Tag Archives: Bill Hader

THE BFG Teases a Larger than Life Story in First Trailer

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Moving on from spies and the Cold War, Steven Spielberg is embarking on a more mystical journey filled with larger than life characters. Based on the children’s book written by Roald Dahl of the same name, the first teaser trailer for The BFG finds our young, precocious Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) getting into more trouble than her curiosity expected.

Back when I was a young lad, I couldn’t get enough of Roald Dahl’s literary works, particularly Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. However, I can’t recall ever reading The BFG. Jack and the Beanstalk and other variations of this story have never really fancied my interest. I think it’s because the use of giants in fiction have never really had any strong thematical impact on my life. I can’t really say at this point whether The BFG is going to be a good film based on this short tease, but the effects look far and away better than Jack the Giant Slayer.

If you’re curious, The Big Friendly Giant was adapted as a full-length animated feature in 1989, and you can watch the entire thing on YouTube.

Extended commentary:

  • There’s cats, so that’s a plus.
  • Pan was about a young kid from Britain whisked away on an adventure to a far off land, and that movie ended up being terrible.
  • Sophie’s pretty dumb for establishing her three rules and then not following them. She deserves to be taken.
  • The BFG definitely feels very Spielbergian.
  • I didn’t even have to see the credits to guess the score was composed by John Williams. It has that Disney sensibility and also that whimsical Williams flare.
  • Spielberg tried family oriented fantasy once before with Hook, let’s hope he does better this time.

Here’s the official plot synopsis for The BFG, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios:

Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG, while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler and Fleshlumpeater on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary, that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, The BFG stars Ruby Barnhill, Mark Rylance, Bill Hader, Penelope Wilton, Rebecca Hall, and Jemaine Clement. This film hits theaters on July 1, 2016.

Source: Walt Disney Trailers

Newest GOOD DINOSAUR Trailer Presents Kindness and Adventure [64 Screenshots]

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Following the success of last month’s Inside Out, Pixar is back for all the feels with The Good Dinosaur, the studio’s second animated feature of 2015. Showcasing the studio’s gorgeous signature animation, in a film that is guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings of children and adults alike, this latest trailer for The Good Dinosaur opens with its teaser and then expands on its question: what would happen if the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs missed Earth?

Pixar brings us the answer through the friendship off adorably clumsy Arlo (Raymond Ochoa), the green Apatosaurus and his equally sweet human friend Spot (Jack Bright). The two and a half minute spot largely consists of beautiful pre-historic visuals layered over “Crystals” by Monsters & Men, so we aren’t given a whole lot of characterization or clues through the one word of dialogue given.

After facing production issues and being pushed back from its original 2013 release date, The Good Dinosaur is finally getting its debut. Pixar replaced its original director Bob Peterson with Peter Sohn (Partly Cloudy) due to problems with the movie’s third act. The Good Dinosaur trailer still presents a fairly vague story, which could mean the marketing team actually doesn’t want to give away spoilers, they actually want to slowly build the story through these trailers, or they’re trying to hide the fact that The Good Dinosaur still has its problems.

Due to the open-ended nature of The Good Dinosaur trailer, we’re left with a lot of questions. Where is Arlo traveling to? How does a human and dinosaur become friends? What dangers will these two unlikely friends face? There’s still plenty of time between now and Thanksgiving for Pixar to unfold more of this story, and I look forward to it.

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Here’s the official plot synopsis for The Good Dinosaur courtesy of Pixar:

The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Directed by Peter Sohn, The Good Dinosaur stars the voices of Lucas Neff, John Lithgow, Francis McDormand, Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris, and Judy Greer. This film is set to play in theaters on November 25, 2015.

Source: Pixar

Pixar’s ‘The Good Dinosaur’ Teaser Trailer Asks “What If?” [25 Screenshots]

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If you felt a little empty inside last year, that’s because Pixar did not have an animated release. It was a first for the animation studio – between The Incredibles and Cars – since 2005. Inside Out opens in theaters on June 19, but to make up for what was suppose to release last year, Pixar has another film opening this Thanksgiving. The first teaser for The Good Dinosaur appeared today asking audiences “what if?”

For how long they’ve had to work on The Good Dinosaur, Pixar doesn’t really provide us with much of anything in terms of what it’s about. The “what if” scenario is fun to think about for a second, but there is really nothing here to judge whether or not they’ll execute a good story based on that premise. I get some of that classic Pixar humor peeking its head out with the asteroid flying over the Earth, and the character designs are fine.

Last year, John Lithgow stated they completely reimagined the story, so I’m looking forward to what the studio can bring with a full-length trailer. The director, Peter Sohn made his big debut with the Pixar short “Partly Cloudy.” He has since been a part of Pixar within their art, story, and animation departments. He has also voiced the characters of Emile from Ratatouille and Scott “Squishy” Squibbles from Monsters University.

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Here’s the plot synopsis for The Good Dinosaur courtesy of Pixar:

The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

And here’s the teaser poster (click to enlarge):

Disney Pixar The Good Dinosaur Teaser Poster

Directed by Peter Sohn, The Good Dinosaur stars the voices of Lucas Neff, John Lithgow, Francis McDormand, Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris, and Judy Greer. This film is set to play in theaters on November 25, 2015.

Source: Pixar

Final Inside Out Trailer Explores the Mind of Riley [124 Screenshots]

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With just a few months to go, Pixar has released their last Inside Out trailer, which finally gives us a hint at what the meat of the story will consist of. Releasing this June, the animation studio is going to take moviegoers on a wild ride of emotions, literally. From Imagination Land to Dream Productions Studios, this latest Inside Out trailer gives us a lay of the land within mind of Riley, the little girl whose emotions we will spend the majority of the time with.

The previous Inside Out trailer does an excellent job setting up the mechanics of how the five emotions work inside our heads; they consist of Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust. While the group takes turns managing Riley’s emotional state, from what this final trailer suggests, somehow Joy and Sadness get sucked out of their little base of operations and must find their way back. The world inside the mind of Riley that director Pete Doctor and company have created looks expansive, details of which I wouldn’t expect anything less from Pixar.

How will not having two core emotions at the helm play out for Riley? What affects will that have on her toward others and her parents? These are but a few questions that this trailer brings to my mind. What I really wonder about is whether or not Inside Out will touch on how present day parents deal with their kids’ emotions. Pixar movies tend to always hit home on big resonating themes that they could touch on certain disorders or imbalances that parents these days try to keep an eye out for as their kids develop as a person. With two emotions out of the picture, Riley might not be her usual charming self as we see in the dinner scene.

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Here is the official plot synopsis for Inside Out, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios:

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Directed by Pete Docter, Inside Out stars the voices of Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Lori Alan, Kaitlyn Dias, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Inside Out hits theaters everywhere on June 19, 2015.

Source: Disney•Pixar

Official ‘Inside Out’ Full-Length Trailer Depicts Familial Emotions (115 Screenshots)

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Inside Out Pixar Movie Screenshot Riley Anger Lewis Black 8

For animation fans who felt there was a piece of themselves missing this year, that’s because Pixar did not have a feature film release. To correct this unfortunate happenstance, the studio will be making it up to audiences by releasing two movies in 2015. Today, Disney has unleashed the first full-length trailer for Inside Out – what could be a return to form for Pixar. Watch the trailer and see the screenshots after the break. Continue reading →

Watch Pixar’s First ‘Inside Out’ Teaser Trailer (25 Screenshots)

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Pixar Inside Out Teaser Trailer

With The Good Dinosaur pushed back to 2015, many moviegoers have been at a loss without a Pixar joint this year. But fear not, the acclaimed animation studio has released their first teaser trailer for Inside Out, which will debut in June 2015. That’s right, two Pixar movies next year. See the emotional characters of Inside Out in action after the break. Continue reading →

John Lithgow States Pixar’s ‘The Good Dinosaur’ Has Been Reimagined

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Pixar's The Good Dinosaur Concept Art

Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur is like the little engine that could. With the loss of its director and a push back from 2014 to a 2015 release, what could be going on at team Pixar? Speaking on behalf of the movie, actor John Lithgow has recently revealed that all is well, if not better for The Good Dinosaur. In fact, he states the whole project has been reworked. Learn more about these changes and what we can expect when it releases. Continue reading →

‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2’ Movie Review: Colorful Leftovers that Lack Seasoning

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'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2' Movie Review

Based on a 32-page children’s book, writer-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller made a fun-filled adaptation when they cooked up Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. With what they were given, Cloudy turned out to have a lot of heart and reasonably dramatic stakes. With both Lord and Miller stepping down from the director chairs, it was up to Kris Pearn and Cody Cameron to helm Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. Lacking the energy and emotional resonance of the original, Cloudy 2, unfortunately, has all of the ingredients to be successful yet is delivered to audiences undercooked. Continue reading →

‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2’ Trailer Plays with its Food

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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Teaser Trailer Screenshot 12

Our heroes from Swallow Falls are back and ready for seconds in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. It would appear not only are we in for a colorful treat of a sequel, but also more food jokes than we can swallow. This wonderfully fun and vibrant world that Sony Pictures Animation has created will be even more bountiful than the first by introducing food animals created by the FLDSMDFR. Watch the full trailer for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 after the break. Continue reading →