS STINGER
The Luxo lamp's light bulb burns out, WALL-E changes it and forms the are in the Pixar Animations Studios Logo after he accidentally knocks it down


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Axiom passenger John


A113
- The code number for Buy n Large's directive for the Axiom to remain in space and halt all efforts to recolonize the Earth


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- Rex and Hamm from Toy Story, and a toy version of Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. can be seen stored in WALL-E's home

- Shortly after arriving on Earth, EVE scans the engine of the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story

- The logo of the Dinoco gasoline company from Toy Story appears on a lighter

- The REM-E mechanical mice on the Axiom are named after Remy from Ratatouille

Ratatouille

RATATOUILLE
2007 | Dir. Brad Bird | 111 Minutes

"There is excellence all around you. You need only to be aware to stop and savor it."

Separated from his family, a rat with a sophisticated palette named Remy befriends Linguini, the estranged heir to an acclaimed Parisian restaurant that has fallen on hard times. In secret, the pair team up to become a successful chef, with Remy to manipulating Linguini's arms and legs. As tensions rise with Linguini receiving all of the acclaim, Remy's cooking attracts the attention of a vicious culinary critic.

Director Brad Bird's second Pixar Animation Studios feature is a fun and refreshingly original film. A character-centric piece with relatively low stakes, Pixar once again aces all technical challenges, this time rendering believable food and the city of Paris in splendid detail, paving the way to tell a touching story about finding friendship in unexpected places, being true to yourself rather than trying to live up to the expectations of others.

Stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt is truly excellent Remy, exuding the passion and great emotional depth bringing the character to exuberant life, an inspired casting choice on the part of the production team. Pixar staff member Lou Romano is amusingly dopey as the hapless Linguini, perfectly complementing Oswalt's Remy. The cast also features the voices of Janeane Garofalo as the hot-tempered rôtisseur Colette, Ian Holm as the villainous chef Skinner, character actor Brian Dennehy as Remy's father Django, Brad Garrett as the spirit of Chef Gusteau guiding Remy's journey, and Peter O'Toole as merciless food critic Anton Ego. Will Arnett, James Remar, and director Brad Bird are also featured in small parts.

Funny, smart, and animated with love and warmth in every frame, Ratatouille is an ode to the joy of cooking and to dreamers everywhere. If the story of a rat with big aspirations to become a successful gourmet chef in Paris can be this charming and heartfelt, no dream is too absurd to come true.


JOHN RATZENBEGER AS...
- Mustafa the waiter


A113
- On the ear tag of Git the enormous lab rat

- On a train displayed on a television screen


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- During the scene where Skinner chases Remy, the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story is seen crossing the bridge over the river Seine

- Posters featuring Mr. Incredible from The Incredibles are seen in several street scenes

- Supervillain Bomb Voyage from The Incredibles appears as a street mime

- The Incredibles logo appears as a pattern on Linguini's boxer shorts

MCU CONNECTIONS

- Patton Oswalt (Pip in Eternals)

Cars

CARS
2006 | Dir. John Lasseter | 116 Minutes

"Back then, the road didn't cut through the land like that interstate. It moved with the land, it rose, it fell, it curved. Cars didn't drive on it to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time."

Racer Lightning McQueen is an arrogant and selfish competitor. After a mishap on his way to California for a title race, McQueen finds himself stranded in Radiator Springs, a small forgotten town along Route 66 lined with charming small businesses. McQueen befriends the locals and learns humility.

Unmistakably a passion project helmed by Pixar Animations Studios founder John Lasseter, Cars depicts a vibrant world inhabited by anthropomorphized automobiles that lends itself to gags that are a little too easy without requiring much thought. Unfortunately, the film lacks the energy and heart to carry it to the great heights of other films in the Pixar library, a feature that usually seems to be such a natural part of the Pixar tradition. While the story of Radiator Springs may ring true especially to those who are nostalgic for the glory days of Route 66, Lightning McQueen's journey to become a humbler champion is ultimately uninspiring as it is presented in the film.

Owen Wilson is charming but bland as Lightning McQueen, and the lack of chemistry between his performance and Bonnie Hunt's turn as the curvaceous Porsche Sally Carrera is a noticeable flaw. Legendary Hollywood actor Paul Newman brings gravitas to the role of the authoritative Doc Hudson, easily the best performance of the film. The feature's breakout character, Mater the tow truck voiced by stand-up comic Larry the Cable Guy really dialing up his trademark Southern drawl, is as one-note and charmless as one may expect, a little too dumb and a little too lacking in heart. NASCAR legend Richard Petty provides the voice for defending Piston Cup Champion Strip "The King" Weathers. Character actors and comedians Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, George Carlin, Paul Dooley, Jeremy Piven and Michael Keaton lend their voices to the broad characters that round out the supporting cast.

Cars is the first big swing and miss from Pixar Animation Studios. Despite featuring Pixar's high standard of thoughtful production design and technologically gorgeous animation, the story suffers from its over-simplicity and is a colorful but unengaging affair.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Mack

- Piggy Truck

- Abominable Snow Plow

- Flea car


A113
- The number on the freight train that nearly crashes into Lightning McQueen

- Mater's license plate number


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- Lightning McQueen races in the Piston Cup in hopes of winning the sponsorship of Dinoco, the gasoline company first featured in Toy Story

- The birds from 2000 Pixar animated short For the Birds can be seen sitting on a powerline during McQueen and Mack's drive to California

- An anthropomorphized version of the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story can be seen in the stadium for the final Piston Cup race

- During the end credits, Mack watches scenes from car versions of Pixar films Toy Story (featuring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as car versions of Woody and Buzz), A Bug's Life (featuring Dave Foley as a car version of Flik), and Monsters, Inc. (featuring John Goodman and Billy Crystal as car versions of Sulley and Mike) at a drive-in theater, and makes a jab about how all of his characters share the same voice actor


FRAGMENTS
- Dedicated co-director, storyboard artist, and Pixar mainstay Joe Ranft who passed away in 2005 before the film's release, this film features his final voice role as Red the firetruck

MCU CONNECTIONS

- Owen Wilson (Mobius M. Mobius in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)

The Incredibles

THE INCREDIBLES
2004 | Dir. Brad Bird | 115 Minutes 

"No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit? I feel like the maid. I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for ten minutes?!"

Superhero husband and wife Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl and their family struggle to adapt to civilian life after masked heroes are outlawed by the government. Disengaged with his unfulfilling office job, Mr. Incredible soon finds himself ensnared in a scheme to eliminate former superheroes perpetrated by a deranged ex-fan. Mr. Incredible and his family must learn to fight for their lives together to save the world from this emerging threat.

Director Brad Bird delivers not only one of the very best Pixar Animation Studios films but also one of the best superhero films ever. Unlike any Pixar film that came before it, stunningly animated with a clean visual style akin to art deco. It is an action-packed ride that takes after Silver Age comic books at the forefront, and a solid family drama at its heart.

With sitcom star Craig T. Nelson as Mr. Incredible, Holly Hunter as Elastigirl, historian Sarah Vowell as Violet, and child actor Spencer Fox as Dash, the primary voice cast has the chemistry needed to bring the Barr family to life as they become a new superhero team. Jason Lee is appropriately quippy and obnoxious as the supervillain Syndrome. The supporting cast also features Samuel L. Jackson as Mr. Incredible's best friend the ice-powered hero Frozone in a show-stealing performance, Elizabeth Peña as Syndrome's seductive aid Mirage, and director Brad Bird as the iconic eccentric fashion designer Edna Mode.

The Incredibles is funny, thrilling, and an overall delight. It is an excellent demonstration of the capabilities of the computer animated medium and a prime example of what a good superhero story ought to be.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- The Underminer


A113
- Mirage directs Mr. Incredible to Room A113 at Syndrome's compound to be briefed for an assignment


FRAGMENTS
- As presented in the film's prologue, the concept of superheroes refusing to register with the government and subsequently the outlawing masked vigilantism is heavily influenced by Alan Moore's renowned graphic novel Watchmen, predating Marvel Comics' Civil War crossover event that shares similar themes by several years

- After the final battle against the Omnidroid, legendary animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston make a cameo appearance praising the Incredibles and Frozone for doing it "old school"


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury in Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and The Marvels)

Finding Nemo

FINDING NEMO
2003 | Dir. Andrew Stanton | 100 Minutes

"When I look at you, I can feel it, and I look at you, and I'm home."

When a clownfish named Nemo is taken from the Great Barrier Reef by a scuba diving dentist, his father Marlin embarks on a perilous mission to rescue him. Along the way, Marlin befriends Dory, a friendly blue tang with short-term memory loss, and together they overcome numerous challenges. Meanwhile, Nemo bands together from the inhabitants of the fish tank at the dentist’s office to plot a daring escape.

Pixar Animation Studios beautifully renders an entire ocean full of vibrant life and wonder. Before its opening titles, the film begins with heartbreaking tragedy, immediately setting the emotional stakes of the plot ahead and definitively establishing Marlin's motivation as an overprotective father. Through his friendship with Dory and their journey together, the events the film teach Marlin to let go of his fear and insecurity.

Comedian Albert Brooks brings a genuine emotional resonance to the film as the voice of Marlin, although it is Ellen DeGeneres' performance as Dory that steals the show, striking the perfect balance between wacky and endearing. Willem Dafoe plays Gill, a Moorish Idol with a broken fin and authority figure of the fish tank at the dentist's office who takes a liking to Nemo. The supporting voice cast also features Brad Garrett, Stephen Root, Allison Janney, Austin Pendleton, Vicki Lewis, storyboard artist Joe Ranft, and Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush.

Finding Nemo is an exemplary animated feature and another major success for Pixar Animation Studios. The film is a true crowd-pleaser with gorgeous animation, lovable characters, and a genuinely heartwarming story.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- A school of moonfish


A113
- The model number of the Dentist's underwater camera


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- A boat in Sydney Harbor is named after 2000 Pixar animated short For the Birds

- During Gil's breakdown of the escape plan, he visualizes the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story driving by

- The mermaid from 1989 Pixar animated short Knick Knack makes a quick cameo appearance in the fish tank of the dentist's office as the masthead on a ship decoration

- Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story is seem lying by the toy chest in the dentist's waiting room

- A boy reads a comic book featuring Mr. Incredible from The Incredibles (in development at the time of the film's release) in the dentist's waiting room

- Luigi from Cars (in development at the time of the film's release) can briefly be seen driving by the dentist's office

- Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. swims by in a snorkel and fins during the end credits

MCU CONNECTIONS

- Willem Dafoe (Norman Osborn in Spider-Man: No Way Home)

Monsters, Inc.

MONSTERS, INC.
2001 | Dir. Pete Docter | 92 Minutes

"Hey, Mike, this might sound crazy but I don't think that kid's dangerous."

In a world of monsters that relies on the screams of human children as their only source of energy, hairy behemoth James P. Sullivan and walking eyeball Mike Wazowski make up the top scaring team at Monsters, Inc., discreetly entering the human world to collect screams from kids. When an innocent child finds her way into their world, Sulley and Mike discover a nefarious plot is afoot at Monsters, Inc., leading them to unravel the secret nature of their universe.

Pixar Animation Studios takes a high concept story idea, builds a lively fully-realized world around it without relying on heavy exposition, and condenses it into a suspenseful adventure with a sweet emotional core. While the ultimate technical challenge of this film was to develop technology to render realistic fur for Sulley, the more significant challenge by far was to present the child Boo as a lively and lovable character worthy of the Sulley and Mike's (and the audience's) concern and affection. Pixar successfully accomplishes both challenges with panache, maintaining the level of quality audiences can expect from their features.

Monsters, Inc. is first and foremost a buddy comedy, and accomplished screen actors John Goodman and Billy Crystal are an excellent comedic duo as Sulley and Mike, aptly suited for their parts and perfectly complementing one another's comedic timing. Character actor Steve Buscemi is appropriately despicable as Sulley's chameleon rival Randall Boggs accompanied by Frank Oz as his sniveling assistant Fungus. Legendary actor James Coburn brings gravitas to the role of Monsters, Inc. CEO Henry J. Waternoose III. Completing the cast is Jennifer Tilly, delightfully bubbly as Mike's receptionist girlfriend Celia.

Monsters, Inc. is a thrilling ride set in a wholly original world. With fun, well-designed characters and a touching story about friendship in the face of irrational fear, Monsters, Inc. is a fitting addition to Pixar’s line of quality pictures.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- A banished Yeti living in the Himalayas


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- Andy's wallpaper from Toy Story is one of the backgrounds Randall uses to practice his camouflage

- Sulley and Mike send Randall to the trailer seen in A Bug's Life that resides above Bug City, the Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story is still parked next to it

- When Sulley returns Boo to her room, she hands him the ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr., a Cowgirl Jessie doll from Toy Story 2, and a clownfish from Finding Nemo (in development at the time of the film's release)

Toy Story 2

TOY STORY 2
1999 | Dir. John Lasseter | 95 Minutes

"Somewhere in that pad of stuffing is a toy who taught me that life's only worth living if you're being loved by a kid, and I traveled all this way to rescue that toy because I believed him."

After being stolen by an unscrupulous toy store manager, Woody discovers his identity as a rare collector’s item as well as the ultimate fate of toys once they are outgrown by their owners. As Buzz and the other toys mount a mission rescue Woody, he must decide whether to travel to Tokyo with other toys in his set to be displayed in a museum or to return to Andy.

One of the rare film sequels that is better than the original film, Toy Story 2 is a surprising emotional tour de force that packs even more humor, charm, and heart than its predecessor into its 95-minute runtime. The heart of the film is carried by Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl and her touching story of love and loss, acting as a foil to the story of Woody. A musical montage mid-film detailing Jessie's past remains one of the most affecting sequences ever animated. From its action-packed opening sequence that shows off all of the visual advances of the medium in the four years since Toy Story to its thrilling finale in an airport, Pixar Animation Studios continues to demonstrate its mastery over the art of computer animation.

The core cast members of the first film including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, Annie Potts, and Jennifer Anniston reprise their roles from the first film without missing a beat. Allen in particular has a bit of fun playing the duo roles of the Buzz Lightyear audiences have grown to know and love and another Buzz, fresh out of the box and as delusional as Andy's Buzz when he first met Woody and the other toys. Joan Cusack shows incredible range, in turns delightful and heartbreaking as the energetic Jessie, fearing being put into storage more than anything. Fraiser star Kelsey Grammer plays prospector toy Stinky Pete whose motivations aren't as affable as they may seem from the outset. Rounding out the supporting cast are Seinfeld stars Estelle Harris and Wayne Knight as Mrs. Potato Head and Al of Al's Toy Barn respectively.

Toy Story 2 is a high benchmark picture for Pixar Animation Studios. The film is without argument one of the best animated feature films ever produced.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Hamm the tech-savvy piggy bank


A113
- "LassetAir Flight A113" can be heard over the airport intercom during the film's finale


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- Clips from early Pixar animated shorts Tin Toy, Knick Knack and Luxo, Jr. can briefly be seen when Hamm flips channels on the television to find the Al's Toy Barn commercial

- The man that Al calls to repair Woody is Geri from 1997 Pixar animated short Geri's Game

- The ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr. appears in the commercial for Al's Toy Barn, and several Luxo Balls appear at the store during the toys' mission to save Woody

- A calendar featuring a scene from A Bug's Life hangs in Andy's room

- Mrs. Potato Head reads an A Bug's Life picture book to the preschool toys

- A Bug's Life toys are on display at Al's Toy Barn

- Heimlich from A Bug's Life makes a cameo appearance when Buzz and the toys cut through shrubbery on their way to Al's apartment

 
FRAGMENTS
- Toy Story 2 began as a straight-to-video sequel produced by Disney without Pixar’s involvement; Disney’s version was quickly scrapped and the film was rebuilt from scratch personally under the direction of John Lasseter after he learned of Disney’s plan

A Bug's Life

A BUG'S LIFE
1998 | Dir. John Lasseter | 96 Minutes

"Now, now do you see our tree? Everything that made that giant tree is already contained inside this tiny little seed. All it needs is some time, a little bit of sunshine and rain, and voilá!"

Mistaking them for a band of fierce warriors, a forward-thinking inventor ant named Flik recruits a troupe of circus bugs to protect his colony from a gang of vicious food-stealing grasshoppers. When faced with the reality of the situation, the entertainers become the heroes they were mistaken for, and Flik saves his colony with his ingenuity.

Taking inspiration from Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and the comedy classic Three Amigos, Pixar Animation Studios' second feature-length film is a crowd-pleasing adventure on a small yet epic scale. Centered on the parallel stories of Princess Atta's insecurity about becoming the next queen of the ant colony coupled with Flik and the circus bugs' becoming the heroes they never thought they could be, the film carries a positive message about fulfilling the expectations individuals put on themselves and the expectations of others. Visually stunning, the Pixar animators continue to improve upon their craft, especially evident in the finale of the film that involves a mechanical bird made from sticks and leaves and an epic rainstorm.

Dave Foley of Canadian comedy troupe the Kids in the Hall lends his voice to Flik, bringing the ostracized ant to life with manic energy. Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives a fun performance as the insecure Princess Atta. Kevin Spacey is excellent as the cold diabolical leader of the grasshopper gang. The circus bugs are made by Denis Leary as the short-tempered ladybug Francis, Bonnie Hunt black widow spider Rosie, David Hyde Pierce as under-appreciated stick bug Slim, Brad Garrett as the kind rhinoceros beetle Dim, Mike McShane as twin Hungarian pill bugs Tuck and Roll, legendary character actor Jonathan Harris as the praying mantis magician Manny with Madeline Kahn as his gypsy moth assistant and wife, and storyboard artist Joe Ranft who steals the show as the plump German-accented caterpillar Heimlich. Rounded out the supporting cast are character actor Richard Kind as Hopper's dull brother Molt, and Roddy McDowall in his final film role as royal advisor Mr. Soil.

A Bug's Life is a solid, visually stunning film, continuing Pixar's legacy of crafting touching, technologically advanced animated features.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- P.T. Flea


A113
- Seen printed on the side of a cereal box behind Flik as he enters Bug City


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- The Pizza Planet delivery truck from Toy Story is parked next to the trailer above Bug City

MCU CONNECTION
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in Black Widow and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

Toy Story

TOY STORY
1995 | Dir. John Lasseter | 81 Minutes

"Look, over there in that house is a kid who thinks you are the greatest, and it's not because you're a Space Ranger, pal, it's because you're a toy. You are his toy!"

Fearing that he will be replaced as the favorite toy of his owner, a young boy named Andy, cowboy doll Woody feels threatened by the arrival of endearingly delusional spaceman action figure Buzz Lightyear. While Andy, his family, and the rest of Andy’s toys prepare to move to a new home, Woody and Buzz learn to set aside their differences, working together to escape a dangerous situation when their rivalry lands them in the home of a wicked child.

The first feature-length computer-animated film in cinema history is a technical marvel and, above all, a funny, delightful and touching story. The film’s primary themes of adapting to change in the face of insecurity and fear are expertly presented, resonant to more mature audiences while amusing to viewers of any age. The humor is sharp, with plenty of clever sight gags and witty dialogue without relying too much on broad pop culture references. Director John Lasseter's vision is dynamic and wholly original, imbuing the entire film with genuine heart. Truly groundbreaking sequences include a visually stimulating trip to the video arcade, the rather spooky section of the film in which Woody and Sid’s damaged toys teach the boy an eerie lesson, and the high-speed ingenious finale.

Featuring the voice talents of A-list Hollywood actor Tom Hanks as Woody and sitcom star Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear at the forefront, Hanks and Allen form an excellent natural comedic pair. Comedic character actors Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, and Annie Potts round out the supporting cast in iconic turns as classic toys. Friends star Jennifer Aniston is featured in a minor role as Andy's mother.

Toy Story is an unprecedented success that single-handedly established the viability of a new animation style. The film sets an astoundingly high standard for Pixar Animation Studios from the get-go and is the first in a line of amazing and delightful films.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Hamm the tech-savvy piggy bank


A113
- The license plate number of Andy's mom's car
 

PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- The titles on a bookshelf seen behind Woody during his address to the toys about the big move are named after early Pixar animated shorts The Adventures of André and Wally B., Red's Dream, Tin Toy, and Knick Knack

- The ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr. rolls down a hallway in Andy's house, is seen bouncing into Andy's room, and Buzz bounces off of it when he attempts to fly

Infinity and Beyond: Pixar Animation Studios

"Not everyone can become a great artist but a great artist can come from anywhere."

Pixar began as computer division of George Lucas' Lucasfilm. Under the leadership of John Lasseter, a visionary animator who had been fired by Disney Studios in 1984 over perceived costs for Lasseter's take on The Brave Little Toaster, the animation department aspired to create the first feature-length computer-animated film. However, Lucas deemed Lasseter's dream financially unfeasible and abandoned the company. With funding from Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs, Lasseter and his team created the innovative process behind one of the most profitable film mediums today. Toy Story, the first full-length film of its kind, was promptly met with unanimous praise from audiences and film critics on top of astonishing financial success.

Famous for its repertoire of critically acclaimed, award-winning, and emotionally resonant films, Pixar Animation Studios takes inspiration from classic hand-drawn animation and the films of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. Pixar films are seldom lacking in creativity or heart as the team of writers and animators stand by the policy to put story at the forefront before conquering the technical challenges associated with the ever-evolving medium.

Pixar films are rife with references to other Pixar films, as well as voice cameos and visual nods to Pixar staff members. Cheers star John Ratzenberger lends his voice to minor characters in every Pixar film to date. CalArts classroom A113, where Lasseter and Pixar-director-turned-executive Brad Bird studied character animation, is also visually or audibly referenced in nearly every single Pixar movie.

Through its tumultuous history with parent corporation the Walt Disney Company, and box office competition from lesser imitators, Pixar Animation Studios remains the premiere computer animation production studio, continuing to consistently produce hit after quality crowd-pleasing hit.

Rocky Balboa

ROCKY BALBOA
2006 | Dir. Sylvester Stallone | 100 Minutes

"It's your right to listen to your gut. It ain't nobody's right to say no after you earned the right to be what you wanna be and do what you wanna do!"

A speculative computer simulated fight between current maligned heavyweight champion Mason "The Line" Dixon and Rocky Balboa at his prime determines Rocky to be the winner. While Dixon aims show the public that he's worthy champion by arranging an exhibition fight with Rocky, an old and retired Rocky, living alone after losing Adrian to cancer, is determined to step back into the ring one last time to do what he does best despite. Flying against the expectations of public perception, Rocky goes the distance in his match against Dixon.

Rocky Balboa is a second chance for Sylvester Stallone to give the Rocky film series a proper ending and, miraculously, he sticks the landing. True to the underdog story of the first Rocky film released thirty years prior, although from a radically different context, Rocky Balboa is a touching love letter to fans of the titular character offering a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a champion still itching to compete in his later years.

Sixteen years after he last played the title character, Sylvester Stallone's winning personality shines, bringing Rocky to life once again in his best dramatic performance to date. Burt Young is as explosive as ever playing curmudgeon Paulie although his character is given slightly more depth in this film. A welcome familiar face, Tony Burton reprises the role of Duke Evers, training Rocky once again as he once did in Rocky III and Rocky IV. Milo Ventimiglia, who has a passing resemblance for Stallone, skillfully takes over the role of Rocky's conflicted son, quietly evoking one man's struggle against the unfounded expectations to live up to his famous father's insurmountable legacy. With a cautious air of tenderness, Geraldine Hughes plays Marie, a minor character returning from the first Rocky film with a significantly expanded role as Rocky's new friend and confidant. Pro boxer Antonio Tarver plays Mason "The Line" Dixon in a competent and natural performance that doesn't require much acting experience.

Genuinely inspirational with a strong emotional core, Rocky Balboa is an excellent companion piece to the first Rocky film, and the perfect ending to the Rocky film series.


FRAGMENTS
- Spider Rico, Rocky's opponent in the opening scene of the first Rocky film, is featured in a brief scene where Rocky gives him a job at his restaurant

- As cited in the film, the computer simulated fight between Rocky and Dixon was inspired by a simulated fight between Muhammad Ali and Rocky Marciano in 1970

- The match between Rocky and Dixon was shot in high definition and styled to emulate a real life pay-per-view boxing event

- Composer Bill Conti's musical score makes extensive use of music from past Rocky films and a brand new version of "Gonna Fly Now" during Rocky's training montage 


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Sylvester Stallone (Stakar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)

Rocky V

ROCKY V
1990 | Dir. John G. Avildsen | 104 Minutes

"Get up you son of a bitch! 'Cause Mickey loves you!"

Due to a series of poor financial decisions unbeknownst to Rocky, he is stripped of his fortune, sending him and his family back to the mean streets of Philadelphia. Tommy Gunn, a young fighter with big dreams seeks Rocky out to train him to be a heavyweight contender but, under the influence of a diabolical boxing promoter, Gunn quickly rebels against Rocky.

Though its heart may have been in the right place, Rocky V is a poorly-executed attempt to bring the story of Rocky full-circle. Hastily returning Rocky to his roots by way of a plot device sets the stage for a fate unbefitting a legend. While having Rocky take on the Mickey role for an up-and-coming fighter makes sense, having the hero turn his back on his family and his protégé turn against him doesn't make for a fulfilling story. While Rocky is triumphant in the concluding street fight with Tommy Gunn, a victory outside of the ring for the champ feels hollow.

Sylvester Stallone is charming as ever playing Rocky Balboa despite the film's disappointing storyline. Talia Shire and Burt Young effortlessly slip back into the roles of Adrian and Paulie. Burgess Meredith appears in a flashback as Mickey, once again offering Rocky words of wisdom in a time of need. Pro boxer Tommy Morrison plays the ambitious Tommy Gunn in a competent but unremarkable performance. Thinly-veiled Don King caricature George Washington Duke is played by Richard Gant with scenery-chewing gusto. Sylvester Stallone's real life son Sage plays Robert Balboa Jr.

Rocky V is a disappointing sequel and ultimately an inappropriate ending to the story of Rocky Balboa. The film is out-of-touch and unworthy of the film series' storied legacy.


FRAGMENTS
- In an odd and incredibly noticeable instance of discontinuity, the film begins immediately after the events of Rocky IV in which Rocky's son is played by child actor Rocky Krakoff who was nine years old at the time, while in Rocky V he is played by Sage Stallone who was fourteen at the time, in effect aging the character five years during Rocky's time in the Soviet Union

- Tommy Gunn's first fight takes place in the same location as the opening scene of Rocky where Rocky fights Spider Rico

- Rocky was written to die after his fight with Tommy Gunn in the original draft of the Rocky V screenplay but the head of the studio refused to have the hero die on screen (CBS Philly)

- Pro Boxer Michael Williams played Tommy Gunn's title match opponent Union Cane


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Sylvester Stallone (Stakar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)


007 CONNECTIONS
- Dolph Lundgren (Venz in A View to a Kill)

Rocky IV

ROCKY IV
1985 | Dir. Sylvester Stallone | 90 Minutes

"If I can change, and you can change, everybody can change."

While participating in a politically-charged exhibition match against monstrous Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, Apollo Creed is brutally beaten to death. Feeling guilty for refusing to answer Drago’s initial challenge, and motivated by his desire to avenge Apollo, Rocky travels to the Soviet Union to face Drago in the ring before the eyes of the world.

Clocking in at a brisk 90 minutes, Rocky IV is an entertaining but surreal addition to the Rocky film series. Somehow, a robot servant, a musical number featuring James Brown, and not one, but two extended montage sequences make it into the film. The first montage, occurring roughly halfway through the film, cheaply makes liberal use of footage from previous Rocky films. The signature Rocky training montage is quite on-the-nose thematically, juxtaposing Rocky's utilization of old-world methods to strengthen himself against Drago's use of state-of-the-art equipment and chemical enhancement, painting Rocky as the undisputed humble moral superhero. Consistent with the inconsistent nature of the movie, Vince DiCola's synth-heavy film score is rather outlandish and distracting, running counter to the timeless quality of Bill Conti's work on the previous three films.

Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and Burt Young remain consistent in the roles of Rocky, Apollo, Adrian, and Paulie. The breakout star of the film is Dolph Lundgren in a controlled performance as Ivan Drago, ice cold and laconic until his pride takes over during his fight against Rocky. Tony Burton, who appeared in the previous Rocky films as Apollo's trainer, has an expanded role training Rocky in honor of his fallen friend.

Jettisoning realism in favor of sensationalism, Rocky IV takes the Rocky myth deep into the realm of implausibility. Ultimately, the film is an over-the-top Cold War era superhero film with an idealistic if over-simplistic message, placing it squarely in the so-bad-it's-good category.

ROCKY VS. DRAGO DIRECTOR'S CUT

Released in 2021, Sylvester Stallone spent about nine months assembling a director's cut entitled Rocky IV: Rocky Vs. Drago that's a markedly improved, slightly more deliberate edition of the film. While the underlying Cold War era propaganda of the picture is downplayed significantly, it still intrinsically a part of the movie, the mostly subtle changes are significant enough to give the feature more genuine emotional content. Excised are all of the scenes with the robot and most of the Rocky Jr. scenes. In their place are a treasure trove of truly excellent character moments and alternate takes retrieved from the cutting room floor that highlight Apollo, Adrian, Duke, and even Drago. More attention is paid to Apollo's motivation for wanting to fight Drago in order to maintain his pride and recognition as a fighter, Drago is afforded a few more moments that emphasize his inability to speak freely which goes a long way to give the role more humanity, and there is more dramatic Rocky and Adrian material that grant the couple a more satisfying emotional arc. The fights are structured much better in that they don't feel nearly as lopsided as in the original 1985 release, and one key alternate take featured in the final minutes removes the impression that Rocky's speech somehow moved the Soviet Politburo in any meaningful way, doing a better job of grounding the overall narrative considering the global political landscape of the time. The director's cut also features selections from Bill Conti's Rocky scores mixed with the existing Vince DiCola music, giving the picture more of a sense of continuity with the rest of the series.

FRAGMENTS
- Brigitte Nielsen, Stallone's wife at the time of the film's release, plays Ludmilla, Drago's wife and promoter

- Bill Conti was unavailable to compose the score for Rocky IV at the time of the film's development, working on music for The Karate Kid at the time

- Before becoming an action movie star after his breakout performance in Rocky IV, Dolph Lundgren attained a master's degree in chemical engineering and achieved the rank 3rd dan black belt in karate


SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: CollegeHumor - If Rocky 4 Happened For Real (30 for 30 Parody)

- Video: The Making of ROCKY VS. DRAGO by Sylvester Stallone


007 CONNECTIONS
- Dolph Lundgren (Venz in A View to a Kill)


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Sylvester Stallone (Stakar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)

Rocky III

ROCKY III
1982 | Dir. Sylvester Stallone | 100 Minutes

 "There is no tomorrow!"

Living in comfort and softened by a series of easy victories after becoming the heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky is challenged and soundly defeated by a true contender. Subsequently, Mickey dies from a heart attack. Picking himself up from a low point in his life and in his career, Rocky befriends his formal rival Apollo Creed, trains with him and his team in Los Angeles in hopes of regaining his title, his motivation, and his pride.

Sylvester Stallone's Rocky III takes the character of Rocky to a new and entertainingly incredulous direction. Rocky seems to have lost his endearingly humble ways, memorably playing the fool in a charity match against a pro-wrestler portrayed by Hulk Hogan and training in a luxury hotel instead of Mickey's gym. Rocky's wake-up call comes in the form of Mr. T's Clubber Lang, a twisted reflection of Rocky's journey from hungry up-and-coming fighter to world champion.

Sylvester Stallone plays up Rocky's vulnerability and insecurity, sharing some of his best scenes with Talia Shire's Adrian. By Rocky III, Adrian has developed into Rocky's emotional anchor, and Shire delivers her best performance in the series yet. Loaded with personality Mr. T is memorable as antagonist Clubber Lang, aggressively verbose and formidable, delivering an instantly iconic performance. Burgess Meredith delivers a touching performance as Mickey, his character passing away in a deeply affecting scene halfway through the film. Burt Young's Paulie is as amusingly volatile as ever, this time with an uncomfortable racist bent during the Los Angeles segment of the picture.

At times cartoonish but retaining the inspirational heart of the series, Rocky III is arguably the most entertaining film in the series. Thematically, Rocky III is centered on the belief that in order for greatness to be retained, the great must continue to learn, to improve, and to fight without becoming complacent. Though nowhere near the high standard set by the first Rocky film, Rocky III may be more of an essential part of the Rocky canon than Rocky II.


FRAGMENTS
- The film opens with an adrenaline-pumping montage of Rocky's victories set to Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" which has since become as synonymous with the Rocky film series as Bill Conti's "Gonna Fly Now"

- The bronze statue of Rocky at the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art was donated by Sylvester Stallone to the city of Philadelphia after the release of Rocky III and is currently resides at the bottom of the stairs by the museum

- With no acting or boxing experience, Mr. T was cast as Clubber Lang after Sylvester Stallone spotted him on television in the "America's Toughest Bouncer" competition

- The woman who asks Rocky for a kiss during his public training session is played by Sasha Stallone, Sylvester Stallone's wife at the time of the film


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Sylvester Stallone (Stakar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)

Rocky II

ROCKY II
1979 | Dir. Sylvester Stallone | 119 Minutes

"This guy don't just wanna win, you know, he wants to bury ya, he wants to humiliate ya, he wants to prove to the whole world that you was nothin’ but some kind of a freak the first time out."

Immediately following his loss against Apollo Creed, Rocky retires from boxing and marries Adrian but struggles to find legitimate employment. Meanwhile, with his pride hurting from public scrutiny stemming from Rocky's near-victory, Apollo challenges Rocky to a rematch. Rocky once again trains with Mickey to reenter the ring and prove himself.

As Rocky is challenged to prove that his going the distance with Apollo Creed wasn't a fluke, Sylvester Stallone is pressured to produce a sequel on par with the original modern classic. Though Rocky II is a decent sequel, it doesn't shine as bright as its predecessor. Rocky's true-to-life internal conflict isn't nearly as convincing this time around as his reentering the ring to face Apollo again is a foregone conclusion in order to advance the plot. Highlights of the film include a humorous training sequence in which Mickey makes Rocky chase a live chicken and Rocky's thrilling rematch against Apollo that has Rocky employing a new strategy due to an injury sustained during their previous match.

Charming and inspirational as ever, Sylvester Stallone returns to his signature role with unsurprising ease. While Adrian is developed into a stronger, more outspoken character, Talia Shire is allowed more opportunities to demonstrate her talent despite her limited screen time. Once again, Burgess Meredith continues to be a scene-stealer as Mickey, Burt Young's Paulie is as surly as ever - bordering on despicable considering his character’s treatment of Adrian, and Carl Weathers brings a surprisingly element of pathos to the role of the prideful Apollo Creed.

The picture is a natural and entertaining continuation of Rocky Balboa's story, mostly consistent in quality to the first Rocky film. However, written and produced as a straight-forward sequel with no real surprises, Rocky II inevitably lacks to originality of the original film, retreading too much of the same ground.


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Sylvester Stallone (Stakar in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)