IMDB #7: Toy Story

Title: Toy Story

Year Released/Rating: 1995 G

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles

Directed By: John Lasseter

Written By: John Lasseter, Peter Docter

Genre: Children's animation

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it

Trivia:

• Billy Crystal was originally offered the chance to voice Buzz Lightyear, but declined. After seeing the finished film, he said the decision was the biggest mistake of his career. Upon learning this, John Lasseter telephoned Billy's house to offer him the role of Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc. (2001). Billy's wife answered the telephone and said "John Lasseter wants to speak to you." Billy took the telephone from his wife and said "Yes".
• The carpet in Sid's house is modeled after the carpet in the Overlook Hotel in The Shining (1980). The Shining is Editor Lee Unkrich's favorite movie. When Buzz gets wacky at the "tea party" he calls himself Mrs. Nesbit. The name of one of Pete's grade school teachers and in college, he had a Toyota pickup truck pretty much like the one the pizza delivery guys used. It too had a "YO" on the gate.
• The toolbox on top of the milk crate that Woody is trapped in is a Binford, the same type of tool that Tim Allen used on his television show Home Improvement (1991).
• Tom Hanks recorded his dialog during the breaks of Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and A League of Their Own (1992). He didn't want to record his dialog during the breaks ofPhiladelphia (1993) or Forrest Gump (1994) because he felt he shouldn't do comedic roles in between minutes of playing serious roles.
• Pizza Planet was originally Pizza Putt, a combination pizzeria/mini-golf course.

Summary: A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's room.

Review: 

An absolute classic Disney movie.  I adore Toy Story.  I even went to see it in the theaters the first time it was released.  The play of characters are great.  It even makes me get a bit choked up.

Best Bits: 

• Woody: All right, that's enough! Look, we're all very impressed with Andy's new toy.  Buzz: Toy?  Woody: T-O-Y, Toy!  Buzz: Excuse me, I think the word you're searching for is "Space Ranger".  Woody: The word I'm searching for I can't say because there's preschool toys present.
• [Woody finds Buzz dressed up as "Mrs. Nesbitt" and in the company of two headless dolls]  Woody: What happened to you?  Buzz: One minute you're defending the whole galaxy, and, suddenly, you find yourself sucking down darjeeling with Marie Antoinette... and her little sister.  [chuckles nervously]
• Sergeant: [about the second present Andy opens ] It's... it's bedsheets!  Mr. Potato Head: Who invited that kid?
• Woody: Buzz, will you get up here and gimme a hand?  [Buzz throws his broken-off arm to Woody]  Woody: Ha-ha, ha-ha. That's real funny. THIS IS SERIOUS!
• Rex: What if Andy gets another dinosaur? A mean one? I just don't think I can take that kind of rejection!
• [Mr. Potato Head rearranges his facial features crazily]  Mr. Potato Head: Hey, Hamm. Look, I'm Picasso!  Hamm: I don't get it.  Mr. Potato Head: You uncultured swine! What're you lookin' at, ya hockey puck?
• Buzz: How dare you open a space man's helmet on an uncharted planet? My eyeballs could have been sucked from their sockets!  [closes his helmet]

IMDB #9: Monsters Inc.

Title: Monsters Inc.

Year Released/Rating: 2001 G

Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs

Directed By: Pete Doctor, David Silverman

Written By: Pete Doctor, Jill Culton

Genre: Children's animation

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it

Trivia:

• It normally took 11 to 12 hours to render a single frame of Sulley because of his 2.3 million individually animated hair strands (Total number of hairs: 2,320,413).
• Mary Gibbs was so young that it proved difficult to get her to stand in the recording studio and act her lines. Instead, they simply followed her around with a microphone and cut Boo's lines together from the things she said while she played.
• John Goodman pushed for Steve Buscemi to voice the villain Randall.
• There are retro Disneyland posters in the Monstropolis travel store and some of the children's bedrooms.
• John Goodman and Billy Crystal sometimes recorded their lines in the same room together, an unusual move for animated films, where actors more often work alone.Steve Buscemi and Frank Oz (Randall and his assistant Fungus) also recorded their lines together for the bathroom scene.
• In the first scene, one of the toys on the boy's bedroom shelf is the toy plane that hung from the ceiling and caused Buzz to "fly" in and as Mike and Sully go through the scare floor, the rolling clown, from Toy Story (1995) can be seen in the background. Also, when Randall is practicing camouflaging into backgrounds of walls, one of the images given to him is the wallpaper Andy had in his room.

Summary: Monsters generate their city's power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted.

Review: 

The interaction between Mike and Sully is what really makes this film.

Best Bits: 

• Mike: Roz, my tender, oozing blossom, you're looking fabulous today. Is that a new haircut? Come on, tell me it's a new haircut, isn't it? It's got to be a new haircut. New makeup? You had a lift? You had a tuck? You had something? Something has been inserted in in you that makes you look... Listen, I need a favor. Randall was working late last night out on the scare floor. I really need the key to the door he was using.  Roz: Well, isn't that nice? But guess what? You didn't turn in your paperwork last night.  Mike: He didn't... I... no paperwork?  Roz: This office is now closed. [closes the window on Mike's fingers] Mike: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
• Yeti: [Referring to despondent Sully] Aw, poor guy. I understand. It's not easy being banished. Take my buddy Bigfoot. When he was banished he fashioned an enormous diaper out of poison ivy. Wore it on his head like a tiara. Called himself "King Itchy".
• Randall: Okay, I think I know how to make this all go away. What happens when the whistle blows in five minutes?  Mike: I get a time out?  Randall: Everyone goes to lunch! Which means the scare floor will be...  Mike: ...Painted? Randall: EMPTY! I'll be empty, you idiot! See that clock?When the big hand is pointing up... [forces Mike's arm up]  Randall: and the little hand is pointing up... [forces the other arm up] Randall: the door will be in my station. But when the big hand is pointing down...  [forces Mike's arm down]  Randall: the door will be gone. You have until then to put the kid back. Get the picture?
• Sulley: Hey, Mike, this might sound crazy but I don't think that kid's dangerous.  Mike: Really? Well, in that case, let's keep it. I always wanted a pet that could kill me.
• Mike: I think I have a plan here: using mainly spoons, we dig a tunnel under the city and release it into the wild.  Sulley: Spoons?  Mike: That's it, I'm out of ideas. We're closed. Hot air balloon? Too expensive. Giant slingshot? Too conspicuous. Enormous wooden horse? Too Greek.

IMDB #6: The Incredibles

Title: The Incredibles

Year Released/Rating: 2004 PG

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee

Directed By: Brad Bird

Written By: Brad Bird

Genre: Children's animation

Star Rating: 5/5 stars

Where I Got It: We own it

Trivia:

• Jason Lee (Buddy/Syndrome) recorded his vocals in four days, while Craig T. Nelson(Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible) recorded his vocals over the span of two years.
• Brad Bird was listening to Public Radio International and heard Sarah Vowell, a frequent contributor to the PRI program "This American Life". He felt her voice was perfect for Violet even though she had never acted before. To convince her, Pixar animators animated one of Vowell's segments from "This American Life" and sent it to her.
• Samuel L. Jackson was cast as the voice of Frozone because Brad Bird wanted the character to have the coolest voice.
• When Elastigirl is attempting to discern the location of Mr. Incredible in the island's command center, you see her looking at an energy consumption grid. You then learn that Mr. Incredible is on Level A1, in Cell Block 13, or A113. Previously in the film, Mr. Incredible has a meeting in Conference Room A113 before the second Omnidroid fight. A113 is a frequent Pixar in-joke based on one of the room numbers for the animation program at Cal Arts.
• Seen attending Bob and Helen's wedding are (left to right) Gazerbeam, Edna "E" Mode, and government agent Rick Dicker sitting in the front row, as well as Dynaguy, Stratogale, Thunderhead, and Metaman in the pew behind them. The latter four have one thing in common: they're all seen later (for the last time) in flashbacks within Edna's "No Capes!" monologue. In the superhero database on the DVD, it says for those same heroes Edna mentioned, "Died in action, suit malfunction."
• The Incredibles (2004) is the first, and thus far only, Pixar movie NOT to feature a distinct appearance of the Pizza Planet truck. Many people claim to have spotted it, but screen caps only show blurry, "Rorschach test" images, and nothing that can be clearly identified as the Pizza Planet truck. Lee Unkrich has confirmed that the truck does not appear.
• In the beginning of the film, when a robber is going through a woman's purse on the roof of a building, a Mr. Incredible Pez dispenser can be seen among the items scattered on the ground.

Summary: A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world.

Review: 

A truly underrated Pixar movie.  Many overlook it in favor of Monsters Inc or Toy Story (both of which I do love).  This movie has an understated elegance about it.  The story of a family struggling to make it and fit in is gorgeous.  I love the message of being true to yourself.  All of the references to superheroes, comics, and spy movies are amazingly fun!  And of course it's hilarious.  A great family movie.

Best Bits: 

• Lucius: Honey?  Honey: What?  Lucius: Where's my super suit?  Honey: What?  Lucius: Where - is - my - super - suit?  Honey: I, uh, put it away. [helicopter explodes outside]  Lucius: *Where*?  Honey: *Why* do you *need* to know?  Lucius: I need it!  [Lucius rummages through another room in his condo]  Honey: Uh-uh! Don't you think about running off doing no daring-do. We've been planning this dinner for two months!  Lucius: The public is in danger!  Honey: My evening's in danger!  Lucius: You tell me where my suit is, woman! We are talking about the greater good!  Honey: 'Greater good?' I am your wife! I'm the greatest *good* you are ever gonna get!
• Mr. Incredible: 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!
• Lucius: [Bob and Lucius are sitting in a parked car, reminiscing] So now I'm in deep trouble. I mean, one more jolt of this death ray and I'm an epitaph. Somehow I manage to find cover and what does Baron von Ruthless do?  Bob: [laughing] He starts monologuing.  Lucius: He starts monologuing! He starts like, this prepared speech about how *feeble* I am compared to him, how *inevitable* my defeat is, how *the world* *will soon* *be his*, yadda yadda yadda.  Bob: Yammering. Lucius: Yammering! I mean, the guy has me on a platter and he won't shut up!
• Edna: You need a new suit, that much is certain.  Bob: A new suit? Well, where the heck am I gonna get a new suit?  Edna: You can't! It's impossible! I'm far too busy, so ask me now before I can become sane.  Bob: Wait? you want to make me a suit?  Edna: You push too hard, darling! But I accept!
• Kari: [on phone message] Hi, this is Kari, sorry for freakin' out but your baby has *special needs*.
• [after seeing Jack-Jack's superhero outfit]  Helen: What on earth do you think the baby will be doing?  Edna: Well, I am sure I don't know, darling. Luck favors the prepared.

Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville

Title: Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher (A Magic Shop Book #1)

Author: Bruce Coville

Publisher: Sandpiper 2007

Genre: Children's Fantasy

Pages: 176

Rating:  4  / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: YA; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

In this entertaining fantasy readers will soon realize that things are not always as they seem. Jeremy Thatcher is plagued with all of the problems of a 12-year-old plus a few extra. He is pursued by Mary Lou Hutton, whom he detests, and is constantly put down by his art teacher for reasons he does not understand. One afternoon, in an effort to escape Mary Lou, Jeremy runs through alleys, side streets, and byways and finds himself in a part of town he has never seen before. He enters a small magic shop where he purchases a strange egg. A dragon that only Jeremy and Mary Lou can see enters the picture. The book is filled with scenes that will bring laughter and near tears to readers. Jeremy and his friends are believable characters; their actions and reactions are typical of the children's age. Once again, Coville offers a fantasy that younger readers can handle easily, and one in which dragons really exist for a little while.

The boys and I picked this up as an in between our Riordan books.  And I have to say that this was great.  I remember reading Coville's books in the 90s.  This is a newer series, but just as good.  The boys loved the magical twist on the story and the dragons.  I think dragons are the boys' new favorite creatures.  After finishing, they quickly inquired as to if they are other Magic Shop books.  We own three of the five and are on the lookout for the other two.

Magic Shop

1. Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
2. Jennifer Murdley's Toad
3. Goblins in the Castle
4. The Monster's Ring
5. The Skull of Truth
6. Juliet Dove, Queen of Love
7. Charlie Eggleston's Talking Skull
8. The Vampire's Tood
9. The Mask of Eamonn Tiyado

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1)

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: Children and YA/Fantasy

Pages: 576

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Mixing It Up -- Children's and Young Adult;

How I Got It: I own it!

After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp Half-Blood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:Seven half-bloods shall answer the call, To storm or fire the world must fall. An oath to keep with a final breath, And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.Now, in a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they’ll need the help of some familiar demigods.

An absolutely amazing follow-up to the Percy Jackson series.  We started with a bang and ended with a bang.  Riordan knows how to pull the reader in, let them get to know the characters, and then throw the characters into heart-pounding situations.  I loved that we get to meet three new major characters while revisiting some of our old favorites (Annabeth, Rachel Dare, Chiron).  Piper quickly became my favorite new character.  She had a great sense of loyalty and confidence (except when it came to Jason).  And all of the action sequences were great.  Lots of mystery.  I always love trying to figure out the new characters (friend or foe) before the heroes do.  I am glad to say that I called two of the major baddies before the reveal.  (The one in the department store was definitely my favorite).  My boys loved every minute of it.  Just like the Percy series, they learned a ton of mythology along the way.  They are definite fans of Riordan.  Of course Riordan ends this book with a cliffhanger.  Thankfully we have the second book and will be starting soon.  Unfortunately we have to wait until the fall for the third book... Oh well, I must be patient for great books.

Heroes of Olympus:

• #1 The Lost Hero
• #2 The Son of Neptune
• #3 The Mark of Athena
• #4 The House of Hades
• #5 The Blood of Olympus

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Title: Inkheart (Inkheart Trilogy #1)

Author: Cornelia Funke

Publisher: Scholastic 2003

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 535

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:  2011 - Bablefish

How I Got It: I own it!

Meggie's father Mo has an interesting talent: when he reads aloud, things, and sometimes people, come out of their stories and into the real world! But now the evil Capricorn wants to use Mo's talents to bring himself great wealth and power. Then Meggie discovers that maybe Mo isn't the only one who can read things to life. This is an enchanting story full of adventure, suspense, and magic. The characters are vivid and delightful. Unlike many books for younger readers there is a distinct emphasis on the importance of family as seen in the close relationship between Meggie and her father. Unfortunately the author does include several instances of mild profanity which seems totally unnecessary in a children's book and is perhaps the biggest detractor from the story. Lightly magical, humorous, and fun, Inkheart will appeal to those who like adventure and fantasy, and to anyone who ever wished a story could come to life.

I wanted to like this book so much... I really did.  But somehow I never became completely immersed in the book.  I liked the main characters.  I loved the villan, Capricorn.  I felt for the characters.  I wanted Meggie and Mo to succeed and even for Dustfinger to find his happy ending.  But I wasn't willing ot put these characters' stories above other activities.  I've decided that that is a mark of a favorite story. If I basically stop eating, sleeping, and everything else, I loved the book.  That just didn't happen here.  I liked it, but that was all.  The story is well written.  I especially loved the quotes from other stories at the beginning of the chapters.  They always seemed very appropriate and often foreshadowed the chapter to come.  Again, I liked the book, I just didn't adore it.

By the way, the movie was crap.  Just saying...

Inkheart (DNFed series)

• #1 Inkheart
• #2 Inspell
• #3 Inkdeath

Departure from Normal

I like routines.  I liked knowing the basic schedule of my day when I wake up.  I like having a general idea of the week to come.  I'm not one oto plan out every day all day, but I do like routines. Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything gets so jumbled up?  Yeah, that's my week... and I don't like it.  It's thrown off my whole week.  This is the last full week of school (they have to go back for Monday) for the boys.  We were already going to be pretty busy and then everything went crazy.

Monday:  The entire second grade went on their year end field trip to the zoo.  I went along as a chaperone.  Why do I do these things?  I enjoy being the parent volunteer.  I like spending time with the boys.  I don't like all the whining, complaining, and sticky heat.  I was in charge of three 8-year-old boys.  Not my ideal situation, but whatever I could do it.  So we began our zoo trip.  It started out nice and cool and then the temperature skyrocketed.  It ended up being int he 90s.  And you know what that means... whiny, hot, sticky 8-year-olds and a lost patience parent chaperone.  We got home and I immediately took a shower and changed clothes.  Blech!  While it was still not unbearably hot, we did have a lot of fun.

So that meant that Monday I didn't get any blogging, packing, writing, or other errands done.  I had high hopes for Tuesday.  No volunteering time, no specific appointments.  I was going to go to the coffee house and blog.

Tuesday: I woke up to a kid with a fever.  Great!  There goes my day.  So I took the other one to school and can back to cajole the sick one into taking some medicine.  He was really upset that he couldn't play Wii all day.  It's in the four season room where I think the temperature got above 100 degrees.  So he spent most of the day curled up in the chair playing the iPad.

I got a lot done, but kept getting distracted by the sick kid.  So my work seems very disjointed at best.  I was due to start working on my Quote Wednesday post or at least picking it.  And I didn't get around to it.  I did catch up on my Hulu queque and finished my Disney notes.  But i really should have been writing grad cards and blog posts.

Today: Another sick day for the boy.  We finally got a prescription called in for antibiotics, but the pick-up had it's own obstacles.  By the time I got back home, his fever had broke, but he was still coughing.  Another day at the house.  Another day trying to finished my weekly tasks, but not doing so great.  I still have a long list to do.

Tomorrow?: Hopefully the kid will be good enough to go to school.  The 2nd grade is having their hot dog cookout for lunch and I volunteered to help.  I can't if the boy is still too sick for school.  And the other one will be upset that I didn't come see him.  Argh!  Hopefully I can at least get half of the grad cards done and some Disney packing done.

Wish me luck!  And Hopefully I can get back to my normal routine, cause next week is Disney vacation.  Definitely won't be normal, but hopefully lots of fun.