January 2014 – The Animation Commendation

My Thoughts: THE SWAN PRINCESS (1994)

Let’s talk a bit about a man named Richard Rich.

Richard Rich was an employee at Walt Disney Studios. He started in the mail room and worked his way up until he became an animation director as well as co-director for films such as “The Fox and the Hound” and “The Black Cauldron”.

In 1986, he left Disney to form his own animation studios called “Rich Animation Studios”, now known as “Crest Animation Productions”.

"And yet somehow you like him and dislike me?" — “And yet somehow you like him and dislike me?”

"That's the way the cookie crumbles, Don!" — “That’s the way the cookie crumbles, Don!”

For this studio, Richard Rich would produce and/or direct many animated films including “The King and I”, “The Scarecrow”, “The Trumpet of the Swan”, “Muhammad: The Last Prophet”, “Alpha and Omega”, “The Little Engine That Could”, and a handful of educational/religious direct-to-video releases among others. But his most famous film by far is the subject of this review, “The Swan Princess”. Continue reading “My Thoughts: THE SWAN PRINCESS (1994)”

“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” Review Is Up

My review for “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” is up on my other blog. You can check it out here.

“The Nut Job” Finishes In 3rd…Aw, Nuts!

The first animated film of the year, “The Nut Job”, landed 3rd place in the US/Canada weekend box office. Grossing over $2o million, the film has been getting negative reviews, but may yet pass its budget of $42 million (I hope it doesn’t).

Have you seen this? If so, how was it? If not, do you plan on seeing this?

I’ll watch this when it comes to DVD, but I’m REALLY not looking forward to it!

86th Academy Awards Nominations Announced!

Well, the day we (or at least I) have been waiting for has finally arrived: THE OSCARS NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!!! Continue reading “86th Academy Awards Nominations Announced!”

My Thoughts: DESPICABLE ME 2 (2013)

Gru, the girls, and the Minions are back in this blockbuster sequel. Is it worth its nigh one billion dollar worldwide gross? Well, let’s take a look at it! Continue reading “My Thoughts: DESPICABLE ME 2 (2013)”

Actor James Avery Dies at 65!

I regret to inform you all that we start the year with some sad news. Actor James Avery has died! Mr. Avery (1948-2013) was an actor most famous for playing the role o“f Philip “Uncle Phil” Banks on the sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, also featuring Will Smith.

Mr. Avery was also quite adept in the field of animation providing voices for various animated series and films including “The Prince of Egypt”, “Spider-Man”, “Iron Man”, “Aladdin”, and “The Legend of Prince Valiant”. His most famous animated role was probably that of Shredder in the series, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”.

He also provided the voices of Br’er Frog and Br’er Bear in the Disneyland/Magic Kingdom ride, “Splash Mountain”.

Whether you loved him as Uncle Phil or Shredder or any of his other voice and live roles, he will definitely be missed!