toon4thought

[toon4thought]

I've wanted to substantially talk about "Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure" for some time & I think the hype of "The Amazing Digital Circus" gave the perfect chance, as it demonstrates how even the most neglected art can still carry a huge cultural importance, no matter how late.

Check it out!

#raggedy ann #raggedy andy #raggedy ann and andy #richard williams #animation history #western animation #raggedy ann musical #rag dolly musical #the amazing digital circus #Youtube

[toon4thought]

Not gonna lie... I'm a bit torn with "Migration".

In terms of artistry, this is Illumination's best film by a country mile. It's nothing wildly impressive or even that different from their usual style, but the locations look really attractive a lot of the time (particularly in the water and the almost-painterly backgrounds of their home pond), and the animators clearly had a blast getting endless fun expressions out of the cartoony designs. In addition, John Powell's score gives the film a welcome feeling of majesty during certain scenes and, despite how star-studded the cast is (as is typical), they all slip incredibly naturally into their roles and are responsible for giving the characters much of their charm - Keegan Michael-Key and Awkwafina being my favorites.

But there's something about where the story ultimately goes that just kinda loses me. Most of the scenes work well as individual set pieces, and the actual screenplay's serviceable (some comedic moments genuinely caught me off guard), but at first what seems like a segmented road trip movie ends up getting more of a through-line bizarrely late with the introduction of this cutthroat chef. He's a good enough threat in-context, but it's bizarre to see the film open with them establishing Herons as the big threat only for that to be settled 30 minutes in and never come up again. They could've easily chosen to commit to one or the other, but as is, it muddies the flow and ultimately renders a pretty fun scene rather pointless - and the same can be said for a few others too (the worst offender being the ending gag).

Same with the character journeys. Although the basics of an arc are there (all tied around getting out of your comfort zone), along with a few good callbacks like the salsa dance; the actual progression isn't made especially clear across the journey. For the most part, the family kinda just goes from one beat to another before reaching a natural conclusion, which does leave a satisfying feeling by the end, but devoting more focus into everyone's motivations would've given the audience more reason to really get invested beyond the basics.

Maybe I am being a bit harsh, especially since this is Illumination we're talking about, but I do think there was a lot that could've been stronger and elevate it to a true classic. But even with all that, it's still a well-directed animated film, and certainly one of their more genuine entries.

#animation #universal #migration #illumination

[toon4thought]

Here just in time for Christmas is the full, 2-hour version of the "Summer Camp Island" retrospective I spent the year making (with a couple additions and some other modifications thrown in for good measure)!

Hopefully it'll get you to think more about a truly magical show you might've previously looked past or otherwise missed out on.

Please like, comment, & share, and thanks to any of you who have supported me during my journey. ❤️

#summer camp island #retrospective #julia pott #hbo max #cartoon network studios #cartoon network #Youtube

[toon4thought]

"Craig Before the Creek"

As a big-time Craig of the Creek fan, it's safe to say I was already quite intrigued to see its movie be an origin story, especially with it set to cover themes like the stress of moving and making friends where you least expect it. And indeed, it is quite well-written, with the characters all shining like you'd expect them to, plus it's fun to see where they start and how they become the Stump Kids we know and love.

But the way it's directed and presented is what truly elevates the experience. COTC was already a very pretty, atmospheric show, but this decides to take it all even further with some truly lush backgrounds, extra attention to lighting, beyond immersive color palettes (the soft browns of the Williams' house especially stood out to me), and the MUSIC. The actual numbers that make up the soundtrack are one thing, but the orchestral score led by Jeff Rosenstock... WHOO. Not only does it take advantage of the extra instruments to get way more cinematic and emotionally thrilling, but the fact that whenever there isn't any big action, it's all very soft and mystical-sounding, serving as ambience above all else. This is a kids' film that not just respects giving the young ones atmosphere, it ENCOURAGES it.

Major props to the folks at Cartoon Network Studios who went 150% in delivering what might've been one of their last chances to make something truly next-level, and on a project that could've so easily coasted by at that.

Now if you excuse me, I'm gonna cry at what could've been with Driftwood.

#cartoon network studios #cartoon network #craig of the creek #craig before the creek #jeff rosenstock

[toon4thought]

Adam Sandler's "Leo" was just plain NICE.

It takes a simple, downright silly idea about a talking pet lizard helping the kids of a 5th grade class, and even the long-term substitute teacher herself, with their problems to help bring out the best in them - and ties it into stuff like finding new purpose during a mid-life crisis; all the while constantly sprinkling in so much wholesomeness that with each new kid he visits, you instantly feel the bond being formed. It can feel a bit segmented, but it allows for multiple situations to be covered while giving the audience something new to look at.

Gotta compliment Adam Sandler's performance as Leo himself here; it's such a cartoony voice, but he delivers with such a commitment that I am never hearing an actor. He gives Leo the sweet balance between his old, tired side and his wise, experienced side that is needed for this story to work. It shines best whenever he has to belt a quick number, though granted that's unsurprising for Sandler. Everyone else, including his own family, seamlessly slip into their roles too.

The humor quite caught me by surprise too, considering Happy Madison. While the slapstick can get a bit much, and there are one or two truly gross gags, most of their infamous hallmarks are surprisingly subdued. Much of what we get is more observational, or is otherwise done in credit to the characters, such as how Leo name-dropping old movies (which sounds lame on paper) doubles to show how old and behind-the-times he is. It's not like there's some big comedy gold, but there's a lot of little moments that left me smiling and charmed. In general, this film really knows how to establish character with dialogue alone; the snarky, tired comments from Leo and Squirtle at the beginning being a highlight.

There are some turns near the end that can feel a little forced or half-baked (especially with Ms. Mirkin), but the heart remains to the end and it still manages to finish on the simple note it should. Animation is also pretty standard, but that too is elevated by some smart staging choices and a few scenes that mix up the style.

Overall, while it's by no means a film that *excels*, it sure hit a lot harder than it had any right to, especially from a company like Happy Madison, and they deserve big props for that. Like Leo himself, some much-needed comfort can come from the most unexpected of places.

#animation #adam sandler #leo adam sandler #netflix animation #netflix leo #leo netflix #happy madison

[toon4thought]

Got to see "Wish" yesterday.

I had no real strong feelings going into this celebration of a film going in. I just knew that it all was a culmination of Disney's history with fairy tales. And watching it... admittedly gave me more mixed emotions than I hoped.

Starting on a positive note: the visual presentation. The psuedo-watercolor look to the backgrounds really makes them pop with pretty detail, and while it would've been preferable to also have the characters hand-drawn, the cinematic screen really shows how many 2D sensibilities are actually in their linework and movements. Color work can really stand out in places too. It's not the most storybook-like animation nor most effective blend I've seen, but it feels about right for how I'd expect Disney to handle that.

The plot is, by design, very tropey - pretty much going off the checklist of what is expected from Disney fairy tales - and while it wasn't the most interesting thing in the world, I could certainly wrap my head around the thought process. However, I do have to criticize parts of the writing, in that it often felt like the dialogue was just over-explaining the plot details to the audience. It felt like there was little room for subtle depth when there easily could've been.

Similarly, characters are standard but likable. Asha - while not a new character type for WDAS - is charming and rootable. Her Seven Dwarves-referenced friends do a good job at getting involved in the action and all have their moments to shine. Star is cute, Valentino... eh, I can give or take. And King Magnifico is, of course, a villain you love to hate - starting out with the illusion of generosity, only for his true colors to become more exposed over time. He's not going to make many top 10 lists, but his animation and Chris Pine hamming it up pays off.

The songs - not the best, to be honest. They're catchy enough, are generally brought to life well, and many may well find a standout (my fave was "This is The Thanks I Get"). But you're not going to find a new "We Don't Talk About Bruno" here. I think part of the issue is that the approach to them felt fairly modern-leaning, which I think was a mistake when this is meant to be presented as a classical fairy tale. Though I will say, the actual orchestral score fares notably better on this front.

I think the big saving grace of the film, besides the presentation, is how thematically tied it is to it being Disney's centennial. Not just in how many easter eggs get littered in, but also how the whole heart of the picture is about following your dreams and to not let a higher authority take them away from you. Sounds simplistic, but they litter in enough nuance for it to feel relatable. And apart from it being something people really need to hear sometimes, especially in our late-stage capitalism world; recall too how Walt Disney himself first built this empire by taking chances on utilizing animation that no one else in Hollywood would. There's even precedent to this with a few bits seen in the film, but I'm not going to give that away here. It hits pretty hard, and serves well as a metaphor on its own merits.

I'd say if you weren't intrigued by the trailers, you're not going to be swayed by the film. But the kids and others wanting something to lift their spirits are unquestionably going to eat this up, as it really is the exact kind of tale that made Disney the titan we both love and hate today.

#disney animation #disney wish #wish movie #walt disney animation studios #wish

[toon4thought]

"Scavengers Reign"

I've always been a massive sucker for experiences that live on their atmosphere, colorful environments, and sound engineering - so this little Max series was naturally always going to be on my radar. And while it indeed excels on all of those traits, and are more than happy to show them off at every opportunity, it's also just a plain inspired story.

It takes an extremely simple idea - a downed ship gets stranded on an alien planet, and a few survivors must explore this world - wonders and dangers alike - in order to hopefully make their way out. There's three different subplots covering different characters, each covering a different angle (especially emotionally) and all go in very engaging directions. They may not have that much intersection until near the end, but it doesn't matter because it's all very well paced, never giving you too much or too little of something at once. 

It helps just how much range it has. Sometimes it lets you take in the activities of all these creatures, almost like it's a documentary, or show a robot assistant unexpectedly take an interest in nature. Other times it puts the characters through hell, from an Alien-style parasite invasion, to being trapped in your inner trauma, and of course, straight-up death. The stakes feel legit, but it doesn't feel *grim* either. There's a terrific balance, and it all works hand-in-hand to make it all feel *real*, made even more so with just how natural all the characters are in both personality and dialogue. (Azi's my favorite, if you're wondering)

Over time, the character-driven stuff does start to take over the awe, but all the virtues I mentioned before remain consistent all throughout. And it all comes together to end on a truly gorgeous, cozy, and mysterious note - the kind that really leaves you wanting more (and god, do I wish this pulls through a second season) but still feels like a complete experience in its own right. 

I give major props to everyone who had to fight for this to get made and released to the public and all the people at Titmouse who came together to make something this incredibly special and pure. Best new animated series of 2023, which is saying so much.

#hbo max #animation #scavengers reign

[toon4thought]

IT'S HERE, FOLKS.

The lengthy end of my retrospective of the hidden gem that is "Summer Camp Island", and believe me, as peak as the show was before, this found a way to surpass even that as everything wraps up - and in a way that's relevant to the current state of animation, at that.

Watch to see what I mean. Any and all feedback is appreciated, as always, and thanks to anyone out there who stuck by this whole retrospective.

#summer camp island #cartoon network #animation #hbo max #julia pott #youtube #cartoon network studios #Youtube

[toon4thought]

And now we've reached the point where "Summer Camp Island" truly becomes PEAK, as season 5 delivers five new mini-arcs to cover (including my favorite of the whole show) and a whole lot of emotional baggage. See what I mean in my new video below!

Reposts & feedback appreciated!

#summer camp island #cartoon network #hbo max #julia pott #youtube #cartoon network studios #animation #season 5 #Youtube

[toon4thought]

Finally bringing my "Summer Camp Island" Retrospective back in full force, covering season 4 - a season full of mystery, superstition, and experimentation.

#summer camp island #cartoon network #julia pott #oscar peltzer #hbo max #Youtube

[toon4thought]

Meet Pai Hex-Haggle, witch in training!

While Sif Perlt Savery has moved to other great projects, she laid the foundation for how our characters will look in this test clip for TWOM! Fill out our survey as we prep for crowdfunding in 2024!💖#IndieAnimationDay

[toon4thought]

Who out there has been following "Summer Camp Island" season 6 as it's airing? And just how much has it left you gripped so far?

I want to hear from more SCI fans out there, dangit!

#cartoon network #summer camp island #susie mccallister #cartoon network studios #western animation

[toon4thought]

The Fate of Cartoon Network Studios

We've all seen what's been going down at Cartoon Network the past year & how now we're at an end of an era - but few grasp the full context.

In my new blog editorial (linked below), you'll see what I understand is currently happening - and where we, as an audience, can go from here.

#cartoon network #animation #cartoon network studios

[toon4thought]

Lore Reveals and Wrecked Emotions - "Summer Camp Island" Season 3

So, where does a series as innocent as "Summer Camp Island" go three seasons in out of six into its run?

Find out as I cover this huge turning point in the series as I continue my retrospective.

(Comments and reblogs beyond appreciated, esp with me now trying to rebuild my following)

And don't forget to also check out the other entries in the SCI retrospective series so far if you haven't!

[toon4thought]

Every so often I go down an old TV commercial rabbit hole, & I come across gold like this - quite possibly the first ever promo for "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", when it debuted on Disney Channel (back when it was a premium channel!) before airing on ABC several months later.

Like, I find this so damn cool.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E16cCSKKwk

#new adventures of winnie the pooh #winnie the pooh #disney channel #1988 #commercials

[toon4thought]

Love ya, Tom.

WATCH IIIIIIIIIT

[toon4thought]

So... "Unicorn: Warriors Eternal"

I finally watched the seemingly divisive finale for myself and... yeah, it's more or less a culmination on how I feel about the whole show.

Really fascinating in concept, amazing in aesthetics, but the story often feels like it struggle in really grasping what it wants to be and there are many crucial plot threads I just don't understand.

Because I'm an aesthetics guy, I naturally still enjoyed it quite a lot. And there is a lot of substance throughout the season that's not just good, but really good. Even in this one, I quite enjoyed just seeing all that Emma goes through.

But even I am not gonna argue it all particularly comes together, esp with the ending that the crew knew full well may go unresolved.

Overall: One of Gennedy's most flawed works, but even flawed Gennedy makes for quite an interesting experience like no other.

#unicorn warriors eternal #adult swim #cartoon network #gennedy tartakovsky #warriors eternal #the end of the beginning #hbo max