Pixar is finally giving us something really different again. Long the last bastion of original thought in movie making, Pixar arguably saved Disney from obsolesence, and their influence can be seen in all current post Bug's Life movies. But the pressure of Hollywood practically demands sequels, and for a number of years, Pixar resisted, and I was proud. 

Then Toy Story 2 came along, and it's debatable if it was as magical as the first. Cars was a wonderful movie too, and even though it was in some ways an animated version of Doc Hollywood, the sequel lacked anything memorable, and although it was full of fan service, it did not justify its existance enough to command a slot over an all original movie. 

I grew up around Hollywood, and still maintain some connection to that world. Hollywood loves success, but seldom loves taking risks to get there. Once we got Toy Story 3, things started looking kinda bleak for originality at Pixar. The old Hollywood formula of "Take the characters from the first one, and just send them on a big adventure" finally crept into the halls of Pixar. 

I can't really see a GOOD way to do a Ratatouille 2, and while Wall-E could easily be sequel fodder, we're thankfully getting an all new story for 2012. 

See the Pixar official site here. 

I can't comment on the story, other than to say that it has an unfortunate Shrek vibe to it, but knowing Pixar, it'll be actually, you know, good. Hey, the first Shrek was decent, but the last few are just plain hard to watch, and the perfect example of something that is a mockery of itself. 

The cast list reads like a Harry Potter reunion, but that's only because both productions have good taste in British talent. On the Ocean's Twelve commentary, Steven Soderbergh says something to the effect of "If you get a chance to work with Robbie Coltrain, you should", and it looks like Pixar agrees. 

It's also nice to see Pixar finally using some fresh directorial talent. Not that we don't love everything John Lasseter does, but it's nice to see them give someone else a shot. 

A redheaded female protaganist and archery. Anyone who knows me knows where I'll be June 22nd