<![CDATA[Visions Fantastic - DaddyB's Fireside Chat]]>

<![CDATA[Visions Fantastic - DaddyB's Fireside Chat]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/ en Wed, 22 May 2013 11:19:01 GMT vBulletin 1440 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Visions Fantastic - DaddyB's Fireside Chat]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/ Halloweentime DaddyB Photo Update 2012!!! http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32881-Halloweentime-DaddyB-Photo-Update-2012!!!?goto=newpost Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:03:53 GMT

I've been promising for weeks that it's "under construction", and despite some spectacular computer problems, it's finally ready!

DaddyB Photo Update October 15th, 2012 !

(CLICK ON ANY PICTURE OR THE LINK ABOVE TO SEE THE UPDATE)

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32881-Halloweentime-DaddyB-Photo-Update-2012!!! Recent Disney Movie promotional images available on VisionsFantastic! http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32803-Recent-Disney-Movie-promotional-images-available-on-VisionsFantastic!?goto=newpost Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:23:00 GMT Just wanted to take a couple moments to share two links to promotional images for upcoming Disney movies. I created a couple of simple web pages for... Just wanted to take a couple moments to share two links to promotional images for upcoming Disney movies. I created a couple of simple web pages for them, and hope to keep them updates as more images and videos (including trailers) are released.

The first one is Frankenweenie from Tim Burton and Disney. The movie is actually released in just a few days, but here are some cool retro styled movie posters... each with a humorous twist

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/dadd...nie/index.html

and the other I just recieved this morning from Disney Studios / Jerry Bruckheimer "The Lone Ranger". This movie won't be out until July 3rd, 2013. The movie teaser-trailer should be released soon, and I'll add it (and any other images that come out) to this page, so check back every once in a while.

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/dadd...ger/index.html

If you'd like to discuss and share your thoughts on these movies, you can find the existing links to the discussion threads here:
FRANKENWEENIE:
http://www.visionsfantastic.com/foru...=frankenweenie

THE LONE RANGER:
http://www.visionsfantastic.com/foru...ht=LONE+RANGER ]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32803-Recent-Disney-Movie-promotional-images-available-on-VisionsFantastic! <![CDATA[No need to be "Brave" to choose to see this familiar Disney/Pixar masterpiece.]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32416-No-need-to-be-quot-Brave-quot-to-choose-to-see-this-familiar-Disney-Pixar-masterpiece?goto=newpost Fri, 22 Jun 2012 19:01:10 GMT Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/brave_movie/01-brave-logo.jpg Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/brave_movie/03-scotland.jpg ...

Disney/Pixar's new film "Brave" is probably the most Disney movie from Pixar studios ever. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad thing, not at all. It's just that the influences of the Disney princess brand are all over "Brave" like no Pixar film before it. Well, given that this is the first true human princess movie from Pixar, I suppose it's not terribly surprising, either. But in almost every aspect of the film's princess Merida's personality, a line can be drawn to a different past Disney princess movie before it.

Free Spirited? Check. (Pocahontas, "The Little Mermaid" Ariel,)
Headstrong? Check. (Ariel).
Groomed for nobility? Check. (Sleeping Beauty)
Not willing to accept the future that's been set for her by tradition? Check. (Jasmine in "Aladdin")
Right down to the red hair... Check. (Ariel yet again)

Even many if not most of the ancillary characters and handmaidens are at the least a caricature of past Disney secondary figures. Perhaps most of all, this movie resembles the Disney classic movie "Freaky Friday" only dressed in plaids and tartans and set in the magical Scottish countryside of yore (and add in a sprinkle of some Disney's affection for bears).

But with some Disney magic, Pixar's incredible storytelling and insane attention to detail in animation "Brave" does not suffer a bit from this. The Princess Merida is of age to become betrothed to the first born of another Scottish clan in order to keep the peace between them. Being heavily influenced by the storytelling, boisterously adventurous and fun-loving father King Fergus (Voiced by the excellent Billy Campbell), Merida is not willing to listen to the reproachful teaching's of her graceful and patient mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Taking off in a fit of stubborn adolescence when faced with her arranged marriage, Merida comes upon the legendary Scottish "will o’ the wisps". Where they lead her is to a chance to "change her fate" (as she says in the movie's trailer) and onto a path of understanding that "Legends are lessons" and that there are reasons behind those lessons her mother has been trying to teach her.

While Merida and her father have a very strong bond, this is really a tale for Mothers and Daughters. Encouraging each to listen to each other and not just stand stubbornly on the idea that one's own viewpoint is the only view to have. Being a father of two young daughters not quite Merida's age, I can see how the relationship of Merida and Queen Elinor will closely resemble the relationships that are developing between the women in my own family. I know that my wife, who was able to accompany me to the screening I attended, walked away with the lesson at the front of her mind and I am sure many other mothers would too.

It's Disney, it's Pixar... it's Pixar at it's most Disney ever. Either way it is not to be missed and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

4.5 of 5 stars
one or two intense scenes that may be frightening for the very young or the very protected child.
and yes, stay to the end of the credits.

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32416-No-need-to-be-quot-Brave-quot-to-choose-to-see-this-familiar-Disney-Pixar-masterpiece <![CDATA[Alice's Window on Main Street (Alice Davis Window Ceremony on Main Street)]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32262-Alice-s-Window-on-Main-Street-(Alice-Davis-Window-Ceremony-on-Main-Street)?goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 06:07:26 GMT

Disney legend Alice Davis received the honor of having a window on Disneyland's Main Street dedicated to her on Thursday, May 10th, 2012
CavemanDon and I were there to photograph and film the ceremony...
Click the photos below, or the URL to the trip report. A mini-photo update (with 2 desktop wallpapers to download)

www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2012-05-10-alice-davis-window-ceremony/index.html

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH THE FULL HD VIDEO OF THE EVENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PHOTO UPDATE!!!

(see below for the link to the HD video of the INTERVIEW after the ceremony!)

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32262-Alice-s-Window-on-Main-Street-(Alice-Davis-Window-Ceremony-on-Main-Street) <![CDATA[Now THAT'S how you assemble a movie! "The Avengers" movie reviews]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32218-Now-THAT-S-how-you-assemble-a-movie!-quot-The-Avengers-quot-movie-reviews?goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 05:02:11 GMT

DaddyB (Brett Garrett) and Executioner (Eric Feiderer) attended an advance screening of Marvel's "The Avengers" superhero movie - here are their reviews:

DaddyB:
Pure and simple 2012's "The Avengers" movie is a must see for anyone with even a passing interest in superhero movies or comic books. If you liked ANY of the previous Marvel movies that included any of The Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, The Incredible hulk, Thor), you will LOVE this movie. Love, love, love it. I predict that "The Avengers" movie is going to be a HUGE blockbuster bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars the first week of release for Marvel Studios and the Walt Disney Company. In fact, it's already brought in $160 million in overseas box office!

Marvel Comics started out into movies in the 1940s with a "Captain America" serial. It's second outing was less auspicious with 1986's "Howard The Duck" (Yes, Howard The Duck was a comic book BEFORE the movie). Things really didn't pick up from there until the vampire movie "Blade" in 1998. Still, few really identified these movies as comic book adaptations until 2000's blockbuster "X-Men", also from Marvel. There have been some stumbles since then as well. "The Punisher", "Daredevil" (with Ben Affleck) and even "Electra" with the lovely Jennifer Garner.

But then came Paramount Studios "Iron Man" with Robert Downey Junior in 2008, which was in production at the same time as Universal Studio's reboot of "The Incredible Hulk" with Edward Norton. Marvel's Kevin Fiege, who was the producer for both movies, said "We started looking at the list of characters in the marvel Universe that hadn't been taken by other studios: Iron Man, The Hulk, Caprain America, Thor, hawkeye and Black Widow", and I thought 'Isn't that interesting; all of these characters happen to form one of the most popular comic book series- "The Avengers". Then after talking with Samuel L. Jackson about the role of S.H.I.E.L.D.s Nick Fury his enthusiasm for the idea caused them to shoot the end credits scene where Fury tells Iron Man's Tony Stark "You're part of a bigger universe, you just don't know it yet.". Which was Marvel's way of telling that to the audience as well.

Now, I don't like it when movie reviews give much plot away. I don't want to know about scenes beforehand. But with "The Avengers" ubiquitous advertising and marketing scheme it's been almost impossible to not see coming attractions trailers and advertisements either on television or online, and through those quite a few scenes from the movie have been hinted at. Let me tell you I get nervous when I start seeing too many trailers because I am afraid I'll have seen the best parts of the movie before ever stepping into the screening room.

THIS IS NOT THE CASE AT ALL for "The Avengers".

Not even close. Producer, screenwriter, writer, AND director Joss Whedon ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer", "TOY STORY", "Alien: Resurrection", Firefly,...) pulls out all of the stops. Not just "all of the stops" from the characters and the actors, but all of HIS stops as well. Simply a stunning feat. While the pacing may slip once or twice in the nearly two and a half hour running time, you have got to admit that the story has to let SOME dialog in to move the plot along during that time. I knew when watching it that it was a longer than usual movie, but had no idea it was that long until I left the theater and thought about it. Whedon has done a simply remarkable job bringing us this masterpiece in comic book superhero movie (if there is such a thing).

Very quickly, I want to say that Mark Ruffalo ("13 going on 30", "Just Like Heaven") as Bruce Banner is awe sum. Yes, so good it has to be two words. AWE SUM. I grew up with Bill Bixby as Bruce Banner, and Ruffalo is very much in his pattern. I wish Mr. Bixby was alive today to see it. he'd be proud.

Mark Ruffalo (Dr. David Banner / The Hulk) and Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark/ Iron Man")
share a rare quiet moment in a scene.

What surprised me most in this movie was the humor. Out-and-out belly laughs of funny. I'd love to give some of the jokes away (in true Whedon style both verbal and visual) but that would go against my code. I will leave it at I enjoyed this movie from the opening minutes to the final scene about one quarter of the way through the final credits (hint hint).

Go see this movie. Whatever you are paying for the ticket, in this one, rare instance, it is worth it.

I am knocking 1/2 a star off the rating for the two or three slow scenes where I started to drift. Your mileage will vary.
4½ stars

L-R: Mark Ruffalo, "The Incredible Hulk", Jeremy Renner "Hawkeye", Cobie Smulders "Agent Maria Hill", Robert Downey Jr "Iron Man",
Samuel L. Jackson "Nick Fury", Chris Evans "Captain America", Scarlett Johansson "Black Widow", Chris Hemsworth "Thor".

Executioner:

I had already seen the movies leading up to this. "Iron Man" for me was by far the best followed by "The Hulk" (the Edward Norton version not Eric Bana). "Captain America" was a let down and could have been better. "Thor" was good yet felt so rushed to wrap after he fought the Destroyer. My expectations were a mix for the movie as a result. Plus there is a new person doing the Hulk now. But I still wanted to see it.

Being a fan of Joss Whedon, I was hopeful this would be good.

The movie blew my mind away with how well Joss not only wrote but directed. The cinematography was great! The characters each get their face time to be brought in then battle not only themselves but others. Filled with clever comedy and darker tones it was balanced quite well. Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk was a phenomenal pick for the part. He stepped up to that plate and hit a home run Babe Ruth style. Each of the actors did a fantastic job that really made me forget about the other movies I was disappointed in. Robert Downey is the perfect man for Iron Man and it shows. Chris Evans is really good at portraying Captain America. And Hemsworth makes a great Thor. Let's not forget Jackson either. Love his style.

With a running time of nearly two an a half hours, Joss put everything in it in a well choreographed way. What an expert! I have to thank Joss for delivering what has to be the single biggest blockbuster movie of the summer. It really is movies like this that make you want to see movies and keep us adoring fans coming back to the theaters. The action was suspenseful and kept you going on edge, the drama gave you some lows, the comedy made everyone laugh in the theater and everybody couldn't help but applaud at the end. The 3D was great!! Please do see it in 3D as it really goes well with this kind of movie. Especially in the fighting and long sweeping camera pans. Well done Joss!!!!!!!

The movie gives something for everyone and even if you didn't follow or see the other movies, you will pick right up in this one and know what is going on. If you are a fan of the series or just want to see action and comic book characters on the big screen, do yourself some justice and see it. Especially in 3D!

I'd like to thank the staff at VF and Brett for allowing me this chance to see and review the movie and Joss Whedon again!!! ]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32218-Now-THAT-S-how-you-assemble-a-movie!-quot-The-Avengers-quot-movie-reviews Happy Month of May! MAY I give you another PHOTO UDPATE??? http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32209-Happy-Month-of-May!-MAY-I-give-you-another-PHOTO-UDPATE?goto=newpost Wed, 02 May 2012 05:48:00 GMT Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2012-04-29-update/1.jpg Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2012-04-29-update/2.jpg Image:...

A new month, a new DaddyB "Disneyland on your Desktop Photo Update"!!!

I'm back again, this time with over 100 photos, NUMEROUS desktop wallpapers to download, some panorama pictures,
some HDR photography, some tilt-shift photos and oh, did I mention the desktop wallpapers? TEN of 'em!

I spent a lot of time in Adventureland, and went on my own photo safari.
oh, and a quick jaunt into New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland too!

This is going to be a very special update for me because
I think I took two of the most beautiful Disneyland shots I've ever taken... EVER and included them here.

CHECK IT OUT!

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/dadd...ate/index.html

PLEASE BE SURE TO COME BACK HERE AND POST YOUR THOUGHTS, SUGGESTIONS, AND ENCOURAGEMENTS

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]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32209-Happy-Month-of-May!-MAY-I-give-you-another-PHOTO-UDPATE <![CDATA[He's BA-A-C-K! DaddyB "Disneyland On Your Desktop Photo Update" April 2012]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32122-He-s-BA-A-C-K!-DaddyB-quot-Disneyland-On-Your-Desktop-Photo-Update-quot-April-2012?goto=newpost Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:25:49 GMT

After a long break, I'm back with a photo update from the month of April. Ok, honestly the pictures were taken March 31st, but who's going to quibble about that?
I'm a little rusty with the old Canon, but let's discover the joy of Spring at Disneyland together and get all twitterpated with the place!
(click any picture to go to the update, or the link below)

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2012-04-04-update/index.html

PLEASE COME BACK AND POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!

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]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32122-He-s-BA-A-C-K!-DaddyB-quot-Disneyland-On-Your-Desktop-Photo-Update-quot-April-2012 57 Years Ago Today (April 2nd, 1954) http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32112-57-Years-Ago-Today-(April-2nd-1954)?goto=newpost Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:28:41 GMT

57 years ago today, Walt Disney announced to the world his dream of creating "The Happiest Place On Earth".
I just wanted to take a moment, as I usually do when I enter Walt's original theme park, to stop at the statue and say "Thanks, Walt".

(click for the full sized image)

...

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32112-57-Years-Ago-Today-(April-2nd-1954) Retrospective - VF Digital Scavenger Hunt 6 (2011) http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32106-Retrospective-VF-Digital-Scavenger-Hunt-6-(2011)?goto=newpost Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:19:21 GMT

It's been brought to my attention that photos from the 2011 VisionsFantastic Digital Scavenger Hunt were never posted
My sincere apologies, and here ya' go!
(at long last!)

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/sh6/2011-09-10-vf-scavenger-hunt/index.html

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/32106-Retrospective-VF-Digital-Scavenger-Hunt-6-(2011) <![CDATA[DaddyB "Disneyland On Your Desktop" Photo Update - August 20, 2011]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31262-DaddyB-quot-Disneyland-On-Your-Desktop-quot-Photo-Update-August-20-2011?goto=newpost Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:32:47 GMT Come check out the great photos from a visit to the Disneyland Resort during the hot (and huge crowd) summer. Indy Jones, Haunted Mansion, Splash...

Come check out the great photos from a visit to the Disneyland Resort during the hot (and huge crowd) summer.
Indy Jones, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Xanadu Entrance to DCA, Paradise Pier and of course, a few flower shots, too!

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2011_08_20_update/
CLICK HERE

A new photo update has been posted this evening...

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure!

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31262-DaddyB-quot-Disneyland-On-Your-Desktop-quot-Photo-Update-August-20-2011 New Winnie The Pooh movie hits the (sweet) spot for family entertainment. http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31116-New-Winnie-The-Pooh-movie-hits-the-(sweet)-spot-for-family-entertainment?goto=newpost Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:25:02 GMT

This poster for the new "Winnie The Pooh" movie, with all the hundred acre wood characters on board in a sea of honey (you can get it as a desktop wallpaper here) is a perfect image for getting even the most jaded animation fan into the mood for some serious fun. Or not so serious as nothing in the Christopher Robin's playground can be taken too seriously, you know.

From the opening scene of the film in Christopher Robin's room with his playthings strewn about and the perfectly english intonations of John Cleese (almost making me forget the original voice of Sebastian Cabot) to the opening of the storybook of Winnie The Pooh, you know you're in for some old fashioned, nostalgic storytelling. Zooey Deschanel sings the theme song this time around (with backing help from Kristen Anderson-Lopez who is not only the voice of "Kanga" here, but a co-writer of the original songs from this film) and her sweet lilting voice sets the tone of "nostalgic yet new". In fact, the scoring and all of the original songs blended perfectly with the original Sherman Brothers tunes.

The voice casting, by the way, is perfect. Even late night talk show host Craig Ferguson's voice of "Owl" never once speaks for the all too typical "Hey! I'm a star doing a cartoon voice!" that has become the pattern the past 10 years or more. Jim Cummings Winnie The Pooh is perfectly as Sterling Holloway as Sterling himself ever was almost 40 years ago, and Mr. Cummings doubles perfectly as Paul Winchell's "Tigger" too. Of course, he's been the voice of Pooh and Tigger for Disney since 1988.

Two story arcs find their way into this film, meandering here and there and taking slight breaks for songs and perhaps a smackeral of honey. The primary is the hunt for a replacement for Eeyore's tail, and the second is the panicked rescue attempt of Christopher Robin from the dreaded "Backson" monster (Owl misread's a note from Christopher Robin telling his pals that he'll be "Back Soon"). I don't like to give away complete storylines in my reviews (I feel like that's cheating) so I'll simply say that the stories are delightful and the script is close to perfection itself. The timing is, well, perhaps my only reservation of the movie. It seemed very rushed in comparison to my memory of the originals. But, given the generational differences (and my faulty memory) this can easily be forgiven.

If you're afraid that your child is too old for Disney's "Winnie The Pooh", the screening I took part in was filled with the full age range of reviewers. Attendees were from about 6 years old to, um, me (I was probably the oldest in the room but there were plenty of other grown ups in attendance). The theaters was FULL of laughs throughout the entirety of the screening. There were some "rear-end" jokes, thanks to the location of Eeyore's tail and this played VERY well even with the older tweens. Perhaps the biggest laughs come from Owl's blundering actions and Rabbit's hyperactivity. Of course, not to be outdone, Tigger has a think or two to say when he tries to get his pal Eeyore Tiggerized for action against the monstrous Backson.

So yes, I'll give this movie 4.5 stars easily.

oh, and stay through the (once again delightfully Disney) credits...

Here are some images and videos pertaining to this WONDERFUL (and wonderfully sweet) movie:

Here's an example of how well the new music blends in with the old Winnie The Pooh music from decades ago:

(note: no plot giveaways here)
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and here's part of the opening sequence with Zooey Deschanel's lovely interpretation of the "Pooh" theme song:

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Quite possibly Disney's Best Villain Song since "Heffalumps and Woozles":

only somewhat spoiler-ish, explaining what a "backson"
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The original official trailer:

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31116-New-Winnie-The-Pooh-movie-hits-the-(sweet)-spot-for-family-entertainment <![CDATA[DaddyB "Disneyland On Your Desktop" Photo Update - July 3, 2011]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31071-DaddyB-quot-Disneyland-On-Your-Desktop-quot-Photo-Update-July-3-2011?goto=newpost Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:51:39 GMT Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2011_07_03_update/1.jpg Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/daddyb/2011_07_03_update/2.jpg Image:...

Come see the pictures:
This week 'focusing' on The Haunted Mansion!

http://www.visionsfantastic.com/dadd..._07_03_update/

(please be sure to come back here and post your thoughts...)

]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31071-DaddyB-quot-Disneyland-On-Your-Desktop-quot-Photo-Update-July-3-2011 Cars 2 review - Pixar takes the checkered flag with this new sequel! http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31015-Cars-2-review-Pixar-takes-the-checkered-flag-with-this-new-sequel!?goto=newpost Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:01:35 GMT http://www.visionsfantastic.com/cars2review/cars2_poster_s.jpgEveryone wonders, when will Pixar release a dud of a movie. When will it finally...

Everyone wonders, when will Pixar release a dud of a movie. When will it finally happen? Some secretly root for it to happen. Others even try to manufacture horrible reviews in hopes that their opinion will stem the string of successes that the little company from Emeryville has been creating since the 1980’s. This seems to be the summer of movie bashing for many movie critics, and as far as I’ve seen “Cars 2” has not escaped this.

I cannot not disagree more. “Cars 2” simply puts the pedal to the metal and succeeds where other sequels (and some other summer blockbusters) have not.

Pixar’s original “Cars” movie introduced us to a single-minded race car named Lightning McQueen who only thought of himself. Through a course of mishaps, he came to be introduced to the residents of a small forgotten town of Radiator Springs on the old Route 66. As he came to know the residents, he also came to find the heart of a true champion. In "Cars 2" we follow McQueen as he discovers what it takes to be a true friend when the pressures of the world (and a world-wide race) close in on him.

The whole Radiator Springs gang is back in “Cars 2” and Pixar has thrown in a whole lot of excitement as well. Consider the original “Cars” as the Indy 500: thoroughly fun and thoroughly American. “Cars 2” is the 24 hours of LeMans Grand Prix. Faster, more dangerous, and definitely international. There are a lot of new characters, which at some point may be too many for the very small children in the audience, but the storyline is full throttle and certainly worldwide, which requires a much larger cast of characters than the original.

I love that Disney/Pixar chose to create an international storyline for this movie when the International box office has heated up so much these past years. Consider that “Cars 2” was announced in 2008. But just recently Disney’s “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” has scored just shy of three times more income at the box office internationally than here in the United States . When you consider that the “three times” is currently $220 million versus $735 million, the “Cars 2” plotline feels like a genius move especially considering that it was conceived in 2008.

Just a couple of short side notes. First, do NOT be late for this movie. Pixar created a “Toy Story” short that picks up where Toy Story 3 left off that is not to be missed. The short sets the mood to be reunited with old friends and to have a good, warm-hearted laugh together. Next, watch for the Pizza Planet Truck to appear TWICE in the feature movie. There’s also a nice little moment where Mater and McQueen mention the deceased Doc Hudson (voiced by Paul Newman, who passed away in 2008) which I thought was touching (yet they found someone to voice the George Carlin’s character, Fillmore). Finally, no blooper reel after the credits, but stay seated to watch the fabulous animated production credits in the style of travel postcards.

Here are some images, concept art and video from Cars 2 - These images I haven't seen around very much:

Lightning McQueen's pit crew:

German 3D posters (none like this in the U.S.)

Interesting image, because in the film, Lightning McQueen is not in this scene!

Here is some concept art... I thought these especially cool (like I wouldn't mind the original artwork hanging on my wall, cool)

and:

and of course, some video:

Still hungry for more "cars 2" stuff? The you have gotta check out:
http://pixar.wikia.com/Cars_2 ]]> DaddyB http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/showthread.php/31015-Cars-2-review-Pixar-takes-the-checkered-flag-with-this-new-sequel!