Thursday, June 28, 2012

Disney Pixar's Brave (a Movie Review)

This past week I went to see Brave. How does Pixar keep producing these timeless stories? Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monster's Inc, Wall-E, Up and so on. You can now add Brave to the list. I think it might be my favourite Pixar movie.

Here's the recap and info from IMDB.com

I really enjoyed the movie. And who doesn't love the Scottish accent??

It is visually stunning. I have not been to Scotland but the animation of the landscape is simply beautiful. I found myself drawn into the beauty of the land... even though it was computerized. I thought they did a great job in Up! with South America but the Scottish Highland... WOW! Also stunning was capturing the human emotions onto a bear.

One thing you learn in a music class is how music drives the story. And it was amazing (and I might use this word one too many times). Patrick Doyle created the story with just the music. It was beautiful and amazing (yes, see? I said it again). When you think Scottish music, you will automatically think bagpipes. Yes, bagpipe music was in the movie because you can't have Scottish music without bagpipe but it was done in moderation. Like any other animation, music is very important in driving the story and it definitely did its job. If I come out of the theatre with "I need to go buy the original soundtrack!" It means I really LOVED the music! And the last time that I actually bought an original soundtrack was back in 2000, Gladiator and that was EPIC soundtrack!

I would talk about the story but I might ruin it for you. What I will talk about is the theme of the movie or my interpretations at least. The obvious thing is that the protagonist is Merida, a girl, a young princess. I read someone's comment or opinion somewhere and I have to agree; Merida will obvious be part of the "Disney Princess Collection" along with Belle, Jasmine, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. The difference here is though, Merida is a strong, independent little girl and which my friend pointed out, "she didn't need to be paired up with a guy," which is great for girls watching the movie. Having said that, there were also things about the movies boys will love. The most obvious part is Merdia's triplet brothers. They were just adorable trouble makers. You can't help but love them. However, if they were your kids, they will definitely drive you mad.

I didn't watch the movie in 3D so I'm not sure what I missed but this is definitely a must see movie.

If my rating for movie counts, it's a definite 4 out of 5.

Oh and to make it ALL worth it... there is a teaser preview for next Pixar movie... Monsters University. Oh yes, a pre-quel to the 2001 movie Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo is returning to theatre for 3D - that might actually intriguing.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

If Bo is a descendant of Xena, then Jane Rizzoli must be her reincarnation...

I've started watching Rizzoli & Isles and I am loving every moments of this show. I previously came to a conclusion that Bo is a descendant of Xena, because they both have similar themes and people around them. But then after watching Rizzoli & Isles, I'm starting to think, "wait, if Bo is the descendant of Xena... that makes Jane... her reincarnation?" The similarity between Xena, the Warrior Princess and Detective Jane Rizzoli is kinda so similar that I can only conclude that Jane Rizzoli is either her reincarnation or Jane has Xena's spirit trapped in her body (think Xena, Season 2, Episode 10, The Xena Scrolls)

Let's start with the basic...

Both Xena and Jane Rizzoli are tall... as in 5'10" tall and capable of handling weapons.

Both have long dark hair.
vs

Both have a loyal companion (the smarter one)

Gabrielle, Bard of Poteidaia
vs

Dr. Maura Isles, the Medical Examiner
Hey, did you notice that they're blonds?

Both have men in their lives that well, they are just there...
Xena has Joxer and Autolycus...
Ok, if you want to bring up the subject of love interest instead then you get
Marcus
Julius Caesar

And who can forget the God of War himself, Ares?

and Gabrielle had
Perdicus who is... dead...

Now Jane has
Agent Dean, who has been called back to Washington.
Or the army guy, Casey... still stuck on the other side of the world.

and Maura had

Ian who is actually wanted by Interpol

Oh and please don't forget this guy... the creepy, psycho Dennis who, thankfully, is dead.

So, that's pretty convincing evidence that the men aren't meant to be. Girls, you've got each other. It's better that way.

Both of them have 2 brothers...
Xena's got
Toris
and Lyceus

Jane's got
Frankie
and Tommy

Now, let's not forget that they're protective of each other...


Oh yes, when you threaten their friend, you will feel the wrath!

Am I missing anything else?