Monday, June 25, 2007

The good kind of cheesy.

rat_3You’ve been there, right? Your friend is in a band or some theater production, and they invite you to see them, and you have to be supportive. You don’t have a choice. Like last week, my husband Blaine is all, “Patton invited us to see a private screening of 'Ratatouille' on the Disney lot Sunday.” Ugh! FINE! I’ll go, but I won’t like it.

So I went. And it SUCKED.

No, of course it didn’t. Design and animation were stunning, without reminding you why. One of its most creative but implausible premises - rat controlling chef via hair yanking - was eclipsed by the resultant acting (a lesson for writers and executives alike, and one echoed at the end by the food critic). Patton's performance was terrific; no cartooniness, just perfect comedic timing. And only one "it was in you all along" moment.

rat_4 Afterwards, Patton's guests stood in a circle. Film-related pleasantries were briefly exchanged before the real discussion began. With their Dungeons and Dragons campaign recently ending in annihilation for all, would they be accepting new players?

This is the Hollywood I love.

xoxo
Vera

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Friday, June 22, 2007

Lucha... VA VOOM! 15 - The Quinceanera

poubelles_spiroThese two girls will see you here next week?lvv15_poster

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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Annecy 2007

Maybe "Twincesses" wasn't ready to send to the 2007 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, but the twins sure were. Last week we made our sixth trip to the beautiful little French town near the Swiss and Italian borders. What fun! Usually our time is split between watching the latest independent short films and TV shows, drinking Kirs, and napping, but this year was special. London's TVC Studios celebrated its 50th year, and thanks to our escort - their past animator and our present dad, Mr. Jim Duffy - we were invited to the party. A whole lot of history was had; TVC, if you don't know, was responsible for "The Yellow Submarine".

annecy07_1 Amongst these snow-haired gents, you'll find legendary animators/directors/producers Jim Duffy, Jack Stokes, Chuck Swenson and John Coates.

As for Annecy's films, the following are some of our picks, if you care to track them down:
* "Dji Vou Veu Volti" (Belgium; Barbara's all into love these days)pearce1
* "Lavatory - Lovestory" (Russia; same reason)
* "The Pearce Sisters" (UK; made by crazy people)
* "Meme en Reve" (France; clever 'n' funny)
* "The Wrong Trainers" (UK; heart-breaking)
* Bedtime Stories "The Land of Bogeys" (France; because we are secretly four years old and "croute du nez" is hilarious.)

Also intriguing, the Seven-esque Danish film "Down the Road". I got to compliment director Rune Christensen personally when two women I was with attempted to order coffee from him at the Bonlieu. Later, at the infamous Scot's Pub, he regaled us with tales of drunkenly breaking into his own hotel. Animators are so swoony!

hykade1Unfortunately, we missed the newest film by Andreas Hykade, whose "Ring of Fire" put hearts in our eyes when we first saw it at the 2000 Ottawa International Animation Festival. He also illustrated The Animation Pimp, the brand new collection of articles by OIAF's Artistic Director Chris Robinson. Boy, is this a good read. Opinionated, poignant, informative, amusing, and not afraid to coin "jamesbondingly," it's worth the price just for its glossary of animators.

I'm already dreaming of Annecy 2008...

xoxo
Vera

P.S. It's a long story, but Barbara and I are now addicted to Mackenzies Smelling Salts, which can be purchased at any British chemist's and is stronger than crack.

P.P.S. I've just watched my old dubbed copy of "Ring of Fire". Oh. I have the heart-sickness from its beauty.

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