Lately, it has seemed that movies that are marketed towards the younger generation end up teaching the parents, or appealing to the parents, as much as it does the younger generation. The past two movies that Pixar has released under Disney, Wall-E and Up, are movies that I believe are more meant for the parents than they are the children.
In Wall-E, although kids are drawn to the fun characters and funny situations, the undertones of environmentalism. The movie is a commentary of what Earth could possibly turn into if we do not take care of it from the perspective of the script writers and director of Wall-E. The scenes of Earth completely destroyed and just run on technology are things that would just go right over the heads of kids, but are the things that the parents easily pick up on. And although kids probably think it would be cool to live in a space ship and just ride around in hover chairs all the time, parents can see the laziness and complacency that is shown to be a negative thing in the end.
The story line in Up is also more adult themed than most animated movies released for youngsters. The story of Carl and Ellie, and Carl being able to come out of his depression over Ellie and really be the father/grandfather he never was able to be, is certainly a story that does not relate to children. The characters of Russel and Doug are the ones that kids attach themselves to, but are not the main characters in the movie, although they play a big role.
ETA: I commented on Michael Griffith’s blog and Brittany Alberry’s blog
March 16, 2010 at 2:16 am |
I agree that lately adult themes have been more integrated in children movies. I think I actually wrote something like this on another blog. Anyway, I have noticed that each movie from Pixar lately, have been getting more and more emotional. Ratatouille was somewhat serious. Wall-e was really romantically emotional. And then there is Up. His wife dies in that movie (let’s not forget that children are watching someone die). In Up, it isn’t comedy death, it’s a really sad death. I think I understand where your standpoint is coming from.
March 16, 2010 at 2:59 am |
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March 16, 2010 at 7:00 pm |
I just did my blog about the same concept. That a lot of the animation seems to have the cutesy draw of a child’s movie but when you actual watch the movies they have such a deep meaning that only adults can understand. This gives the parent’s a extra job in dicusssing this with children and breaking down the complicated concepts in a easier understanding. I think a good animation can combined the audiences in one. I find it hilarious now that we have to have reviews on how well the children will understand the animation. I just saw on Comcast a special channel that breaks down new animation on what is appropriate and what need further assistance in understanding by the parent. Interesting world we have come to huh?
March 22, 2010 at 2:55 am |
Animated movies have always seemed to have a multi-level meaning. I think that we notice them more today because as adults we accompany the children in our lives to more animated movies. In order for the studios to make a profit they need to appeal not only to the children that are enamored by their story, but the adults who not only pay the box office price, but pay for the marketing paraphernalia that accompanies the marketing hype.
March 22, 2010 at 3:25 am |
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July 16, 2010 at 5:00 pm |
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