Animations Tender Different Flavors
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Product differentiation, a method of attracting consumers by making goods appear special, reigns among animation films due to hit theaters this summer. That is to say, cartoons, a medium that has always given flight to the high-soaring human imagination, are becoming even more creative.
Disney's latest installment ``Ratatouille'' is satisfying the taste of moviegoers with its deliciously retro appeal. While animation films these days tend to be edgy with sarcastically silly characters, this film keeps the laughter going with classic humor more along the lines of goofy mice like Gus from ``Cinderella'' (1950).
Remy the rat is a gastronomic genius, but alas, his rodent roots make it difficult to pursue his dreams. But one day, a series of mishaps leads him to the Parisian restaurant of world-renowned chef Gusteau, Remy's idol that inspired him by saying ``Anyone Can Cook.''
Pixar, the computer graphic gurus of ``The Incredibles'' (2004), vibrantly captures the romantic charms of the city of love and the chaos at a high-end restaurant kitchen. Remy whips up magical culinary delights, like a plate of Provencal dish ratatouille, that melt the heart of a merciless food critic _ and that of viewers.
This heartwarming tale of courage will charm both children and adults alike.
Another incredible 3-D animation movie that will thoroughly entertain viewers this summer is the aptly titled``Surf's Up.'' Reality shows are all the rage these days, and Sony Pictures Animation Studio decided to angle the film a little differently in the style of a ``mockumentary.'' Craftily presented, the movie comes across as a documentary when it is, in fact, a cartoon. It is sure to sweep audiences away in a high tide of humor.
Based on the revelation that penguins actually invented surfing, the film introduces viewers to the fierce Penguin World Surfing Championship by documenting its newest participant, up-and-coming teen Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf). As Cody faces the tough competition, he meets a group of unlikely friends who teach him the beauty of riding the wave and the importance of friendship.
Created by Ash Brannon (``Toy Story'' series, 1995-1999 and ``A Bug's Life,'' 1998) and Chris Buck (``The Little Mermaid,'' 1989, ``Pocahontas,'' 1997), ``Surf's Up'' is eye-catching not only for its distinctive narrative style, but its stylistically daring CGI (computer graphic interface) technology. The film captures, with amazing finesse, the swirling waves and ripples of crystal clear waters and striking sunsets by the beach. The film is due in theaters Aug. 9.
Amid the high tide of flashy 3-D cartoons, 2-D still manages to hold its own. The longest running ``sitcom'' cartoon with a large adult following, Matt Groening's ``The Simpsons'' series' first movie ``The Simpson Movie" is smashing the American box office in a and furious rate.
The zany family of five, who already has their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, makes their big screen debut. Beer-chugging Homer, wise Marge, menacing Bart, smart Lisa and baby Maggie are back.
Springfield faces its biggest threat when Homer mistakenly pollutes the river with toxic waste from his ``Pig Crap'' silo. As the EPA proceeds to encase the entire town in a glass dome, President Schwarzenegger gives the order for it to be destroyed, Homer must save Springfield once and for all.
The movie, rendered in classic 2-D and primary colors, deliberately promotes its retro quality. In its trailer, a sweet 3-D bunny hops around in a merry wonderland but is squashed by an ugly ``Simpsons Movie'' title ``in 2-D.'' The film hits screens Aug. 23.