Story conceived by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and Lee Unkrich.
Rashida Jones and Will McCormack will write the screenplay.
Galyn Susman is producing.
Lasseter directs.
Releasing on June 16, 2017.
I've been getting the feeling over the years that John Lasseter is now the George Lucas of animation.
According to John Lasseter, when Toy Story 3 was completed, the ending to Woody and Buzz's story was so perfect that for a long time, Pixar "never even talked about doing another Toy Story movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and [John] came up with this new idea, [he] just could not stop thinking about it. [He] knew [they] had to make this movie—and he wanted to direct it [him]self." Although Toy Story 4 picks up where Toy Story 3 left off, it is not going to continue Toy Story 3. It has been hinted that it is going to be a love story.
When I heard of the news of Toy Story 4, honestly, I exploded. I felt betrayed by Pixar's desire in wanting to tell innovative stories for the sake of being great storytellers, and not just fully focusing on merchandising. This is proof that the Disney Company now is ruled by profits over quality or sense.
Haven't they heard the phrase "Quit while you're ahead"?
I thought the whole idea of them making all the Toy Story specials and shorts was to keep the characters in the public eye without the need for further films and spoiling what was a perfect ending in 3?
It was really unnecessary for a Cars sequel, as well as for a prequel/sequel for Monsters, Inc. With plans for a sequel to Finding Nemo (another unnecessary venture) and now a Toy Story 4, Pixar is starting to become the next DreamWorks, but in their own way.
This is not the Pixar I have come to respect and appreciate over the years. Instead of thinking of creating risky stories and unique situations, they have become very, very complacent in wanting to play things safe (Cars 2, Brave, Monsters U.), which is very disappointing. Maybe Toy Story 4 will be good, maybe it will be great...but I highly doubt it will top Toy Story 3. The story not only had a brilliant and beautiful ending to the series and sealed a great legacy, but it took us places unimaginable, and rightfully so. As C.S. Lewis said when everyone was demanding another Narnia book, "Isn't it better to stop while people are still asking for more than to go til they are tired?" This applies to Toy Story. Why ruin it?! I like Toy Story as a trilogy, not a saga.
I just cannot understand why John Lasseter would want to do sequels instead of taking the audiences on another grand adventure that is unique from his previous ones (Cars, A Bug's Life, Toy Story). Then again, he has been in more business mode as of late, and just maybe, he's thinkin' more of that, than that of an innovator and an artist. A burn and hurtful comment, yes, but I'm very upset by this announcement. So I guess I can say, I'm returning the favor.
Why does John Lasseter keep making me want to lose respect for him?
However, I'm trying to be open minded, but I thought Toy Story 3 wrapped up things up. I've yet to be disappointed by any role played by Tom Hanks. The big man himself is directing. That's his baby. He's not going to let us down. Could be worse, it could be Cars 3. But, for Woody's sake, please put Bo Beep in it.
In closing of this rant, I just don't know about Pixar anymore. To see Disney make more films that are stand alones than Pixar? Something is not right. I'm done...I'm done.
To paraphrase the late great Frank Zappa, The Toy Story franchise isn't dead but it's starting to smell funny.
No comments:
Post a Comment