An Introduction is in Order (and so are the videos)
I have loved movies for as long as I can remember. Even since before I could comprehend the intricacies of plot lines or the finer points of character development, I enjoyed the medium. On a primal level, I understood that when the pretty girl was surrounded by giant eels it was a bad thing, as I knew it was a triumphant moment when the Green-capped hero poked the bad guy with a giant metal stick. Since then I’ve learned a few things, and my appreciation has increased all the more. And for just as long as I’ve loved movies, my family and I have gotten them from Reckless Video.
Even at the old location, we were loyal customers, coming in every week to chat with employees and pick up a copy of a bulky VHS tape that would often carry a picture of Darth Vader or Buzz Lightyear under the transparent, brittle casing. My mother tells me that Mike, in his pre-daddy days, used to be concerned about my noggin (and his movie displays) as I recklessly toddled down the aisles. We have been frequenters of the store ever since, and have enjoyed watching it evolve over the years.
So naturally, when Zoe asked me to work at the store as a media collocation specialist (a.k.a. video alphabetizer), I leaped at the opportunity. I continued to work at the store during the next several months, braving the terrors of the tornado stricken Kid-Vid section, and the over-populated mass of documentaries until Zoe approached me with a proposition: the store needed a boost in web content in order to reach a younger demographic, and she wanted me to find movies that influenced me as a child and post reviews of them on the Reckless website. I agreed to this, and proceeded to run home with a noticeable skip in my step, rush into my room, and pick out all of my favorite movies. I had procured my first writing job at age fourteen. YAY.
My Love Affair with a Desk Lamp
By Henry Kaye
My family has always enjoyed Pixar. We have gone to see every one of their films in theaters, and every time we’ve walked out of the theater with a sense of childlike wonder. My earliest memory of a film is one involving Woody and Buzz trying to escape from the clutches of a horde of friendly cannibals, only to realize that the poor beasts were trying to mend the wounds of a rather
asymmetrical Buzz Lightyear. Never had a film entranced me in such a way, and for years afterwards, no others matched it.
It is hard to find a company of storytellers more proficient than those in the studios of Pixar animation. The films always manage to blow you away with their originality, drawing you into a world where the concepts are foreign, but only briefly, due to the recognizable logic of the alternate universe. Though plotlines range from a world of monsters drawing power from the screams of our children, to a talented rat longing to cook in one of Paris’ most famous restaurants, the worlds always maintain a sense of familiarity and relatability. Perhaps the best example of this is portrayed in The Incredibles, when a family of superheroes argues about which exit to take whilst careening down the freeway en route to destroy a giant robot. Even when characters are monstrous, aquatic, or can’t so much as say anything beyond their names, you can’t help but relate to them.
Pixar no doubt raised the bar for animated cinema. While films such as Snow White or The Lion King have become celebrated classics, these mainly targeted a younger audience, but Pixar wanted to up the ante. The studio has made their movies with the intention of them being instant classics, technical feats, and enjoyable experiences for all ages. This try at brilliance has evidently
succeeded, as films such as Wall.E and The Incredibles are celebrated for their compelling action, flawless storytelling, and loveable characters. Lately animation studios such as DreamWorks and Fox have tried to emulate Pixar, but most attempts at this have failed (for citation see Madagascar 2). These films are evidence that originality and beauty still exist in the industry, even if it’s hard to find at times.
Top 3 Pixar Favorites
This segment was heart-wrenchingly difficult to write, due to the spotless filmography of Pixar studios. But unfortunately, I must choose from this treasure trove of computerized beauties. And though merchandise from these films can be found flooding the shelves of Toys ‘R Us, I can assure you that the entire family will enjoy them.
Wall.E
The film Wall.E is the story of a small waste management robot that falls hopelessly in love with a “beautiful” probe named E.V.E, a robot charged with the task of searching the long-abandoned planet Earth for signs of a healthy eco-system. The film performs what can be defined as a miraculous feat, creating characters that can say nothing beyond each others names, and making us care so much for them that we are almost screaming at the screen during the endless thrills and suspense of the movie.
The Incredibles
The first of several Pixar movies directed by Brad Bird, The Incredibles tells the story of a family of superheroes trying to fit into everyday life while enjoying the pleasures of crime fighting. This film has everything a movie could ask for: humor, action, and a clever plot line. Surprisingly enough, I think that there is something in this movie for everyone to relate to, whether it’s the father’s longing for freedom from his depressing day job or the daughter turning invisible so that she can stare at a guy she likes. The characters are lovable, the action is fun, and the writing is superb, I would recommend this to any family.
Toy Story
Arguably the best work of Pixar, this was the first full-length movie ever to be done entirely using CGI. It tells the story of a society of toys all belonging to a kid named Andy. At the head of this society is Woody, a cowboy doll with a pull-string voice box. All this changes however, when Andy’s birthday arrives, and an adventurous new space toy by the name of Buzz Lightyear arrives. The other toys fall immediately for his grandeur, but fail to realize that he doesn't know he’s a toy! My family and I have always loved this movie, and have recommended it to every family we’ve met, so I find it my moral responsibility to recommend it to you as well.
Henry Kaye
Reckless Video
Youth Movie Critic