Soul

SOUL
2020 | Dir. Pete Docter | 100 Minutes

"I heard this story about a fish. He swims up to this older fish and says, 'I'm trying to find this thing they call the ocean.' 'The ocean?' says the older fish, 'That's what you're in right now.' 'This?' says the young fish, 'This is water. What I want is the ocean.'"

Middle school band teacher Joe Gardner, who has dreamed of being a career Jazz pianist his entire life, meets an untimely end moments after landing his dream job. In the crossroads between life and death, Joe refuses to move on and is tasked with mentoring 22, a soul who conversely refuses to participate in life on Earth. In an attempt to cheat the system gone awry, the pair plummet to Earth, Joe returns to life taking on an unexpected form, while 22 begins to understand the joy of living.

Inside Out director Pete Docter does it again with Soul, taking a conceptually "out there" premise and spinning it into an entertaining and captivating narrative that should please children and adults alike. The core story is pleasant and optimistic without going full saccharine, ultimately imparting the often subtle but vital distinction between passion for living and purpose in life. Simple joys such as a tasty slice of pizza, quality time with friends and family, and the sight of maple tree seeds fluttering in the breeze are captured in the picture with earnest, beautiful appreciation. The manner in which various spiritual states of being are presented in a simple-yet-quirky theoretical construct populated by comically professional anthropomorphic representations of the universe is patently brilliant and inventive. The visual depiction of being "in the zone" is particularly wonderful. The second act of the film in which Joe returns to Earth in the body of a fat therapy cat and 22 clumsily inhabits Joe's physical body is comedy gold, while the struggle a "lost soul" faces against self-doubt and depression coming to the fore in the last act is incredibly moving.

On a technical level, Soul is visually spectacular. The artistry behind Pixar's character animation is top-notch as always, with astounding attention to detail. The designs for the human characters are nuanced and appealing while the designs for the souls and their metaphysical caretakers are simple but inspired and highly versatile. The digital fully-realized recreation of New York City looks vibrant and bustling with life, from the crowded Manhattan streets to the dingy MTA subway cars. The starkness of the Great Beyond is elegant and stunning, contrasting with the gentle cloud-like rounded designs of the Great Before. It is a trippy visual and auditory feast whenever characters make the transition between the various planes of existence. The wonderful jazz music contributed by Jon Batiste blends with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' slick, ethereal film score, sounding unlike any of their previous work, to create a unique and striking soundscape.

Jamie Foxx delivers a natural and affecting performance as Joe, and Tina Fey brings her A-game as the cynical and amusingly irritating 22. Foxx and Fey share excellent comedic chemistry that settles into a believable friendship that becomes truly touching by the end of the film. Playing personifications of the universe, Alice Braga, Zenobia Shroff, Fortune Feimster, Wes Studi, and Richard Ayoade all demonstrate excellent comedic timing as the absurdly laid-back soul counselors all named Jerry, while Rachel House makes for an excellent cranky stickler playing the soul accountant Terry. The cast also features Phylicia Rashad as Joe's stern realist mother, Graham Norton as delightfully zany mystic Moonwind, Angela Bassett as no-nonsense jazz saxophonist Dorothea Williams, and Daveed Diggs and Questlove in small but memorable roles.

Sweet, hilarious, and emotionally resonant, Soul is a perfect animated film, carrying an endearingly hopeful outlook on life. It ranks among the best pictures produced by Pixar in recent years, a delightful and beautifully crafted tale, skillfully presenting deep existential concepts in a manner that's impressively accessible for children while offering an engaging, heartfelt story to viewers of all ages.


POST-CREDITS STINGER
At the bottom of the credits, after the studio logos, Terry appears ordering the audience to go home.


A113
A street sign in the distance displaying A113 appears in the Hall of Everything 


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- The Hall of Everything contains a Pizza Planet truck

- A soul interacts with Luxo Jr. in the Hall of Everything

- The ball from 1986 Pixar animated short Luxo, Jr. appears in 22's secret hideout

- Joe and 22 pass by a travel poster for PortoRosso advertising Luca Airlines

- An ad for Brang, Riley's dad's startup company from Inside Out, appears on a subway train 


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Rachel House (Topaz in Thor: Ragnarok)

- Angela Bassett (Ramonda in Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame)

- Jamie Foxx (Max Dillon in Spider-Man: No Way Home)

Toy Story 4

TOY STORY 4
2019 | Dir. Josh Cooley | 100 Minutes

"He's not lost, not anymore."

During a family road trip, Woody embarks on a perilous mission to rescue Bonnie's new favorite toy and encounters an old friend experiencing life beyond his inherent sense of unwavering duty.

Full of heart and thematically rich, Toy Story 4 maintains the high storytelling standard set by the previous Toy Story films. Instead of manufacturing a rudimentary retread, the filmmakers crafted a sobering, though still exceptionally amusing, re-examination of the series' core themes of loyalty, the value of being loved, and the inevitable limits of unconditional love. While Toy Story 3 is a tale of rediscovering love, and accepting its ephemeral nature, the central narrative of Toy Story 4 is concerned with realizing and embracing personal value and agency over seeking validation from love. This deeply emotional journey is taken by stalwart series protagonist Woody.

The twitchy kindergarten craft creation Forky overcomes his urge to return to trash and accepts his importance to Bonnie as her favorite toy when Woody recounts his positive experiences with Andy. Antagonist pull-string doll Gabby Gabby, dedicating her existence to woo one specific child at the expense of anyone who gets in her way, attains a more enlightened perspective when she learns by Woody's example to offer her love to any child in need of it. Having completely let go of the need to be owned and loved by a child, Bo re-enters Woody's life as a self-assured heroic figure, thriving in her status as a lost toy, eager to explore the open world before her, presenting her favorite cowboy with a new and exciting life he had never considered before.

Tom Hanks turns in his finest voice work to date, playing Woody a little warier and a little less excitable. The patient dignified resignation in Hanks' interactions with Tony Hale's manic and naive Forky run in stark contrast to the constant antagonistic frustration prevalent in the early stages of Woody's relationship with Buzz. Treading the line between sweet and sinister, Christina Hendricks is perfect as Gabby Gabby, domineering, menacing, manipulative, vulnerable, and sympathetic all at once. Finally given a true role in the overarching narrative, Annie Potts is an absolute joy as the radically transformed Bo. Subtle choices in Potts' line delivery go a long way to suggest the porcelain figurine has been through a lot over the years so as it's not so hard to believe she is now more action star than love interest.

The movie is also incredibly funny thanks to some sharp writing and its fun cast. A running gag with Tim Allen's Buzz Lightyear literally taking guidance from his inner voice by repeated pushing his own buttons is hysterical. Acclaimed comedy duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are an inspired addition to the cast playing a pair of delusional stuffed animals. With a thematically appropriate (mildly) tragic backstory, Canadian stuntman toy Duke Caboom voiced by Keanu Reeves unequivocally steals the show.

Needless to say, the film is yet another unparalleled visual masterpiece from Pixar's animation geniuses. Despite its relatively smaller scope when compared to other films in the series, the primary antique store and fair grounds locations are full of life and meticulous artistry down to the most minuscule of details. Bo showing Woody her favorite place in the antique shop atop a high shelf with a clear view of the light refracting off all the chandeliers in the room is just one of the many standout moments.

Toy Story 4 is as entertaining and emotionally moving as one can expect from Pixar's top-tier productions. The unexpected magic of this sequel is in how naturally it resumes a journey that had seemingly reached the end of its cycle but, in retrospect, would feel incomplete without this installment. It is essential viewing for fans of the series, fans of the Pixar's brand of high quality animation, and anyone with an appreciation for good storytelling.


POST-CREDITS STINGER
Duke Caboom strikes several poses with the Pixar Animation Studios logo and delivers a long-awaited high-five


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


A113
- A vintage 1970s style A113 sign appears in the antique shop


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- Numerous items featured in the antique shop reference various Pixar feature films and animated shorts including Tinny from Tin Toy, an Ernesto de la Cruz vinyl record (Coco), a Super 8 copy of Lifted, and a handkerchief with Wally B. stitched into it (Andre and Wally B.) among many others

- Bo's sheep discover the grape soda bottle cap from Up in the playground

- The Pizza Planet truck is tattooed on back of the carnival worker's leg


FRAGMENTS
- Incidentally, another film featuring a malicious child's doll, a remake of Child's Play, premiered the same week as this film

- Another film featuring an even creepier sentient doll, Annabelle Comes Home, premiered the following week

- Series regular Don Rickles passed away while the film was in pre-production; his dialogue for Mr. Potato Head was constructed using archival recordings with permission from his family

- Comedy legends Mel Brooks Carol Burnett, Betty White, and Carl Reiner provide the voices for Bonnie's old and forgotten baby toys residing in her closet

- Keanu Reeves' voice was previously featured with Key and Peele in the action comedy Keanu


SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Toy Story 4 "Teaser Trailer Reaction"


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

Coco

COCO
2017 | Dir. Lee Unkrich | 109 Minutes

"Remember me, though I have to say goodbye. Remember me, don't let it make you cry. For even if I'm far away, I hold you in my heart. I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart."

A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's strong objections. On Día de Muertos, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead and one of his ancestors must give him their blessing before sunrise in order for Miguel to return home. However, his great-great-grandmother's long-standing detestation of music poses a significant obstacle for Miguel, unwilling to bless him unless he gives up his dream. On the run with the help of a desperate soul named Hector, Miguel races against time in search of his long lost great-great-grandfather who generations ago abandoned his family to be a famous musician.

Initially inspired by Día de Muertos folk art, director Lee Unkrich, assisted by a full team of cultural consultants, strived to authentically present Mexican traditions in Coco. The resulting film is brimming with excellent music, dazzling visuals, and concepts rooted in traditional Mexican beliefs presented in truly clever ways. Above all, a strong emotional through-line about the importance of family and remembrance runs through the picture.

Visually, Coco is simply mesmerizing, marking another high watermark in Pixar's extensive history of technical achievements. Stand-out set pieces include the bridge between worlds made of flower petals leading to the massive vibrant city of the Land of the Dead, the elaborate party atop Ernesto de la Cruz's tower, and the stadium concert setting for the film's finale. Absolutely every facet of the film is thoughtfully designed and well-rendered from the eye-catching neon alebrije spirit animals to subtle touches such as Miguel's increasingly translucent skin, marking the progression of his curse, slowly transforming him into a skeleton.

Young Anthony Gonzalez carries the emotional core of the film with humor and genuine energy, natural in his portrayal of the Miguel's headstrong and vulnerable qualities. With expert comedic timing, Gael García Bernal is loveable as the roguish Hector, sharing great chemistry with Anthony Gonzalez's Miguel. Playing Miguel's stubborn and strong-willed great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda, Alanna Ubach delivers a spirited performance. As music legend Ernesto de la Cruz, Benjamin Bratt is a perfect fit, believably charismatic and charming, and smoothly taking a sinister turn into the film's final act. Natalia Cordova-Buckley is a hilarious scene-stealer, providing the voice for legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, appearing briefly in the film as a vital supporting character.

Coco is a unique and uplifting experience. At its center, the picture examines the compromises a person may make to chase their dreams at the risk of forgetting the importance of family, a deep concept wrapped in an artful and authentic presentation of Mexican culture. Ultimately, Coco is among Pixar's greatest achievements, delivering what the groundbreaking animation studio does best: an emotionally moving cinematic experience with jaw-dropping visuals and plenty of heart.


JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Juan Ortodoncia


A113
- Miguel and his ancestors visit a Bureau of Family Grievances Corrections Officer voiced by comedian Cheech Marin in office A113


PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- A Pizza Planet delivery truck drives by Miguel's window at the start of the film

- In the Santa Cecilia marketplace, Marlin, Dory, Nemo, and Destiny from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, and Remy from Ratatouille appear as alebrije figurines, as well as stuffed dolls of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story

- A figurine of Nemo from Finding Nemo sits on the ofrenda in Miguel's home

- A poster for The Incredibles (in skeletal form) appears in the Land of the Dead


FRAGMENTS
- Coco was released in Mexico on October 27, 2017 (nearly four full weeks before the film was released in North America), and became the highest-grossing movie in Mexican box office history

- Currently, select theaters in the US are screening the Spanish-language version of the picture


SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Dante's Lunch - A Short Tail


MCU CONNECTIONS
- Benjamin Bratt (Jonathan Pangborn in Doctor Strange)

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

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

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)

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)