Upcoming Animated Films - My Thoughts (Part 8)

Very few films are slated for release in 2014, as movie studios are really focusing on this year and next year. Among the films scheduled for release in 2014 are mostly Disney and DreamWorks releases, along with one Columbia Pictures release and one from Relativity Media. After I discuss the 2014 releases, I’ll discuss unscheduled projects. (i.e. Disney’s King of the Elves, Pixar’s untitled dinosaur project)

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Distributor: To be announced

Studio: DreamWorks Animation SKG

Release Date: March 21, 2014

• Mr. Peabody & Sherman, for those who don’t know, was a segment on Rocky and Friends and The Bullwinkle Show. It seems like DreamWorks is following the retro cartoon/comic revival route and making a film based on these characters. With The Lion King co-director Rob Minkoff at the helm, this should be a rather interesting release from DreamWorks. Coming off of the ambitious Me and My Shadow, it seems like another safety net. If it’s huge, expect a franchise a la Alvin and the Chipmunks and The Smurfs. Robert Downey Jr. is also doing the voice of Mr. Peabody. That should be very interesting, to say the least. I can’t say much about this one because, who knows what we’re going to get. There is one thing that makes this project exciting. There wasn't much one could do with Alvin and the Chipmunks or The Smurfs, but this film has potential because of the adventures the title characters went on. Think about it. Christopher Columbus, Ancient Egypt, the middle ages, 18th century America, Ancient Greece. This film could have tons of different settings. To me, that's miles ahead of the antics of three singing chipmunks or the adventures of little blue men in an enchanted forest. The people at DreamWorks can turn this into a very fun time travel adventure film. It could work.

Untitled Disney/Pixar Inside The Mind Project

Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Studio: Pixar Animation Studios

Release Date: May 30, 2014

• The whole concept of this film screams “ambitious”. Not only does the story sound incredible, but it’s guaranteed that Pixar hasn’t lost their touch. Pete Docter returns to the director’s chair for this film, so I expect something emotional along the lines of his last film, Up. Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) is writing the screenplay, another plus. The concept? Risky. Another plus. This is Pixar 2007-2009 all over again, taking gigantic risks and creating masterpieces in return. Here’s hoping this untitled “Inside the Mind” project continues this tradition.

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Distributor: To be announced

Studio: DreamWorks Animation SKG

Release Date: June 20, 2014

• Of course, since How to Train Your Dragon became DreamWorks’ highest grossing non-Shrek film, a sequel was inevitable. Since the first film was very good, this sequel should expand upon the story and flesh out the characters even more. One problem I had with the first film was that the minor characters were a little underdeveloped and seemed like background fodder, while Hiccup and Toothless were essentially the most developed characters, and Astrid to some extent. Many will disagree with me on this, but this sequel should add some character development while also telling a very good story. There is a boatload of potential in this one.