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 (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in Black Widow, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Thunderbolts*)

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)