New Disneyland

Anyone who has read this blog or has talked with me for a second knows that I love Disney.  Not in the sense, "I have nostalgia for the specific things I grew up with."  I love all things Disney and I have taken the time to write extensively about it.  Even when I am not writing specifically about Disney I am writing with a clear Disney bias.  One area of the Mouse House that I have not discussed on this blog much however is the theme parks.  I grew up reading books and watching promotional videos of the Disney theme parks.  Without ever having a tangible reference I had a connection with Fantasyland and The Main Street Electrical Parade.  When I was ten I had a dream come true when my family went to Disneyland and the newly opened California Adventure.  Last year lightning struck twice when we went to Walt Disney World, the big time.  Both events have left such an impact on my life.  Ever since I first went to Disneyland I have loved planning my new Disney theme parks.  My next four blogposts will be my pitch for a new Magic Kingdom featuring new rides based on Disney properties that have not been used (or used in the main parks) as attractions.

Here are the blogposts for New Disneyland's Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Adventureland.

Being that this is my fantasy this new park is located in the one part of North Dakota where there is perfect weather year round.  No snow or flooding, no excessive heat or wind.  If you know of such a place in North Dakota, please let me know.

10 Most Important Events of the Theatrical Animation in the Television Era of Animation

It is difficult to identify exactly where the television era of animation began or ended.  I would label The Secret of NIMH in 1982 as the official start of the renaissance, but it would take animation several years to take off.  It is easiest to look at the sixties and seventies as the TV era, with some overlap in the fifties and eighties.  Theatrical efforts during this period was dwindling and sporadic, with few features and most studios closing their animation departments.  These are the few memorable events that eventually led to the renaissance.

10. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Disney's adaptation of Winnie the Pooh was released as three shorts in 1966, 1968 and 1974 before being packaged together in 1977.  Winnie the Pooh has become one of the most beloved franchises in animation.  Disney's adaptation really immortalized Milne's stories and these cartoons hold up better than almost any other cartoons of the sixties and seventies.  This simple, lovable cartoon was one of the few worthwhile efforts from Disney animators of the time.

9. Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)

This short is a minute and a half including opening and closing credits and is composed of only one gag.  But it is a really good gag.  The timing and simplicity is perfect.  This represents the rise of independent animator's succeeding outside of the weak studio system.  This short had a large enough impact to earn the 39th slot in the book the 50 Greatest Cartoons.

8. Yellow Submarine (1968)

I have only been including American cartoons in these blog posts, and I suppose technically this is an American movie as it was made for the Beatles to finish their contract with United Artists.  Yellow Submarine was one of only a handful successful non-Disney animated features to succeed in theatres before 1985.  It is still commonly seen as a head trip, but the artistry is unique and iconic.  This movie represents one of the few times of the TV era that animation was able to tap into the zeitgeist.  This is one of the best animated features in history and remains a strong part of pop culture and the visuals are just as memorable as the Beatles' songs.

7. Pink Phink (1964)

Animation studios began closing or moving to television in the fifties.  By the sixties the grand tradition of the studio theatrical short was almost extinct.  However for a short while DePatie-Freleng, a new studio that was cofounded by legendary Termite Terrace member, Friz Freleng, brought the art form back.  DePatie-Freleng had animated the memorable title sequence for the Peter Sellars' movie and the sleek feline spun off into his own series in this fun short.  With its accent on music and almost minimalist style, Pink Panther cartoons were well animated and enjoyable.  DePatie-Freleng animated a few other characters and even took over Looney Tunes with forgettable new characters before going exclusively to television.  But starting a new animation studio that specialized in shorts at this time was a risk and DePatie and Freleng should be commended for it.  Their initial cartoon is still one of the most memorable shorts of all time.

6. Walter Lantz Calls it Quits (1972)

Walter Lantz is an interesting luminary in animation.  He did not innovate like his peers Walt Disney and Max Fliescher.  His cartoons did meet the artistic heights of Warner Bros., MGM or UPA in their heyday.  But Walter Lantz did not cut corners like Paul Terry or Famous Studios.  He was a good person that made good cartoons and was respected among in his field.  He gave a home to legendary animators Shamus Culhane, Dick Lundy, Tex Avery and others when they longed for a better working environment.  Probably the most notable accomplishment of this great man was that he outlasted all of his competitors.  He loved animation and did it longer than anyone.  In 1972, the man who had been creating animated shorts since 1929, closed his long running studio.  It may have closed without much fanfare, but the legacy and longevity of Lantz deserves acknowledgement.  His 43 years in the business is a testament to the power of passion.

5. Mary Poppins (1964)

Mary Poppins was a masterpiece.  Everything Walt did in animation, music and live-action led to this iconic feature and he was certainly recognized for it.  This is primarily considered a live-action movie, but the animation is what makes it a great fantasy.  Mary Poppins feels like a fantasy because she enters a world that is clearly animated and she interacts believably in it.  The combination of live-action and animation still holds up and has really only been matched by Roger Rabbit.  Mary Poppins has the heart of an animated feature.  It is one of the movies that can get stodgy critics and audiences to appreciate animation.  Animation can be used anywhere in any way.  This movie is a true testament to the art form.

4. Production of Thief and the Cobbler (Started Production in 1964, Still Kind of in Production)

Also a testament to passion is Richard Williams' unrealized magnum opus.  The failure for this movie to complete under its creator is one of Hollywood's greatest travesties.  Williams intended this to change the animated feature and had it been released in the sixties it likely would have.  Williams took many commercial projects such as A Christmas Carol, Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventures and Who Framed Roger Rabbit for which he won an Oscar to fund it.  However after losing control of the film after 28 years in production, it was shoddily completed and quietly released failing to live up to its creator's vision.  Williams, devastated, gave up on ever finishing his dream or even discussing it.  There is a cut on YouTube, edited by a fan utilizing test footage along with completed scenes.  The world never got to fully witness what Richard Williams had wanted to share, but the fact that during the sixties an animator was able to take that much of a risk was unheard of.  In a time when animation was strictly relegated for Saturday mornings this amount of effort and passion was incredible.

3. Don Bluth's Exodus (1979)

Disney's Nine Old Men were getting older and less active in the studio.  Disney animation had not been good in years.  One of the only highlights of Disney in the seventies was the work of Bluth which stood out in The Rescuers, Pete's Dragon and his directorial debut of Small One.  He was a leader at Disney, but he had grown frustrated with the legendary studio.  He took comrades Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy and sixteen other animators on an exodus to create his own studio and try to save the art form of animation.  The audacity and ambition of Bluth was almost unheard of in the seventies.  It took and his animators time to find success, but gradually they animated Banjo the Woodpile Cat, animation in Xanadu and finally Secret of NIMH which was the first important event of the renaissance.  After Land Before Time Bluth definitely lost his way and never really returned to the quality or influence of his first three features.  However leaving Disney in that fashion got people's attention and was something that needed to happen for things to change for the better.

2. Fritz the Cat (1972)

The most influential figure in animation during the TV era was Ralph Bakshi, a Terrytoons animator that changed the way people saw animation.  His features were controversial and shocking.  The first feature was the X-Rated Fritz the Cat, which was a huge box-office success.  The first cartoon that was really intended for adults without requiring accessibility for children.  From Fritz Bakshi went on to direct more adult features such as Heavy Traffic and American Pop as well as high fantasy features such as Wizards and Lord of the Rings.  Bakshi's features have not maintained popularity outside of the seventies, they were really products of their time.  However this was one of the most ambitious and risky moves an animator had ever made.  The influence of Bakshi is still with us today and he remains one of the most important, well-known names in animation history.

1. Death of Walt Disney (1966)

Animation had never suffered as much of a blow as when its spokesperson passed away.  His own studio which was the driving force in the industry for decades took almost 25 years to recover.  Now Walt's ambition had moved on from animated shorts and features as his focus shifted to live-action, television and theme parks.  But the spirit of animation spilled into every project he undertook.  With Mary Poppins being released two years prior to his passing one can only imagine how he might have followed it up or even topped it.  There has never been anyone like Walt Disney and the animation industry benefited immensely from his involvement and guidance.  His death really represented the end of the old guard and animation pioneers.

First Look at Next Year's Oscar Contenders

Best Picture Contenders

Monuments Men

Clooney and Heslov's successor to Argo, with Clooney filling in the roles of not only producer but co-writer, director and star.  The concept involves an allied group that is tries to save German art during World War II.  Cast features Daniel Craig, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban and John Godman.

12 Years a Slave

Steve McQueen has paid his dues and should be on the Academy's radar by now.  The issue of slavery was present in two of last year's contenders.  Also features several great actors that have not yet been recognized by the Academy including Chiewetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Abscam

David O. Russell is coming off of two director's nominations which both earned acting wins.  This true story about a scandal and sting operation reunites Russell with Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence in addition to the prolific Jeremy Renner.

The Butler

Lee Daniel's last movie was critically panned, but this is much more Oscar friendly material.  A great role for Forest Whitaker, who is a great actor in need of a comeback, in a story that spans eight presidents and features a large celebrity cast.

The Counselor

Oscar pundits always put too much faith in Ridley Scott early on, who hasn't been nominated in a decade.  But this could be a good vehicle for the veteran director.  Original screenplay from Cormac McCarthy and a great cast.

August: Osage County

Theatrical adaptations such as Doubt, For Colored Girls, Carnage and Les Mis have not been huge winners with the Academy.  But with Weinstein, Clooney and Heslov as producers this seems designed specifically for the Oscars.  This will do well in the actress categories as it has five major female roles and decent female characters are difficult to come by.

Wolf of Wall Street

Since his comeback in 2002, Scorsese has only had one movie that was not up for Oscars.  This is definitely Oscar friendly material.  Based on a true story featuring an impressive cast.

Fruitvale

Potentially this year's Beasts of the Southern Wild.  It was cleaned up at Sundance and got picked up by Weinstein Company.  With the academy becoming more open to smaller films, this indie hit definitely has a chance.

Foxcatcher

Bennett Miller's followup to Moneyball is based off of a really unsettling true story.  Steve Carell plays a schizophrenic millionaire who kills his best friend, an Olympic wrestler played by Mark Ruffalo.  Throw in Channing Tatum as Ruffalo's brother and there are enough interesting pieces to make this one a contender.

Nebraska

A father-son road trip movie from Alexander Payne should have no trouble earning acting and writing nods.  May be too small to register, but this is a passion project for Payne, should have a lot of heart.

Best Director Contenders

George Clooney, Monuments Men

Oscars got in trouble for snubbing an actor in directing, doubt they will fail to nominate one of their favorite actors.

Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

An indie darling for his first two films.  He should now be on voters' radar with this ambitious project.  After slavery became a discussion point this year audiences should be more open to struggling with a serious look at it.

David O. Russell, Abscam

Russell has had two nominations in the past three years, definitely a contender for a win.  This true story utilizes actors that he had previously directed to nominations and wins.

Lee Daniels, The Butler

A political true story spanning eight presidents with an expansive cast.  Could be this year's Lincoln.

Ridley Scott, The Counselor

In the past ten years people have usually 

Also in Contention: Martin Scorsese (Wolf of Wall Street), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale), Alexander Payne (Nebraska), Bennett Miller (Foxcatcher), Jason Reitman (Labor Day)

Best Actor Contenders

Forest Whitaker, The Butler

Forest Whitaker has not had a decent role since he won an Oscar in 2006, but this could be a turnaround for him and Lee Daniels.  Playing a real figure who witnesses politics firsthand and has a relationship with eight presidents is Oscar gold.  Would not count out this great actor for a second Oscar.

Tom Hanks, Saving Mr. Banks

Walt Disney has more Oscars than anyone.  This is the Academy's chance to give him a 23rd award or at least a 60th nomination.  Tom Hanks is working back towards Oscar territory with this and Captain Phillips.  Beloved actor and the most famous figure in Hollywood history is going to be recognized by voters.

Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers' Club

McConaughey has had an incredible career turnaround in the last two years.  Last year he received several critical awards and nominations.  He is going to continue his streak this year with indie movies like Mud, a supporting role in Wolf of Wall Street and this difficult true story.  McConaughey lost a considerable amount of weight to play a man dying from AIDs.  This is going to be a tough role to ignore.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Ejiofor was a rising star, but his career sort of stopped a few years ago.  But McQueen does great work with actors and he will have a lot of screen time.  Ejiofor is a talented enough actor to make this harsh material tolerable.  Expect him to bring some subtleties to a very difficult role.

Steve Carell, Foxcatcher

While typed as a light comedic actor, Carell is always dependable no matter the movie.  This is his most Oscar friendly role to date.  A real life schizophrenic millionaire that kills he best friend will allow Carell to showcase a range that he normally doesn't get to.  Expect this part to surprise a lot of people.

Also in Contention: Bruce Dern (Nebraska), Michael Fassbender (Counselor), Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale), Joaquin Phoenix (Her), Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street)

Best Actress Contenders

Naomi Watts, Diana

Naomi Watts finally got another nomination last year.  Playing one of the most famous figures in modern history should earn her a lot of attention.  Outside of her there does not seem to be much prestige behind the project, but this is definitely in consideration.

Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Many people thought Streep would lose for Iron Lady because they expected her to win for this.  Streep leads a great ensemble in a great recent stage role.

Julia Roberts, August: Osage County

Another actor this year who could be working towards a comeback.  May get moved to supporting, since this is a competitive category and may not want to compete with Meryl.  But expect her to be a contender in either category.

Kate Winslet, Labor Day

Labor Day seems like a change for both Winslet and Jason Reitman.  Winslet plays a mother who picks up a sketchy man.  Reitman is great with actresses and the premise seems to offer Winslet a lot to play with.

Marion Cotillard, Lowlife

Cotillard has not received a nomination since she won, but she does great work every year.  She seems to take center stage as a woman sold into a magic show in this upcoming James Gray project.

Also in Contention: Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks), Jennifer Lawrence (The Falling), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), Emma Watson (Bling Ring), Michelle Pfeiffer (Malavita)

Best Supporting Actor Contenders

Josh Brolin, Labor Day

Brolin brings depth to scumbags like no other.  He is taking center stage as an uneasy figure.  

Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave

Fassbender has been critically acclaimed in many roles in the past few years.  Got his big start and most acclaim with Steve McQueen.  Unless votes split with The Counselor, he 

Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher

A dependable actor who is undergoing physical change for the athletic role.  Ruffalo is bound to get a second nomination in the near future

Will Forte, Nebraska

It may take an Alexander Payne movie to get people to notice how talented of a performer he is.  Forte is able to stand out in dreck, this could be a career changing role for the SNL vet

Ewan McGregor, August: Osage County

McGregor usually gets cast in Oscar bait, but has not been a major contender yet.  With a large supporting cast, Osage is bound to receive some supporting actor attention.  McGregor seems like the most likely candidate

Also in Contention: Javier Bardem (Counselor), Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers' Club), Harrison Ford (42), Channing Tatum (Foxcatcher), Benedict Cumberbatch (August: Osage County)

Best Supporting Actress Contenders

Amy Adams, Abscam

It seems like David O. Russell is the best director to lead actors to Oscar nominations and wins.  Without knowing much about the project I am predicting Adams.  After four nominations she is due for a win.  Also her blockbuster exposure from Man of Steel will likely help such her like it did Hathaway and Lawrence.

Cameron Diaz, The Counselor

Surprisingly out of The Counselor cast pundits are predicting Cameron Diaz for a nomination.  Diaz is a talented actress that does not often get a good movie.  Could be her first Oscar nomination.

Octavia Spencer, Fruitvale

Won for The Help and has a major role in this year's Sundance hit.  Spencer does very well in interviews and playing the Oscar game.  Could be her second nomination.

Margo Martindale, August: Osage County

A very dependable character actress that has not received much exposure yet.  Being a stage actress she will do well in Osage.  She is the actress that most are expecting to do the best from the ensemble.

Oprah Winfrey, The Butler

A powerful public figure that is returning to acting for the first time since 1985 (where she received an Oscar nomination).  She will be one of the few performers to be on screen through the whole movie.  Expect her to do very well at campaigning.

Also in Contention: Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyers' Club), Julianne Nicholson (August: Osage County), Juliette Lewis (August: Osage County), Catherine Keener (Captain Phillips), Cate Blanchett (Monuments Men)