The Cars choice may be because Pixar wants to promote the imminent sequel, which, based on the trailer, may be the first Pixar movie that I pass on since "Bug's Life."
Cars is also the biggest money maker for Pixar. I got a tour of their "campus" with some of my students last year and there was a lot of cars stuff around, much more than Monsters Inc. or The Incredibles.
"Cars" is the only Pixar movie I've never fully seen and have no interest in. (The parts I've seen haven't caught my attention.) I would have definitely replaced it with The Incredibles. (And I would put Monsters Inc. way above both Wall-E and Ratatouille, both of which I liked but don't adore the way I do Monsters Inc.)
Seeing the trailer for Cars 2 a few weeks ago definitely had me puzzled. It's no-one's favorite Pixar movie, and really doesn't call to have its universe expanded. The more you think about it, the more unsettling questions come up.
On the other hand, I think it is a favorite of kids, and has probably produced more anciliary merchandising than any other movie (including, I'd wager, any individual Toy Story.)
Having nannied for a 5 year old boy at the height of Cars' popularity, I can tell you for certain that it has the most merchandise, and that boys from 3-8 love it over all other animated movies new or old. It is a smart move finanically for them, but it didn't need to be done creatively.
Cars does have the most merch, a friend who worked at Pixar confirmed. She said the mercjing happened slowly, after the movie id well and there was a massive demand. Cars is a hit with both boys AND girls (I have a 3 year old girl who is crazy for Lightning and thinks talking cars are hilarious).
Of all Pixar movies, I also think it's the least scary, and the one that is the most "kiddy.". The nostalgia theme is kind of weak, IMHO.
The Cars choice may be because Pixar wants to promote the imminent sequel, which, based on the trailer, may be the first Pixar movie that I pass on since "Bug's Life."
ReplyDeleteSeriously, no Bugs Life stamp? Weird.
ReplyDeleteMonsters Inc. is always overlooked, and it is in my top 3 of Pixar movies. Beaten by Shrek for the Oscar? Ugh.
ReplyDeleteYou're singing my song. I can't even watch Shrek because of it.
ReplyDeleteNo Monsters Inc? No Incredibles??? Heresy.
ReplyDeleteCars is also the biggest money maker for Pixar. I got a tour of their "campus" with some of my students last year and there was a lot of cars stuff around, much more than Monsters Inc. or The Incredibles.
ReplyDelete"Cars" is the only Pixar movie I've never fully seen and have no interest in. (The parts I've seen haven't caught my attention.) I would have definitely replaced it with The Incredibles. (And I would put Monsters Inc. way above both Wall-E and Ratatouille, both of which I liked but don't adore the way I do Monsters Inc.)
ReplyDeleteSeeing the trailer for Cars 2 a few weeks ago definitely had me puzzled. It's no-one's favorite Pixar movie, and really doesn't call to have its universe expanded. The more you think about it, the more unsettling questions come up.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I think it is a favorite of kids, and has probably produced more anciliary merchandising than any other movie (including, I'd wager, any individual Toy Story.)
Having nannied for a 5 year old boy at the height of Cars' popularity, I can tell you for certain that it has the most merchandise, and that boys from 3-8 love it over all other animated movies new or old. It is a smart move finanically for them, but it didn't need to be done creatively.
ReplyDeleteNo "Incredibles" stamp is a travesty. Agreed that they are bowing to the altar of commerce. I personally would kill for an Edna Mode first day cover.
ReplyDeleteCars does have the most merch, a friend who worked at Pixar confirmed. She said the mercjing happened slowly, after the movie id well and there was a massive demand. Cars is a hit with both boys AND girls (I have a 3 year old girl who is crazy for Lightning and thinks talking cars are hilarious).
ReplyDeleteOf all Pixar movies, I also think it's the least scary, and the one that is the most "kiddy.". The nostalgia theme is kind of weak, IMHO.