'Monsters University'--Prequel--Rumours Confirmed

Late on Tuesday night, it was officially confirmed by Disney and Pixar that the film set to make its debut in theatres in November 2012, will indeed be a prequel, as was rumoured in January. But of course, 'Monsters, Inc. 2' would be a bad title for a prequel, so instead, Pixar has given it the new name Monsters University. Love it.

The story will focus on Mike and Sulley's studies at the Monstropolis University of Fear, where instead of being the bestest of friends, they were arch enemies. This should be a funny movie. I can imagine Mike throwing crumpled of sheets of paper at Sulley's back during class, and Sulley looking back at him with an annoyed look on his face.

This is what Disney's executive vice president of worldwide distribution has to say:

“The film is a prequel that tells you a little bit about how [Mike and Sulley] first met, attending Monsters University,”

“Obviously everybody knows at this point Mike and Sulley are amazing friends — the best of friends — but as it turns out, in this story, that wasn’t always the case. From the moment they met at university, they could not stand each other. This story takes you through the ups and downs, and how they overcame their own differences.”

Many Pixar fans were worried that a sequel would ruin the first Monsters film's perfect ending. A prequel will let us again see our favorite monsters up on the big screen, yet leave the ending to Monsters, Inc. unaffected. I'm just super excited to watch another adventure with Mike and Sulley. They are two of my favorite movie characters of all time.

Monsters University roars into theaters November 2, 2012.

More 'Brave' Art!

After the astounding pieces of artwork of Brave that were revealed two days ago, we now get another lovely painting, this one giving us a more detailed look at Merida, the main protagonist of the film. This piece of art is definitely more action-packed than the other three we saw on Monday. Merida appears to be riding her horse through the Scotland forest, just about to shoot an arrow at who knows what. Gritty, ain't it?

Spectacular First Look at Brave!

It's been quite a while since we first heard that Pixar was making Brave. At the time, the film was entitled 'The Bear and the Bow', and we had only been introduced to a simplified synopsis. Finally, Entertainment Weekly got us our first good look at Pixar's first fairy tale! But it sure doesn't look like your average princess movie! Even though the main character is a princess, remember that it's Pixar making Brave, so there is no need for boys to not watch this movie! Lee Unkrich even once described it as 'gritty' in an interview. So Brave may be a fairy tale, but not your typical 'girly' princess fairy tale, but rather, a spectacular, 'gritty' adventure for all audiences.

This past October, we heard that Brenda Chapman had been replaced by Mark Andrews as director for the film. However, it appears that Chapman will still be credited as co-director for Brave. Another change that EW informed us of today is that Reese Witherspoon will not be playing the lead role in the movie as princess Merida, she has been replaced by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald. I think this change was a rather smart move, because Scotland is the setting for Brave, so it makes sense to have a Scottish actress voice a Scottish princess. Below take a look at some more beautiful concept art for the film. Dang, Pixar artists are GOOD!!!


The new, updated synopsis:

The rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland serve as the backdrop for Brave, a new tale that joins the lands’ ancient lore stories of epic battles and mystical legends passed down for generations. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, Brave is the grand adventure of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer who confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts to discover the true meaning of courage. The film also features the voices of Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane. Brave, full of heart, memorable characters and Pixar’s signature humor, takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D in select theaters.

Catch Pixar's 13th on June 22, 2012!

Cars 2 Character Profiles: Grem and Acer

Every spy movie needs an evil sidekick, and Cars 2 has two of these to add to the troubles of McQueen and Mater.

Read these official descrpitions:

Grem

Grem is a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin. After years of being dismissed for his design, even being called a “lemon,” Grem has a big chip on his fender that has led him to the underworld of international espionage. As a henchman for a villainous boss Professor Z, Grem and his partner-in-crime Acer are trying to sabotage the World Grand Prix and the famous race cars competing in it. When Grem and Acer mistake Mater for an American agent with important top-secret information, the ruthless lemons set out on a round-the-globe chase to stop Mater from foiling their evil scheme.

Acer

Acer has always felt like an outcast in the car world. The beat-up green AMC Pacer joined forces with fellow “lemon” cars as henchmen for the devious Professor Z, whose clandestine mission is to wreak havoc at the highly visible World Grand Prix. Acer must hunt down the American and British secret agents who’ve stolen crucial information about Professor Z’s underhanded plot—his primary target just happens to be Mater, who’s been mistaken for a spy. Acer tries very hard to be a tough guy, but he’s over-eager compared to his no-nonsense accomplice Grem.

Watch their turntable videos:

Tiny Peek at 'Monsters' 2

Moments ago, I stumbled upon some tiny pieces of information regarding Monsters, Inc. 2. According to Wikipedia, Pete Doctor, director of the first Monsters movie, announced at a Pixar convention on March 12, 2011 that he and John Lasseter would be executive producers of the film. He also stated that Boo, the cute little girl in pink from the first film would be in this next movie. This raises the possibilities of Monsters, Inc. 2 being an actual sequel, not a prequel as has been previously rumoured. If the film was going to be a prequel, I seriously doubt that Boo would be in the film, as Mike and Sulley meet her for the very first time in the first movie. But whether Monsters, Inc. 2 will be a sequel or a prequel, I am sure it will be another great adventure with the beloved characters we were introduced to in 2001.

New (Awesome) 'Cars 2' Poster!

Sometimes I feel like I can't express how much I love Pixar for all the beautiful, great, and awesome things they do. Like this poster. It makes me want to see Cars 2 even more now. There's just something in it that I love so much, but I can't really describe it in words. It's a simple design, yet it is very creative. Come on, June 24, come faster...

NASCAR Racers To Get Cameos in 'Cars 2'

Two famous NASCAR racers will be getting their own cameos in Cars 2. These two are none other than Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip (who also had a cameo in the first Cars are Darrell Cartrip). Each of the racing stars will voice their own character, and are most likely to be competitors in the World Grand Prix. Watch the turntable video for 'Jeff Gorvette' below.

Pixar By The Numbers

Have you ever wondered how many people currently work at Pixar? Or how long it takes to make a Pixar movie? Or how many toys are in Toy Story 3? Well, I've gone around the Internet and read my Pixarpedia and tried to answer a lot of those curious questions as best as I could. A lot of the answers are estimates, because it would be almost impossible to get the exact answers to everything. So I encourage you to read on, and let all (or at least most) of your questions about Pixar be answered!

• Around 1200 employees...or more...work at Pixar Animation Studios.
• The average Pixar movie usually takes 4 to 5 years to create...or in other words, about 1460.97 to 1826.21 days.
• As many people know, Pixar has made 11 films up to date, and will release their 12th film, Cars 2, on June 24, 2011.
• Pixar's highest grossing film, Toy Story 3, earned an estimated $1,063,171,609 at the box office. It became the 5th highest grossing film of all time, the #1 animated film of all time, and the highest grossing film of 2010.
• John Lasseter has directed 4 of Pixar's films to this day, and is set to make his 5th debut as director this year with Cars 2.
• So far, there are 9 hilarious Cars Toons, and more will be released in the years to come.
• Randy Newman has scored 6 Pixar movies, including all 3 Toy Story films.
• John Ratzenberger, considered Pixar's 'lucky charm', has voiced 9 Pixar characters, including Hamm the piggy bank and Mack the truck.
• Ever since the Best Animated Feature Film award was introduced to the Oscars in 2001, Pixar has been nominated 8 times, and has won 6 times.
• Not only has Pixar made many fantastic feature films, but the company has created 19 ground-breaking short films, their most recent being Day & Night. Their 20th short, Hawaiian Vacation, will be played in front of Cars 2.
• Pixar has received 10 Academy Award nominations for their short films, and has won 3 times.
• Pixar was founded in 1986, so the company has existed for 25 years.
• Russel, the 8 year-old wilderness explorer from Up, has over 40 badges!
• In Pixar's Ratatouille, the word 'rat' is used 51 times!
• Sulley, the big, blue, furry monster from Monsters, Inc., has around 2,137,000 hairs in total!
• Carl Fredricksen from Up uses about 10,000 to 20,000 balloons to lift his house up into the air!
• In Toy Story 3, Andy only has 12 toys left...but at Sunnyside Daycare, there are probably over 100 toys!
• In Pixar's Cars, there are, of course, over 200 cars seen in the film...probably a lot more!
• There are exactly 96 days left until the North American theatrical release of Cars 2!!!

Of course, those are only a few of Pixar-related facts, because well, with numbers, Pixar always goes.........

To Infinity, and Beyond!

Pixar Website Goes 'Cars 2'

Pixar's official website has now been updated to match their upcoming feature film, Cars 2. Each time you refresh the site, a new image from the film will appear on the home page. Most of the shots included we have already seen before, but there is an all new action-packed still which can be seen above. In this cool pic, Lightning McQueen and his new rival, Francesco Bernoulli, are competing against each other in a race...and Lightning seems to be winning. Francesco on the other hand, does not look too pleased.

Cars 2 hits theaters June 24...only three months and four days to go...

'Brave' Release Date Moved!

A while back, we heard that the release for Monsters, Inc. 2 was pushed forward to November 2, 2012 instead of the originally planned release date of November 16. Now, Brave, Pixar's other 2012 film has also experienced a release date change, but instead of forward, they're pushing it back! Luckily, it's only for a week, so we won't have to wait that much longer for Pixar's very first fairy tale, which judging by what I have heard about the film, sounds very exciting! So instead of June 15, Brave will now be released on June 22, 2012. But it makes the wait to the film even more exciting!

If you still have not a clue as to what Brave will be about, read the plot below.

In rugged and mythic Scotland, the impetuous, tangle-haired Mérida, though a daughter of royalty, would rather make her mark as an archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Mérida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Mérida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark ancient curse.

Cars 2: The Video Game

June is just around the corner, and we have recently gotten to see new trailers for Cars 2, so it was only a matter of time that we got a first good look at the video game for the movie! Cars 2: The Video Game is being developed by Avalanche, with some help from Pixar of course. These are the same companies that developed the TS3 video game, so it is clear that it will be just as fun and entertaining. The game will be released for the Wii, XBox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, and PSP. Watch the trailer below.

Cars 2 Character Profiles: Shu Todoroki

Shu Todoroki is the sleek Japanese racecar attending the World Grand Prix. Lately, I've found that Japan is quite an interesting country, so it is great seeing an all new Japanese character being introduced to the 'Cars' world.

Read this official description:

Shu Todoroki
Shu Todoroki is a Le Motor Prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon. His team legacy is filled with victories – his coach, a Mazda, was the only Japanese car to ever win at Le Mans – and Shu hopes to prove his champion-level racing on the international stage of the World Grand Prix.

Also, check out his turntable video:

John Lasseter Talks Cars 2

In this new video, Cars 2 director and Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Disney John Lasseter talks about the inspiration for the upcoming sequel, and how it is not a parody of a spy movie, it is an actual spy movie. This is undoubtedly the video that was shown at the Toy Fair last month, when John was unable to make it to the event. He also talks a bit about new character Francesco Bernoulli. It is very interesting to hear how the idea for the movie first began, so I highly recommend you watch the video below.

Cars 2 Extravaganza: Retro Posters

These four 'retro style' posters of Cars 2 were released yesterday along with the stills and trailers. I find it amazing how much detail Pixar puts into every single thing they do. I would love to have these on my wall...

Cars 2 Extravaganza: Stills

Along with the cool new trailers, we were introduced to four remarkable shots of Cars 2. They give us a glimpse at some of the beautiful qualities of the film, such as some of those gorgeous sets in all the different countries. Click to view in high-res. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.

Cars 2 Extravaganza: Trailers

And the wait to Pixar's Cars 2 continues! As promised, an all-new full-length trailer for the film has just been released, along with an all new UK trailer. These two feature parts of the TV spot we were introduced to before, but also a load of never-before-seen footage! These trailers make you want to see the movie, and highlight some of the action-packed elements of the upcoming film. Why won’t June 24 come faster??

Below is the domestic trailer…a must-watch!!



Below is the UK trailer, with footage not seen in the domestic one. Also a must-watch!



Cars 2 is ought to be the most action-packed Pixar film yet! So much drama…so many explosions….all in one amazing, spectacular, mind-blowing spy movie!! ‘Spy it only in theaters’ on June 24!

Cool Pixar Pic: Homecoming

One week ago, Toy Story 3 took home the awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 83rd Academy Awards. Lee Unkrich posted this picture on Twitter. That big, big crowd of Pixar workers was waiting for him at the studio when he returned. That looks like it must have been a really awesome moment, and not just for Lee, but for everybody at Pixar. Not everyone knows how difficult it is to make an animated movie as good as Toy Story 3, so I think it's great that these people's talents are recognized by winning an Oscar. Again, congratulations Pixar.

Also, Lee tweeted this other cool picture, related to his Oscar win. "Safety first." Funny.

Note: I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up with my Cars 2 Character Profiles. I will begin catching up this week starting with Shu Todoroki.

New 'Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation' Still

Along with all the other Hawaiian Vacation news that has been going around this week, we were introduced to this great new pic of the ought-to-be-awesome short.The still features Mrs. Potato Head, Barbie, Ken, Jessie, the Aliens, and Buzz, all dressed in their fabulous Hawaiian wardrobe! Oh, I just can't wait for June 24...

Another Sneak Peek at 'Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation'

About a week ago, we got our very first look at the upcoming Toy Story short which will see the return of everyone's favorite toys to the the big screen, entitled 'Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation'. On Tuesday, a 30 second clip from the short film and an official synopsis were revealed! Also, EW got to interview the director of the short, Gary Rydstrom. It's an interesting interview, and talks about Hawaiian Vacation, and future Toy Story shorts. Read it here.

Watch the clip here:



Read the official synopsis here:

In celebration of their recent Oscar® win for Best Animated Feature, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the “Toy Story 3” gang head to the big screen again this summer in “Hawaiian Vacation,” a 3D animated short directed by seven-time Academy Award®-winner Gary Rydstrom. “Hawaiian Vacation” will appear exclusively with the upcoming “Cars 2” theatrical release, which races into North American theaters on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters. John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct the follow-up to his 2006 Golden-Globe®-winning “Cars.”

Set in new owner Bonnie’s bedroom, “Hawaiian Vacation” features Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) and Buzz (voice of Tim Allen) and the rest of the favorite “Toy Story 3” toys as they create the ultimate Hawaiian vacation for Ken (voice of Michael Keaton) and Barbie (voice of Jodi Benson). It seems Ken badly miscalculated their travel arrangements, so the gang has to create a dream getaway in Bonnie’s Midwestern bedroom—in the middle of winter. “Hawaiian Vacation” also features the voices of Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Blake Clark, Bonnie Hunt, Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, Jeff Garlin and John Ratzenberger.

Rydstrom is a 25-year veteran of Pixar Animation Studios, contributing to the sound design of the studio’s groundbreaking short film “Luxo Jr.” His credits include a variety of Pixar shorts—“Lifted,” “Red’s Dream” and “Tin Toy”—and feature films, including “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and the Academy Award®-winning “Finding Nemo,” among others.

“Toy Story 3” won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Sunday night, February 27, 2011. Randy Newman earned an Oscar® for Best Original Song for the film’s “We Belong Together.” Pixar, which has earned 29 Academy Awards® and seven Golden Globes®, celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2011."

Catch Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation on the big screen on June 24 right before Cars 2!

New Official 'Art of Cars 2' Cover

A few months ago, The Art of Cars 2 appeared on Amazon for pre-order, with temporary cover art. Yesterday, the official cover for the upcoming book was released, and I must say, it looks AWESOME! I already own The Art of Up and The Art of Toy Story 3, so I will definitely be getting this one! If you are not familiar with these 'Art of...' books, they are basically summaries on how a specific Pixar film was made, what research had to be done to make it, and of course, the books include tons of wonderful artwork by the talented artists at Pixar. I highly recommend these books, as they are very interesting to read, and tell you how a Pixar film is made, from start to finish.

The Art of Cars 2, hardcover and 160 pages long, will be written by Ben Queen (with Karen Paik), with a foreword by director John Lasseter. You can pre-order it on Chronicle Books or Amazon.

Do you read the 'Art of...' books? Will you be getting The Art of Cars 2?

Toy Story 3's Award Summary

Well, now that the award season has finally ended, I have decided to do a quick summary of all the awards Toy Story 3 won.

• 37th People's Choice Awards: Favourite Family Movie


• Satellite Awards 2011: Best Motion Picture (Animated or Mixed)


• 2011 Grammy Awards: Best Score Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media


• 82nd National Board of Review Awards: Best Animated Film and Top Ten Films


• 9th Washington Area Film Critics Association: Best Animated Feature


• 16th Annual BFCA Critics Choice Awards: Best Animated Feature


• Golden Tomato Awards (Rotten Tomatoes): Best Rating Feature in 2010 (Wide Release) and Best Reviewed Animated Film (Animation)


• 68th Golden Globe Awards: Best Animated Feature Film


• 64th BAFTA Awards: Best Animated Feature


• 83rd Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song ("We Belong Together" by Randy Newman)

Now isn't that a lot of awards? I think the film definitely deserved all those prizes, as it made many people laugh out loud, amazed them with spectacular animation and many action-packed scenes, and touched the hearts of millions. Congratulations Pixar, for creating another classic, that will remain in the hearts and minds of many forever.