In 1995, “Toy Story,” along with my Pixar obsession, was born. It was the first movie that I was ever shown, so maybe that’s why I fell in love with the animation studio. I attached myself to this movie for years to come. When “Toy Story 2” came out, I lost it. I wore my cowboy boots everywhere. I quoted it. I lived it. I rode the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disney approximately six times, and you best believe my bed sheets were peppered with tiny rocket ships. There was something about the friendly characters that Pixar animators sculpted into brilliant 3D animations that really sparked my adoration. Ever since then, I’m pretty sure I’ve caught almost every Pixar creation in theaters.
Recently my roommate and I were talking about animated movies and he said that, if you think about it, every single Pixar movie is an absolute banger. From “A Bug’s Life” to “Ratatouille,” the meaning and all-around message present in these family features is always genuine and stirring. For example, “WALL-E” depicts how extreme pollution could make earth inhabitable, in which case, humans would live in a spaceship, not having to do anything. Which would eventually lead to generations of floating chair-dwelling, tiny-boned, obese people. I always joke that hoverboards are the first step (roll) in a WALL-E-like evolutionary deterioration.
One of the things that makes Pixar movies so unique is their background and planning. In the summer of ‘94, a few of the produces/directors and writers sat down and discussed the finishing touches on the soon-to-be-released movie, “Toy Story.” They said that if they were going to continue to make more movies they would have to start immediately, because each one takes 4 to 5 years to draw out and animate. The group sat down at this legendary lunch and planned out the next four big successors: “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” and “WALL-E.” Production began and finally finished with the last one, “WALL-E,” 14 years later.
Other characteristics that make Pixar movies all-around great movies to watch are that they aren’t just for kids, and re-watching them as an adult you may catch some clever, if juvenile, innuendos. For example, in “Toy Story,” Woody declares to Buzz that, “the word I’m searching for I can't say, because there are preschool toys present." Not too lewd, but I probably didn't catch that when I was a little guy. In a newer Pixar movie, “The Good Dinosaur," there’s a scene where the two main characters take some sort of hallucinogen. And it’s pretty great.
It’s hard to not enjoy these movies. Everything about them is entertaining, right down to their lovable production logo, the little pogoing lamp they run in the opening credits. Another thing that makes watching these movies fun is searching for the Easter eggs they have in all the movies. For example, the Pizza Planet car, seen here, can be seen in every single movie. Along with the code ”A113,” which is the classroom number where many of the producers studied graphic design. Those aren’t the only two, as there are many items that can be found expertly inserted into every Pixar film ever. You just have to look. Or Google.
There is even something called The Pixar Theory that I won’t get started on but you can read here if you wish. It basically says that all Pixar movies take place on the same planet. It also justifies why there are so many characters in these movies that act and behave like human beings. Its pretty extensive, but again, just a cool unique thing that shows how much thought and development goes into Pixar animation.
I don't know if it’s just me, or what, but Pixar’s films are completely my childhood. My kids will watch these movies as they grow up, along with other old cartoons—"Tom & Jerry," "Scooby-Doo," "Hey Arnold." I digress. With the 16 films completed, and each grossing an average of $613.6 million per film, I don't see why they would stop. It’s also no wonder Steve Jobs saw potential in the company and became an investor along with a shareholder. In my eyes, Pixar would be a lifetime opportunity to work for. Being an editor or a screenplay writer is honestly one of my dream careers. Just keep swimming, right Pixar?
