Imagine sitting in the famous theater of the Academy of Motion Pictures for a Panel Discussion. The audience cheers as the best animation directors step on stage. When I heard I would be attending the Oscar panel discussion I was overjoyed. I had been to the prominent Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts, and Sciences once before for the Student Oscars. There were intricately engraved pictures of the legendary Oscar awards on frosted glass to greet us. Inside there were press and filmmakers chatting and people setting up their cameras. My mom and my TV producer friend Stephanie Sullivan, cameraman Brandon Weiberg shot videos of me reporting and interviewing the directors.  Below are my Oscar predictions!

The year 2011 was a good year for animation.  I have seen some “Perrific!” entertaining films with rich storyline and characters, dazzling visuals, and lively music.  But overall, 2010 was a stronger year for animation than 2011, the three Oscar-nominated films Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Illusionist all got 4.5 starfish from me!

My favorite animation feature films of 2011 are: Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Rio, and The Adventures of Tintin, all received 4 starfish from me.  I enjoyed interviewing the directors of Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss in Boots from DreamWorks Animation earlier this month at the Annie Awards for Animation in Hollywood. 

The Oscar-nominees are Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Rango, Chico & Rita, and A Cat in Paris.  I haven’t seen the last two films, both are foreign and from smaller studios. Chico & Rita is too “mature” with adult content, unsuitable to watch for me according to the publicist.  A Cat in Paris has not been released, but the art looks interesting. 

Because these two films are hardly seen by most people, I don’t think any of them has a chance of winning the Oscar. Just ahead of the Oscars on Feb 26, 2012, here is my prediction for the Best Animation Award.

 

 

I was invited to the red carpet premiere of MARMADUKE at the annual surf dog beach party held at San Diego’s Imperial Beach on May 22, 2010, and interviewed director Tom Dey and voice talents Owen Wilson (Marmaduke) and George Lopez (Carlos the cat).  Dey directed “Shanghai Noon” and “Failure to Launch.”  I asked Dey why he chose Marmaduke from the cartoon to make a movie.  “That’s a good question,” said Dey, “I love the character of Marmaduke.  That’s what I look for when thinking about my next film.  I want to find a character that I will want to spend a year and half of my life working with.  This is a great script and a great story.” I give Marmaduke 3.5 starfish.  It is packed with humor, romance, and action. 

 

 

I thought this film had stunning visual effects. The backgrounds look like watercolor paintings and the scenes of the garden and the assortment of wildflowers in the yard were beautiful. The film could use some improvements though.

 

 

What a relief after four months of mediocre animations to finally have a great animated film! “Rio” is a superb film with rich characters, dazzling visuals, lively music, great humor, and an interesting story with many twists and turns in the plot. The film is created by the same team that made The Ice Age, and opened nationwide on April 15, 2011, rated G.

 

Brave is a ravishing film full of humor, action, and stunning imagery. This movie is the first Pixar film with a girl as the main character. The film is a feast for the eyes, especially the scenes of Merida in the woods with the cryptic blue wisps. One of the flaws I noticed is that King Fergus didn’t notice that his three little boys (Merida’s younger brothers) had been changed into something unexpected for more than a day. Also, I thought that almost all of the characters are remarkably shallow. Fergus is impulsive, using his strength to solve what his reason couldn’t. Merida only cares about getting her way, having freedom, and staying single for as long as possible. Only Queen Elinor has a more complex character, showing traits of diplomacy, assertion, and caring.

 

 

Toy Story 3 is the best of the series with few flaws.  It is about the connection between toys, their owners, and each other.  It is also about friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and moving on with one’s life.  One lesson learned is that the past can affect the future in a major way.  The film is rated G.  I urge everyone to see this “Perrific” movie!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to speak to the dead? Norman Babcock, a misunderstood child with spiky hair and the strange gift to speak to ghosts, is constantly teased, bullied, and shunned by the people of his town. One bully named Alvin in particular, constantly calls him a freak. Only Neil Downe, a kid teased about his obesity, can understand Norman. Norman’s father, Perry, thinks that there is something wrong with Norman when he tells him that the spirit of Norman’s grandma lives in their house. But Norman realizes that something seems eerie after his uncle, Mr. Prenderghast, suddenly dies. His uncle’s ghost reveals to him about a centuries-old witch’s curse that raises the dead to attack the townsfolk. Norman is the only person with the power to end the witch’s curse, but will he have the intellect and the courage to save the town?

I really enjoyed this film, and can relate to Norman because I have been bullied before, like most people, for being different. The film is very emotional and about proving one’s inner power. I am really impressed by how the animators created the film out of stop motion! I marveled at the intricate metal skeleton design of the assembly for the puppets used for the making of the film.