mandag 4. november 2024

"The Incredibles" - The Superhero Movie From Pixar and Their First Human-Centered Picture

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 
 
 
 
No, none of our costumes are fireproof ;)


 
 
 

This is what Al Hirschfeld
does to us :)
In many ways, superheroes has always been a perfectly suitable for animated movies. But it`s still very remarkable how there used to be few animated movies about them. It would`ve been tempting to wonder why there haven`t been made so many features about them, despite how most animated movies involves heroism in some way or another. But in 2004, Pixar broke the mold with their own superhero movie. And they did it a time long before Disney acquired Marvel.
I wanted to be Nemo for a
day :)
In the Fall of 2004, the sky was the limit for Pixar. They were coming off the heels of the successful juggernaut Finding Nemo. Who broke records and became the most successful animated of all time, even beating Disney`s own previous juggernaut, The Lion King. With that regard, it would`ve been tempting to wonder that Pixar would see it`s downfall after a string of successful movies. But fortunately they didn`t. Coming into a World where CGI had officially taken over and Hand Drawn Animation had officially disappeared Theatrically, Pixar was bound to have a new success. And that was with The Incredibles.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Information About The Incredibles
 
Released November 5th 2004, The Incredibles was Pixar`s Sixth Animated Movie. But it was the first Pixar feature to be ever directed from Brad Bird, who`s of course helmed the animated gem The Iron Giant (and having Bird who was behind such a jewel is of course promising by itself). And Incredibles would become one of three movies that he would made at Pixar (his follower would be Ratatouille). Featuring the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter (her first voice acting gig), Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Peña. It was first Pixar film to be scored by Michael Giacchino. It had the short film, Boundin' (2003) preceeding it in Theaters. 
And despite how it wasn`t the phenomenon that was Finding Nemo, it still was a success. Grossing $261,441,092 Domestically and $631,688,498 Worldwide. It had the second-highest opening weekend for an animated film, only behind Shrek 2. Incredibles opened as number #1 at the Box Office. It won Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing at the 77th Academy Awards, with two nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing. And it`s been included on many of best-of lists. Even Disney veteran animators as Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston get their cameos in the movie. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Behind the Scenes Information

Since you`ve both stuck in
each ear, I`m (JackJack)
fortunate enough to be
untouchable :)
Brad Bird, who was Pixar's first outside director, developed the The Incredibles based of the 1960s comic books and spy films from his boyhood. The concept dates back to 1993 during an hard point in his career. Personal issues was affecting the story. Approaching middle age and having high hopes for his career, Bird pondered whether his goals were attainable at the price of his family life. He pitched the film to Pixar after The Iron Giant and carried over much of its staff to Pixar. He initially wanted the project to be Hand Drawn. But after reconnecting with old friend John Lasseter in March 2000, Lasseter convinced Bird to come to Pixar, where it would be done in CGI. But Bird wrote the script without knowing the limitations or concerns of CGI. And yes, it made it the most complex film for Pixar (at the time). Incredibles was written and directed solely by Brad Bird, a departure from previous Pixar productions. Who mostly had many directors and screenwriters. Disney was reluctant to make the movie for it`s issues and rather wanted it to be a live-action. But Lasseter denied this.
This is my security check
prosedure when I`m entering
a train :)
The stock archetypes of the family (who were originally named the Smiths) was there from the get-go and Bird had based their powers on their archetypes: Strength for the father, stretch for the mother (who`s always pulled in a many different directions), invisibility for a shy teenager, speed for a frantic child and a unrealized potential for a baby. Originally everyone could fly, except Bob. Which was a burden to him. Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli visited Pixar and praised the ambition for the movie. After several failed attempts to cast Edna Mode, Bird took on her voice role himself. As a part of the Pixar tradition of voices who worked on scratch dialogue tracks. Tony Fucile (The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Iron Giant) designed the characters (and his son, Eli, voiced Jack-Jack). Mark Andrews (Brave) supervised the storyboarding.
Someone told me that a
superhero who has this pose
looks cool :) Don`t blame me
for the idea :)
The challenges with The Incredibles was how story was bigger, was longer in running time and more different locations. And too many characters, costume changes, effects and how it was too big. And yes, it was daunting for the crew, despite how they were excited. The lack of structure become a running joke to the team. There were at least 781 visual effects shots. Incredibles also showed Bird`s dislike for unrealistic, ineffectual, and non-threatening villains. Bird was looking for a retrofuturistic sound and also an an old feel. But Giacchino noted that recording in the 1960s was different from modern day recordings. So the score was recorded on analog tapes. As brass instruments sounded better on analog equipments.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How The Incredibles is Different and Similar From the Previous Pixar Fare

We (Frozone and Edna) didn`t
have any red outfits, so we
had to dress in our own
colors :)
In a way, The Incredibles was somewhat a break for Pixar. They were mostly known to deliberately portray anthrophomorized worlds from their point of view, before they expanded their horizions with their premises. But at least Incredibles were a part of that expansion. As it was their first feature that featured humans and starred an all-human world. Sure, humans had been present in Pixar`s previous properties, but Incredibles really took the leap with the human characters. Humans was a challenge to do in CGI, which was a reason why perhaps Pixar mostly reduced most of their human characters to secondary characters (and yes, the humans were harder to do than the effects). And Incredibles was challenging, cause it was filled with elements that were difficult to animate with CGI back then. It required creating new technology to animate detailed human anatomy, clothing, and realistic skin and hair. Pixar's animators filmed themselves walking to better grasp proper human motion. Although the team had animated hair and cloth in Monsters, Inc., there was more hair and cloth required for Incredibles. And Bird would tolerate no compromises for technical simplicity. 
This is my way of flying with
my belly on the ground. It`s
not recommended :)
However, the designs of the humans in Incredibles doesn`t opt for total realism. As they come across as stylised as the regular Pixar human characters. The crew didn`t wanted them to look real, but feel real. They wanted a stylized look that were designy and fun-looking, but also wanted a convincing look. Still, what makes Incredibles comparable to Nemo is that it tells a story about a father. While of course both fathers are essentially different characters, it`s remarkable how it followed Nemo`s footsteps in that regard (and sure, it would`ve made it comparable to One Houndred and One Dalmatians and The Aristocats, since they are about parenthood, too). But while Pixar has always been synonymous with their buddy picture formula, at least Incredibles wasn`t a picture. However, a remarkable thing about Pixar`s features is that they were becoming longer and longer at the time. And Incredibles was stretching the limits of length in a Pixar-movie.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Storyline and Genre of The Incredibles
 
I will never loose a pin with
my gloves on :)
In reality, while The Incredibles was never truly innovative with it`s plot, at least it was trying to do something interesting on it`s own right: Telling a story about a family of superheroes. But also a story about a retired superheroes who had their reasons to stay hidden (which why deliberately their introdoctury scenes are contradicting what`s happening). And how their retirement led to a midlife-crisis for the lead character. And yes, the Parr family are essentially serving the stock archetypes that are often seen in American, animated sitcoms. And while of course the children are given their superpowers, the superpower to the baby (JackJack), is the most extreme and frankly the least natural and therefore (in my opinion) the least satisfying. 
I drank the juice from
Wonderland :) But since I`m a
baby, I couldn`t help it :)
But at least Incredibles was somewhat innovative for being a spy movie in animation. Which was rare for the medium at the time. And sure, it would`ve been tempting to compare it to Spy Kids, for being a movie about a family of superheroes and having a similar plotline.  And sure, another shallow comparison would be Hercules. Who also was about actual heroism. But of course it`s a shallow one. As for other comparisons, many reviewers compared Incredibles to superhero comic books, like Powers, Watchmen, Fantastic Four, Justice League, and The Avengers. The crew of 2005`s Fantastic Four were forced to make script changes and add more special effects for not being too similar to Incredibles.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






The Villains

I`m the current version of
Zeus :)
As for the villain of The Incredibles, Buddy/Syndrome is essentially one of the flaws of the film. For actually given a relatable and understandable reason to do what he does (after being rejected by his Idol). But his conflict is never resolved, as the screenplay just keeps him the sheer villain at the end. It`s essentially disappointing, as his motivations is also partly Bob`s fault and puts him in a bad light. But what`s even more less satisfying, is how Bob (despite giving a brief, but insincere apology) never truly mends his mistake. Nor even gets gets a closure with his nemesis. Which is essentially is one of the mistakes in the movie. Syndrome was originally a minor character who assaults Bob and Helen at the beginning of the movie and dying in an explosion that destroys the Parrs' house. And was a part of Bird's first pitch. But was so popular among the audience and was made the main villain. As the crew liked him more than his predecessor, Xerek, who was originally the villain. Xerek was going to be a short, decrepit criminal mastermind to taking down superheroes by using his army of henchmen and robots. And afterwards was as tall, dark and mysterious figure like James Bond villain. He was also going to be an obsessed ex-boyfriend of Helen and turn on the good side at the end. Syndrome was based on Brad Bird himself (Jason Lee also played his voice as younger, where his voice waas raised and speed changed). 
I`m the Tim Burton version of
Susan from Monsters vs.
Aliens :)
In that regard, Mirage is also a remarkable character. For essentially being a femme fatale to the story. But also a character who could`ve been easily interpreted as a potential love interest for Bob. Of course Incredibles doesn`t go completely with this idea. But it still does comically play with it. But Mirage is remarkable for starting out as a character who tricks Bob and becomes on his side. In that sense, it would`ve been tempting to compare her to Helga in Atlantis The Lost Empire. For serving a similar role. Despite how Mirage`s arc is more obvious than Helga`s, as Helga was never truly given the chance to develop her redeemable sides. But at the end, Mirage is still a underwritten character. As her motives are never truly explored. Which is a pity, due to how the characters and especially Bob, are well-rounded, human and flawed and Mirage`s motives could`ve been explored more.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Sequel
 
Yeah, we wanted to escape
from this window. Cause it`s
hard being stuck here :)
Despite how The Incredibles was among Pixar`s most beloved properties, it`s remarkable that it took so long before a sequel saw the light of the day. Fourteen years after it`s predecessor, The Incredibles 2 was released in June 2018. Also directed by Brad Bird and with most of the cast returning (with the exception of the voice actor for Dash), as well as the composer. The sequel takes place shortly after it`s predecessor (which was a conscious choice). While it`s not perhaps rehashing the storyline of it`s predecessor, it still does have a similar storyline. And frankly swaps Helen`s and Bob`s parts: As Helen is the one who gets to shine and save the day, while Bob steps in her shoes (which was a deliberate choice from Bird). And just as it`s predecessor, it has a villain (female one) who has a personal, relatable reason for doing what she does. And just like Syndrome, doesn`t get a redemption, despite that she has potential to have one. 
I preceeded Elsa :)
Bird was open to an idea of a sequel, but only if it would be better than the original. A challenge in writing Incredibles 2 was to deal with the amount of superhero films and TV show that`s been released since the first film. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The interesting thing for Bird was never the superhero part. But the family dynamic and how the superhero things play into that. To try to differentiate the sequel, Bird wanted to avoid tropes to the superhero genre. And wanted to include unused ideas from the first film. The Incredibles 2 received positive reviews and was a commercial success, too. Grossing $608,581,744 Domestically and $1,243,225,667 Worldwide. As for myself, did I like it? Yes. Sure, it felt similar to it`s predecessor and felt like it came from the same cloth. But it`s not a bad thing, as the sequel was a entertaining and fun movie. Whether it`s equal or superior to it`s predecessor, it`s not particularly relevant. As it`s a good movie on it`s own right.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Epilogue
 
I`m the red and
modern version of
Hercules :)

At the end, The Incredibles is a worthy and cherished entry into Pixar`s pantheon of animated movies. And it`s certainly one of the movies that belongs to Pixar`s golden pantheon of string of successes. And it`s always going to be heralded with it`s high position and have it`s league of fans. However, regarding my own personal opinion of the movie, the truth is that while I`ve enjoyed it, it`s never been a movie that I`ve actually loved. Frankly, I consider Incredibles a good and fun movie, but not a great one. While there`s nothing lackluster about it, it still lacks the spark and mojo of Pixar`s very best works. And sure, it`s somewhat of a letdown from the brilliant, iconic masterpiece that was The Iron Giant (sorry, Brad Pitt and his fans).
This was my best
way of looking
cute :)
However, while some of the animation has not aged particularly well (sorry, animators) and it`s a little too long and some storypoints could`ve been more tighten up, it`s still a engaging and entertaining movie. It`s funny, edgy and even somewhat adult-oriented in some ways. And since this entry was written to synergize with it`s 20th Anniversary (yes, it`s hard to believe that someone who was 20 years old when this movie was released, that this movie is now the same age), there`s nothing left than to wish The Incredibles Happy 20th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more. 
 
 
 
 
 

Yes, we`re the A-Team, thanks to our name :)





 

References:
The Incredibles DVD
Lagt inn av kl. Ingen kommentarer:

fredag 27. september 2024

"Shark Tale" - The Underwater DreamWorks, Post-"Shrek" Animated Feature Filled With Pop Culture References and the First Post-Shrek CGI Feature

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize




I know that we who are in front line aren`t sharks, but we still wanted to outshine them ;)





My fingers wanted to match
my head :)
The year of 2004 was essentially a good year for DreamWorks Animation. They had a tremendous amount of success with Shrek 2, the sequel to what was their biggest hit at the time. And to a movie that had managed to make such an impact on animation in more ways that just one. However, in that regard, it would be tempting to assume that the sky was the limit for DreamWorks Animation back then. However, not everything they touched turned into gold. With Shrek, it was clear that DreamWorks had made a their own formula and were trying to capitalize it. 
Yes, we have coke under the
sea :)
Despite how the formula wasn`t entirely DreamWorks`. While Shrek wasn`t truly a gamechanger to animation the way that Toy Story was, it was clear that Shrek made it`s own impact to animation. And solidified that audiences were craving zippy, zangy and zany CGI comedies with Pop Culture References and Celebrity Voice Casting (a formula that was made by Aladdin). However, 2004 was the year where Hand Drawn Animation had officially disappeared Theatrically and CGI animation was meant to stay. Which was the case with most official, American animated studios when Shrek 2 was released. And the first movie to follow the success of Shrek 2 was Shark Tale.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Information About Shark Tale
 
Released October 1th, 2004, Shark Tale was DreamWorks Animation Fourth officially CGI Animated movie. But it was the first feature to be made entirely by DreamWorks Animation, without Pacific Data Images (PDI). who had previously made Antz and Shrek (the last film from DreamWorks Animation's to be released before spinning off from DreamWorks Pictures as a separate company). Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), Bibo Bergeson (The Road to El Dorado) and Rob Letterman, who also was the screenwriter with Michael J. Wilson. Jeffrey Katzenberg was the executive producer. Including an A-star cast like Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, and Martin Scorsese. Hans Zimmer (The Lion King), who was composing for many DreamWorks` animated features, was the composer. Daniel St. Pierre (Tarzan) was the production designer.
Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott were behind the lead single, a new version of Rose Royce`s Car Wash. Other artists who also contributed to the soundtrack were Sean Paul, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, The Pussycat Dolls, JoJo and D12.  Shark Tale premiered at the Venice Film Festival, September 10, 2004. It made $374.6 million worldwide against its $75 million budget, finishing its theatrical run as the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2004. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 77th Academy Awards, but lost to Pixar's The Incredibles.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Behind the Scenes Information
 
Shark Tale was officially announced and began production in April 2002. Where it was named Sharkslayer. By September 2003, it was retitled Shark Tale, to make it sound less violent and more family friendly. Shark Tale was scheduled for a November 5 release, but was  moved up to October 1. To not be released with Pixar's The Incredibles. Originally the movie was more noir and a little darker. The story was going to be about a killer whale who was threatening Don Lino and wanted to tell Lenny`s big secret. And Lino was going to sent the piranha`s on the whale. The story was going to be more complicated, in the vein of L.A. Confidential. Lola was Syke`s girlfriend. 
Martin Scorsese and De Niro recorded the first scene of their characters together. As did Smith and Black with the big sequence between Oscar and Lenny. And since Scorsese speaks fast, the animators couldn`t animate all of his words. Lola`s introduction scene was inspired by videos of Beyoncé and Tyra Banks. The animators were able to stretch the animation of the characters more than they did on Shrek. Originally the fishes were more anthrophomorzied, but were reduced to 50% fishes and 50% humans. Most of the animators on Shark Tale were from Hand Drawn and had to train themselves to CGI. While Lenny was innocent, they wanted to make him smart, too. To give him more nuance. And the cuts in the movie were inspired by Snatch. 
When Angelina Jolie first came in the studio, the guys were smitten by her. To light the heads on Ernie and Bernie, it was lit by a software that would let light pass through the surface. And getting bent like gelly and refracting in a natural way. When Letterman was writing for Peter Falk, he hadn`t met him. But he randomly met him at a coffee shop, when he was writing a scene for his character. There was going to be a reference to The Goodfellas in the scene where Oscar was going to a club named The Viper Fish Room, where Syked ushered him. It was harder to find a fish that looked like Christina Aguilera than with Missy Elliott. And when they used the picture with her dreads, Aguilera laughed. Hi-Hat did the choreography for the ending dance. And also choreographed Oscar`s walking moves. 
Screening as part of the Venice Film Festival, it marked the first time that Piazza San Marco was closed for a premiere of a film. It was projected on the largest inflatable screen ever, measuring more than six stories tall and over 3,900 square feet. The premiere was attended by 6,000 visitors. Katzenberg wanted a unique way to introduce the movie. Janet Jackson and Beyoncé planned to record a duet for the soundtrack. Hans Zimmer told Katzenberg that he couldn`t deal with more epic movies, but wanted to do a fun animated movie instead. Shark Tale was planned to have a sequel in 2009, with the mirror from Shrek 2 (played by Mark Moseley) as the antagonist. But it was cancelled in favor of Monsters vs. Aliens, for a change in management. Black praises the production for plying him with shrimp scampi burritos and rotisserie chicken during his vocal sessions.
 
 
Comparisons to Finding Nemo
 
This is my submarine :) Sort
of :)
Since DreamWorks was known for plaguarizing ideas from Pixar and Disney, it would`ve been tempting to compare Shark Tale to Finding Nemo. And while it is a relevant comparison, it`s of course a completely superfluous one. After all, what both movies have in common is taking place under the Sea and showing fishes. And yes, there is a slight similarity of how it approaches sharks by turning their natural predator instincts on their head. However, Tale is mostly completely different to Nemo, as Tale depicts an anthropomorphic sea world. As opposed to Nemo, who does portray an opposite world (despite how Nemo is somewhat anachronistic, too.
Since I`m (Lenny) on
top of the food chain,
I`m supposed to be
bigger than you :)
Since the creatures attends schools and therapies). And sure, while both Antz and Shrek showed an anthropomorphic animals, it didn`t went as far to make the world as anthropomorphized as in Shark Tale. Another difference from Nemo is how Tale never essentially shows any humans, since humans appears in Nemo. But the plots are essentially different, as Tale tells a rags to riches story. While Nemo essentially is a tender and sincere parent/child story and the father`s search for a son. While it was produced concurrently with Nemo, Katzenberg defended Tale, saying that the similarities were just a coincidence. And that theyve been open with Pixar, to not step on each other's toes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
The Staple and Reception of Shark Tale
 
We`re the shark versions of
D12 and G-Unit :)
As for the staple of
Shark Tale, it`s not hard to see the final reception. As it was received lukewarmly critically. And it`s frankly easy to see why. While Shark Tale is not a horrible movie by any means, it comes across as rather cold and calculated. It`s clearly that the intentions behind it was mostly cynicsm, as it was made for capitalizing DreamWorks` Animation new formula: Celebrity voice casting, pop culture references and a comedy formula to keep up with what was hip and current. 
Yes, this microphone is water
proof :)
But if the obvious Pop Culture references weren`t enough, it was clear how they managed to be hip with a current, overt and obvious hip hop angle. And even with nods at celebrities and products who were hip at the time, who actually dates the movie more than it should. But the Hip Hop references aren`t the only ones, as the obvious Godfather references are and even the short nod to Titanic (where our good ol` Rose isn`t drawn naked). And that`s what makes Shark Tale a vanity project than an actual movie (sorry to say).














The Story and Comparisons to Other Movies With a Similar Plotline

Don`t worry, we don`t have
any bacterias :)
But the cynical intentions behind Shark Tale isn`t essentially as much the lone problem, as it`s story also is. For being rather a quite silly, shallow and superficial rags to riches story about a liar revealed (sorry, screenwriters). But frankly being non-compelling with it. But it`s essentially another story about wealth and poberty being synonymous for self-worth. But also how honesty is the arc and mission of the lead character. The plot is reminiscent to The Reluctant Dragon (a short story from 1897 written by Kenneth Grahame). But in that regard, Tale is also comparable to two Disney properties: Hercules and A Bug`s Life. 
My right fist was deliberately
not photographed, due to how
it was filled with blood :)
To Hercules for showing how heroism is parallelled with a celebrity culture. And A Bug`s Life for showing a heroic act can lead to a lie (even Aladdin would`ve been somewhat comparable, for dealing with a similar plotline). Perhaps these comparisons may be shallow, but they`re still relevant enough. And sure, Shark Tale was retreading the buddy-picture formula that became synonymous with CGI Animation at the time. Despite how it`s essentially another story about a forbidden friendship between two species that are enemies (which yes, makes it somewhat comparable to The Fox and the Hound, despite how it`s more harrowing in the latter movie).














The Protagonist

A female can propose in our
World :)
But the biggest problem with Shark Tale is essentially it`s protagonist, Oscar. For being such a conceited, shallow and obnoxious character who`s completely uncompelling and unwatchable. Not that the blame should be given to Will Smith, who does what he does best in such a thankless role. However, Oscar becomes so beyond self-centered and egotistical that it`s hard to even root for him. Sure, Oscar does have his own, compelling reasons for wanting a better life. But Oscar`s journey and the execution of his wants is so shallowly portrayed that it`s essentially hard to invest in it. 
I`m a proof of how J.Lo and
Beyoncé can look sexy as a
fish ;)
In fact, how Angie could truly fall in love with such a character is a huge mystery. And while Shark Tale includes a slight love triangle with Lola (a triangle that is easily solved), Oscar`s realization of his feelings for Angie is just as poorly executed. It just comes out of nowhere, as he suddenly realizes that he has feelings for her. Without a truly believable setup. Sure, their arc is telegraphed and mandatory, but the development never comes across as organic. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Lenny`s Issue and Frankie`s Death 
 
Yes, I (Oscar) finally managed
to tame a shark :)
In fact, Shark Tale tells essentially two stories: The one of Oscar`s rags to riches story and Lenny`s own story of independence and acceptance from his father (for wanting to break the norms of the sharks). And sure, while Lenny`s arc may be a little derivative, it still a resonant enough on it`s own right. And sure, there`s no doubt that despite how Lenny is a secondary character, his story and arc is more compelling and better. Due to his motivation and wants are essentially less shallow. And sure, it would`ve been tempting to wonder if Lenny should`ve been the protagonist all along for that reason. But regarding Lenny`s story, due to how he`s essentially a part of Oscar`s scheme, the portrayal of catalyst for the whole event, his brother Frankie`s death, is also another badly flaw of the film. 
Yes, I`m turned off by your
breath, not your teeth :)
Sure, the on-screen demise is poignant. But it`s just treated poignantly
for a couple of minutes and then only used for being the cause of Oscar`s lies. And afterwards mostly completely ignored. Sure, Frankie is not a particularly likable character to begin with. But how the movie simply blatantly ignores the tragedy of his death and just treats it for the sake of comedy (even his funeral is treated somewhat comically). But even then, Lenny and Frankie`s dynamic is not as investible as it should`ve been, as there`s brotherly animosity between them. And there`s no real affection that Frankie shows for Lenny. Cause sure, Shark Tale is supposed to be a comedy. But even for a comedy, the death of a character is treated simply badly. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Controversy
 
Yes, they made me look more
sexy with that clipart :)
However, Shark Tale hasn`t escaped controversy. It was criticized for portraying negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans with its antagonists during it`s release. Columbus Citizens Foundation issued a statement condemning the stereotyping of people with Italian names as gangsters. As did Dona De Sanctis, deputy executive director of the Order Sons of Italy in America. And John Mancini, the founder of the Italic Institute of America, who protested the movie. Which was also coordinated by the Italian American One Voice Coalition of New Jersey. And The Anti-Italian Defamation League. Mancini demanded that everything Italian (character names, mannerisms, forms of speech) be dropped. 
We`re dancing the sea version
of Macarena :)
DreamWorks reacted by changing the name of Peter Falk's character from Don Brizzi to Don Feinberg. But still after the changes, Anti-Italian Defamation League disowned the movie. However, the stereotype portrayal it wasn`t the only controversy that Shark Tale received. The American Family Association, a Christian conservative organization, suggested that it was designed to promote the acceptance of gay rights by children. As Lenny`s plotline was similar to a coming-out story. But still they managed to make less fuzz about it than the Italian organizations did.

















Epilogue

We`re inspired by the Beastie
Boys and Mr. Miyagi :)
At the end, it`s hard to defend something like Shark Tale: A movie that is not particularly hated, but is perceived as lackluster as a whole. And frankly, it`s not hard to see why. For to it`s aforementioned flaws. But while it may seem like I completely trashed Shark Tale with my entry, it wasn`t my intention. Cause it`s not a movie that I completely hate. It is fun, entertaining and has some genuinely enjoyable moments. And I`ve managed to watch it many times and managed to enjoy it. Still, there`s no denial that Shark Tale is a cynical, manufactured and calculated product and therefore it`s easy to see right through it. Still, my own personal experience with Shark Tale is that I saw it here when it was released Theatrically in my Native Norway. 
We`re not going to survive
here :) Just wait and see :)
A couple of months after the Domestic release (yes, cause Norwegian releases were usually later than Domestic releases). And yes, I liked it, despite how I never loved it. Despite how it had many elements that I loved at the time (Hip Hop, Pop Culture References), it was still easy to see through the product. Still, I`m not completely hating the movie, as I prefer it to other animated movies with the same snappy pacing. With that said, since this entry is meant to synergize with it`s 20th Anniversary (yes, it`s hard to believe that for someone who was 20 years old that time, that it`s now the same age as I was), there`s nothing left to wish Shark Tale Happy 20th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.






And no, it`s not School of Rock ;)





 
References:
Shark Tale DVD
Lagt inn av kl. 1 kommentar:
Abonner på: Innlegg (Atom)