If there’s one thing you can demonstrably say for the Pixar folks, it’s that they have an unusual knack for creating adorably obnoxious characters. I swear, half of their characters would annoy the ever-loving shit out of me in any other context, but somehow, they make it work for them.
The latest example comes from the forthcoming, Up, and a talking dog named Dug. The same dog in a Dreamworks Animation movie might inspire cinematic bitchslaps. But in a Pixar movie, I — like the kid in the movie — want to take Dug home (although, I suspect, I’d be having Jersey-style Chinese food after a few hours with him).
Eh, I don't like him. But I want to see Up because I do like the grouchy old dude. And balloons. There is nothing better than setting balloons free into a night sky.
Posted by: Cindy at May 5, 2009 7:44 PM
Oh man I swear, those who animated this *KNOW* dogs.
hahahahahahahaha
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at May 5, 2009 7:50 PM
Dustin, you say "annoying" (although technically you didn't. however, for the purposes of my comment, you said annoying. or at least potentially annoying. anyway).
I say "ohmygodohmygodicantwaitisitoutyet?"
Why, yes, I am a bit of a Pixar nut. Why do you ask?
They previewed both this and the third "Ice Age" when I went to see Wolverine. I totally judged everyone in the theater depending on which one got more laughter. Up won, so I was happy.
Posted by: Melissa at May 5, 2009 8:12 PM
Ha! "Squirrel!" The look on his face was so perfect. I'm in love. And I want one of those birds.
Posted by: Geetch at May 5, 2009 8:15 PM
WHY DO YOU HATE CANADIANS?
Posted by: dsbs at May 5, 2009 8:19 PM
I love Pixar, and thank god I could take off that collar after that inevitably got annoying. I look forward to this film more than anything else this summer, Pixar rocks!
Seriously, what's the point of sites like Hulu if most of their videos are limited to certain countries? I'll have to wait until I find the video on YouTube
Posted by: Radlum at May 5, 2009 10:47 PM
I think its funny that the bird squacks back when the dog howls. This one goes to 11.
Posted by: NF at May 5, 2009 10:55 PM
My name is Doug. I just met you and I love you!
In the immortal words of Homer Simpson, it's funny cause it's true.
This is why Pixar rules and Dreamworks sucks talking dog balls.
Posted by: marya at May 5, 2009 11:13 PM
Fuck you Hulu.
I am also curious as to the explanation behind Jersey-Style Chinese food. Does the waiter wear acid wash jeans and back-comb his hair?
Posted by: admin at May 5, 2009 11:15 PM
Jersey style Chinese food: He's talking about eating the dog, people!
Posted by: MallKnox at May 5, 2009 11:23 PM
That's not Jersey Style, that's universal. And tasty.
Posted by: admin at May 5, 2009 11:37 PM
As if I wasn't psyched enough for this movie! *squee* Also, was that Seth Rogen? That was Seth Rogen, wasn't it. I swear to god he's every where.
Posted by: Kayanne at May 5, 2009 11:37 PM
I REALLY want to see Up. Saw the preview for it at Monsters vs Aliens which, sadly, was the first 3D movie I had ever seen. I'm about to turn 30. Commence sad, pitiful music.
Anyway, I like the dog.
How in the world was that obnoxious?! I was dying laughing at that scene. I absolutely have to see this movie. Damn you Pixar and your monopoly on my heart!
Posted by: danny at May 6, 2009 10:25 AM
PIXAR is so far past Dreamworks or any of the other animation factories that it is not even a race. The reason is because those guys are personally invested in the movies. They spend hours and hours on the characters and the story as well as the animation. They don't just parade a bunch computer tricks out there and slap some jokes in to make money, they make their movies with love and it shows. As the parent of a 2 year old, I have had to watch some crap cartoon movies and there is no comparison to the PIXAR movies. Just superior in every way. That said, even I can't watch these movies every day for two weeks straight as I recently did with The Incredibles. Can't wait for Up. That dog cracks me up.
Posted by: Forrest at May 6, 2009 10:26 AM
My husband, who is a musician, was describing this very scene to some friends outside of Opal's during SXSW just as a tour bus passed us by with a huge GIBSON GUITARS sign on the side. And my darling hubby pulled a 'squirrel'.
"so then, the dog starts talking in different lang...[gibson bus passes by]...
... uages and it was really pretty funny..."
Posted by: Stella at May 6, 2009 10:58 AM
thanyou radlum and admin...
fuck hulu
pajiba is multinational. like superman.
yeah i said it fuck the American way its just truth and justice... this aint no ultimate marvel universe where captain america proclaims that he isnt french this is where JFK says hes a donut instead.
Posted by: jim of the lower case at May 6, 2009 11:28 AM
Is the group hug over Pixar done now?
I mean, I'd hate it if you didn't save enough love to have another group hug another day over it. Truly, that's some strong Kool-Aid you all are drinking there out of your Incredibles paper birthday cups.
Really people: it's just a cartoon. It's not like it matters to anyone except the Bank of Disney and the $4.99 dvd bin at Wal-Mart.
Which, ultimately I suppose, could be said about any film.
Look everyone! I've turned the corner. I'm a lovable, crouchy ol' coot! Now all I need it a child, a dog, a house with balloons and a movie contract.
Aces.
Posted by: spicelux at May 6, 2009 11:46 AM
I'm a sucker for adorable dogs, be they cartoon or otherwise!
spicelux , what parallel universe do you live in? Pixar & Disney DVDs are $20 bucks...$17 if you're lucky to find them at a Costco. Seriously, $5 for a Pixar dvd? I want to live in that world.
Posted by: io at May 6, 2009 5:04 PM
Spicelux, Pixar's movies generally set the bar so high for another animation studios the other generally fail before they try.
Why?
Because Pixar flushes out stories before they even dare let a animator or illustrator put their pen to a paper. The animation, the backgrounds, the layouts, the characters are all researched thoroughly before they even dare drawing their first sketch. It's this attention to detail that keeps Pixar movies in the $20 rows and all other animation in the cheap bins.
Posted by: Hurp Durp at May 7, 2009 1:02 AM
Spicelux, that is where you're wrong. Pixar doesn't just make "cartoons", they make actually living breathing movies. It's easy to just lump something computer animated into the "kiddie" bracket, and while it's true that Pixar does appeal to younger children, it also doesn't forget the older audiences.
Most importantly, it doesn't pander to either audience. Even in Cars, they throw their whole heart into the project and produce a piece of work that makes adults and kids smile, and they don't have to rely on big names and instantly dated pop culture references to do so.
My father loves Cars because it makes him remember his childhood, and all the awesome vehicles of the day; whereas I love Ratatouille because each time I see it, it reminds me that while life is sometimes tough, it's also fair, and if you put that little extra effort into whatever you do it makes all the difference.
I dare you to watch Shrek, Shark Tale, or Madagascar and tell me those are the messages that jump to mind. The closest Dreamworks has even come to making that type of message is Kung Fu Panda, and honestly...as much as I loved Kung Fu Panda, I liked the message better when it was in Ratatouille.
-thumb-260x173-8899.jpg)
"Squirrel!"
Just awesome.