9 of 10
Cinematography by Andrew Jimenez, Patrick Lin, & Janet Lucroy
Craig T. Nelson
Holly Hunter
Samuel L. Jackson
Jason Lee
Brad Bird
After seeing the first five minutes of the film, my doubts vanished without a trace. The film is a brilliant success, combining Pixar�s digital genius with Bird�s amazing knack for character, and his wonderfully exuberant style. It features a dazzling amount of imagination; in fact, at times I felt it was almost too dazzling. Sometimes the story rushes by so quickly that it is impossible to catch all the little gems Bird is sprinkling throughout the film. And at times there was a bit too much emphasis on action sequences for my taste, especially towards the end of the film.
Despite that smallest of quibbles, the script is nearly pitch-perfect. The way each character is fully realized and given unique powers and characteristics is most gratifying. Edna the fashion designer, voiced by Bird himself, is a perfect example. Taking something that we see nearly every day in modern film � the somewhat effeminate fashion designer � Bird makes one small change, and turns the stereotype completely on its head.
The visuals are awe-inspiring. The Dash chase sequence itself would be enough the make that statement, but Bird gives us countless other opportunities to appreciate the visuals as well. It felt like he was really testing the boundaries of the digital animation, really pushing them as far as they would go. The results are the best images Pixar has created to date; it was truly an inspired match.
Let�s not forget the story, either. I�ve read some reviews that claim that the film has a subversive message, some that claim it is particularly timely for us politically, and some that find it simplistic. I found it to be a more accurate look at marriage than most live-action films offer nowadays, and a film that is really about family above all else. Maybe that is a simplistic interpretation in itself, but I think that�s what Bird was really after.
Which brings me to a final and somewhat separate point; a point made clear to me both from this film and from Bird�s previous effort, the wonderful Iron Giant. Bird is definitely a true nostalgic at heart. There is an undeniable retro feel to both films. But there is also an interesting and rare twist: it is nostalgia without the cynicism that so often accompanies such nostalgia. Most people who love the past want it back, but not Bird. He just wants us to remember it.
"No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit? I feel like the maid; I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for ten minutes!"