Alrighty, part five. Summer 2013 is packed with animated films. It's going to be one big battle at the box office.
Monsters University
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
Release Date: June 21, 2013
- Since Pixar surprised audiences with Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, proving that you can make a great sequel or three-quel that lives up to the original, it was possible that they would do it again with last year’s Cars 2. Unfortunately, when Cars 2 turned out to be a disappointment, it somewhat cost Pixar their reputation. There seems to be more passion going into this prequel than there was for Cars 2. The film is being directed by Dan Scanlon, making this his first time directing an animated feature at Pixar. I just hope it doesn’t end up like Cars 2. That film’s original director, Brad Lewis, had trouble with the project and John Lasseter had to come in and save the sinking ship. Look how it turned out, it was a mess. Aside from those issues, Monsters University has a lot going for it. I was hoping that we could see more of the monster world, because we only saw Monstropolis in the first film. Back when I was young, I wondered what the rest of the monster world would look like. Perhaps Monsters University might explore more of the monster world. The best thing about this film is that it’s a prequel, because to me, how could you make a second one? Monsters, Inc.’s ending is just wonderful. A sequel would ruin it, so I’m glad they’re taking the prequel route with this project.
Despicable Me 2
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Studio: Illumination Entertainment
Release Date: July 3, 2013
- Despicable Me was a pleasant surprise, being Illumination’s first animated feature. There are so many fun opportunities with a sequel, but the film can’t be a mere rehash of the first film. Hopefully the folks at Illumination come up with something different for this sequel.
Turbo
Distributor: TBA
Studio: DreamWorks Animation SKG
Release Date: July 19, 2013
- I’m going to be completely honest here, the plot to this film sounds ridiculous. Yet, there are several ideas for films that make you say “That’s not going to work” and then it ends up working. Turbo is about a garden snail who acquires super speed after a freak accident. Now that sounds like something a kid would come up with, but maybe this will be one of DreamWorks’ “fun” films as opposed to more serious films like How to Train Your Dragon.
Phineas and Ferb
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Studio: DisneyToon Studios / Mandeville Productions
Release Date: July 26, 2013
- I’ve never seen an episode of the Disney Channel series of the same name, but I’m told it’s brilliant and one of the few good things on the Disney Channel. The show itself was created by Dan Povenmire (along with Jeff Marsh), who I think is an incredibly talented writer. (He’s written several episodes of The Simpsons, various Nickelodeon shows and Family Guy episodes) The movie is going to be a live-action and animation hybrid, so it could this decade’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The film could be a whole lot of fun, since the show is such a success for Disney. Again, I can’t say too much because I’ve never seen an episode of the show. (I guess I don’t know what I’m missing)
The Smurfs 2
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Studio: Sony Pictures Animation
Release Date: August 2, 2013
- I remember back when The Smurfs was announced back in 2005 for a 2008 release, the announcement said that it was the first film in a planned trilogy. When the film finally opened last summer, it was a smash hit worldwide. This is the new Alvin and the Chipmunks, little kids will eat this sequel up like candy. If one takes a look at Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming slate, it seems like these films will be mere safety nets in case any of their original projects don’t go over well.
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