Congratulations, Pixar!

Many congratulations to Paperman and Brave on their Oscar wins tonight!

While I loved the other Oscar short nominees, as well, Paperman was a beautiful work that certainly deserves the honor.

Similarly, although Wreck-It Ralph and Frankenweenie were both absolutely wonderful (I also enjoyed Paranorman's screenplay, though I haven't seen the full movie), and, yes, I've got my issues with Brave just as much as the rest of us, despite it's flaws it remains a powerful film about a daughter and her mother and their quest to better understand and accept each other without losing themselves in the process. Also, Brave tried so hard to be something more than just a movie, as so many Pixar films do, and while it doesn't always succeed, the attempt is truly worth something - apparently, Oscar.

In conclusion, congratulations to all the nominees - excellent work this year! Keep up the excellent animation and, most importantly, storytelling!

Aww, Bearve

Very sweet watercolor by Julian Birchman of Pixar's Brave

[via /Film]

New Brave Featurette: "Cutting Class"

AGGGHHHHH I can't wait another month for "Brave" to open, can you? I hope, hope, hope it's great!

In the meantime, enjoy!



[via Big Screen Animation]

New 'Brave' Trailer

SPOILER ALERT:

The new 'Brave' trailer is filled with spoilers, so while it's pretty good, if you want to be surprised come June, I would avoid it.

That being said, for those who don't mind a little spoiling action...



What do you think? This feels like a mashup of the TV spot and the last 'trailer' (which, let's be honest, was just an extended clip) with a few moments of new footage. I kind of wish I had unseen it, but that's ok. I'm still super psyched to go see it once it premieres!

Sneak Peek from 'Brave' Creates Positive Buzz!

Alright, Pixar, I'm still skeptical, but now I'm more excited about 'Brave' ever since I read Big Screen Animation's roundup of the Twitter reactions from film bloggers who watched a special half-hour preview from "Brave" this week. I was especially pleased to see that Germain Lussier of /Film gave it a positive (pre)review.

I have exceedingly high expectations for "Brave" considering it's the first Pixar film with a female protagonist (and once-director), but that also means if they mess it up, I will be that much more upset.

These initial reactions support my high hopes. Pixar's best films start strong (WALL-E, Up, Incredibles, etc), so this bodes well.

Keeping my fingers crossed until June!

Artful Stew: ENGAGED!!

OMGosh the ring!! Isn't it beautiful?

Since most of my readers are my good friends, you probably already know that your very own Artful Stew got engaged last week!!!

Isn't it exciting!?

I couldn't be happier. My fiance is the most wonderful man in the world. So wonderful that he's the one who bought me my Harry Potter ebook collection the day it was released as my early birthday present! It doesn't get any better than that! We're not sure when or where the wedding will be yet, but we're thrilled that we're going to spend the rest of our lives together. Also, saying "my fiance" is a ton of fun!

He proposed at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens on the first seventy-degree day in NYC. Absolutely perfect. Here are some flower photos to show you how lovely it was:

We spent all last week eating at wonderful restaurants around the city - seven places we had never tried before - including DB Bistro Moderne (using a gift card), Eataly, Chikalicious, Locanda Verde, Buvette, Ciano, Northern Spy Co (best kale salad!), the Spotted Pig, and our favorite place to celebrate, Harry's Cafe and Steak. Unfortunately, our favorite waiter wasn't there to share the news, but we're going to email him and make sure we return on a day he's working so we can celebrate with him. After all, he's been there for most of our anniversary and birthday dinners! Plus, we got some engagement cupcakes from Magnolia, just for good measure.

Below are some fun food photos, too. Enjoy!

Delicious chicken and fancy fries at DB Bistro

Desserts from Locanda Verde

Formerly a sundae at Harry's

His burger and my salad at the Spotted Pig

OMGosh engagement cupcakes!

"Brave" New Trailer

Get it? Like Brave New World???

Anyway, yes, there is a new trailer for "Brave" in Japanese. You can watch a hi-res version here or you can watch a low-res but subtitled version below. Personally, I don't think the subtitles are necessary. It only adds to plot knowledge (who needs that?), and the animation is much clearer on the higher quality version. Plus, there is lots of new footage to enjoy!



 My favorite part was Merida's interaction with the floating blue dust balls. What was yours?

[via Big Screen Animation]

First 'Brave' TV Spot

I'm a little conflicted about Brave's new TV spot. Watch it below:

What did you think? I thought the music was cool, but I felt like the images within the spot didn't exactly mesh well with it. Some of them were playful, and some were exciting, but the song itself was more mournful than anything else.

I have to ask - is the music reflective of the tone of the film (perhaps its second or third act?) and we're still seeing mainly first act footage? Or is it simply attempting to broaden the market to an older audience, even though in reality the film is for a younger crowd?

I hope it's the former. I'm worried it's the latter. 

Come on, Pixar, don't let me down!

New 'Brave' Trailer!

I'm a regular trailer blog here lately, but this is huge! The new "Brave" trailer was released today and there's a ton of new footage. I assume it also explains the plot, but, to be honest, I've only been able to watch it on my computer at work with the sound off so far...



What do you think? Exciting? Amazing? Again, I can't form my complete opinion until I watch it with sound, but this could be pretty awesome.