The third in the lineup of Pixar's SparkShorts has debuted, & it's unique in many ways. Titled Kitbull, it's animation is not the normal fare you'd expect from Pixar. Using gorgeous 2D animation, it gives off more of a Disney Animated Short vibe. If it wasn't for the intensely heavy story attached to it, I would think that's where it belonged. However, this very tastefully, & nonchalantly dealt with heavy subject matter that literally brought tears to my eyes. I'm a big animal person, & I've always said the bad rap pitbulls get are do to humans more than the dog itself. This shirt hits that nail right on the head. When they reveal where this is going I lost it. Angry & in tears at the same time I watched as this went on to prove everything I've always said. However, it was once again the subtlety that was used to convey this gruesomeness that impressed me the most. This could've been overwhelmingly in our face, but was, in glorious Pixar fashion, somehow toned down. Making it a somewhat innocent approach to an absolutely horrible subject matter. Loving & missing my own pitbull, this was a very hard watch. However, the cuteness factor, & pure love involved in this story revolving around the implied hate made this pure greatness. I loved this cartoon short. It made me go through every emotion possible in about 8 minutes, & that itself is a tall feat. Animal Welfare agencies should make this there new mascot of sorts. Curious, did this hot anyone else as hard as it hit me? And like me, did you still thoroughly enjoy it as much as myself?
Second Pixar SparkShort "Smash And Grab" Was Everything I Hoped For!
This is how you hand over heavy handed material & still keep it innocent & entertaining! The second of the SparkShorts, Smash and Grab , is everything I've grown to expect from Pixar. It keeps its message disguised under a highly entertaining short about to robot friends just trying to get away. While at the same time covering over the struggle of mundane, everyday real life work that never seems to payoff. These robots just want to reach an unreachable goal of ascending to the ranks of the ones they work for everyday. Literally tied to their underling positions, for without then they'll die. Never experiencing the true freedom of not needing to keep working. I'm sure there's a higher percentage of people that can relate to this than can't. The real beauty here though, besides the animation, is how well its material is hidden. That's the real Pixar trick. From a child's eyes this will be read as two friends that just want to get away & be free together. While the rest is left up to an adult's view to decipher. I love how this was pulled off, & will definitely be sharing this one with my loved ones. This actually felt like it deserved the Pixar name. What did y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Really Letdown By The First Pixar SparkShort "Purl"
So, I noticed last night I had missed the first SparkShort from Pixar, Purl. I was really excited to sit down & watch it. However, upon doing so I was not only totally let down, but also glad I chose to watch this before watching it with my littlest child. I've always applauded Pixar for adding adult themes in disguise to their amazing animated movies, but this attempt pretty much totally abandoned the disguise. What you get instead is a very heavy handed short dealing with women equality in the workplace. Nothing I'm against at all by the way, I'm known for mainly hiring teams of women myself. I'm just not a fan of how this was pulled off in this short. One cute character overlay does not work to disguise the approach, containing an adult joke, & a curse word. Which in my spare time I'm pretty sailor mouthed myself, but I don't need my littlest jumping up saying, "You bet your ass!" just because the cartoon says it. Over the years I've seen Pixar hide very mature themes of love, growing old, death, self worth, & more, & I feel like to their standards this was a complete fail. While I appreciate its message, I'm just highly let down by its execution. I hope to get more from the next SparkShorts. At least something I can share with my kids. Until then check it out, & let me know your thoughts. Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.
Pixar Introduces "SparkShorts"
This is a really awesome concept! Disney*Pixar is opening up the studio to every department to create their own shorts. With a limited budget Pixar's looking for the next big thing in animation, that might just happen to be right under their nose the whole time. I can't wait to see these. In the wake of Lasseter's departure they're desperately going to need some new creative spark. Which is exactly what they're looking for here. Hence the name, SparkShorts. I'm already more interested in this than I was with the announcement of Onward . Their next big film, supposed to come next year. I love it the "little guys" get a chance to shine. You usually find some real magic there. Anyway, what's your thoughts on this new project? Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.