Pixar

These days there are many studios that make animated films. Some are better than others, but one name always pops into peoples heads. That name is Pixar. Pixar might not have came up with the animated film genre, but they have certainly known how to do it right since their beginnings. I mean that's why the House of Mouse purchased them. Now, granted, most recently Disney has been owning animation once again with the massive hit that is Frozen, but that's besides the point.

Back in '95 a story about a sheriff, an officer of Star Command, and their toy friends changed the way many looked at animated features as it won an Academy award and inspired countless animators of today. I've always thought that I've had a personal connection with Toy Story because in Toy Story 3 Andy went off to college the same year I did. That just means that I'm going to have find a way to hide #3 from my child till they do the same so they can have the same emotional attachment.

I still have to say, though, that the Incredibles is my favorite Pixar flick. Thank goodness it'll finally be getting a sequel. What stole the show for me in the hero themed movie was the Jack Jack Attack short and that's one area where Pixar has inspired many other studios, "shorts". Shorts have been a perfect way of either continuing the story of the movie they're attached to or adding something different before the movie starts. The two non-related movie shorts that have stuck out to me through the years are Knick Knack and the Blue Umbrella.

At this point Knick Knack is just a classic. A snowman trying to be with a mermaid? It's the love story no one saw coming. Not to mention the hilarity that ensues while he try's to get to her. Same thing with the Blue Umbrella. It's another love story, but this time it follows an Umbrella's journey of finding "the one". Love is a subject that many shorts focus on these days, but I believe, because there are so many different ways to express love, the unique story's are needed. If anything more of society, not just kids, could learn a thing or two from the creative pieces.