Pixar is one of the greatest animation studios of all time. It has shaped many people’s childhoods. Films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, Wall-E, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, and dozens of animated shorts have made Pixar a household name. Their films have also won many awards, including Golden Globes, Grammys, and Academy Awards.
Besides these household favorite films, Pixar’s most recent summer blockbuster, Inside Out, was a huge box office and critical success. The movie was an original story exploring how one young girl’s mind works.
On November 25, The Good Dinosaur will be released in theaters worldwide. By looking at Pixar’s track record, it seems that nothing can stop them, as they have had a habit for producing critically and financially successful films.
However, what is in store for Pixar’s future lineup? Sequels. Finding Dory in 2016, Cars 3 in 2017, Toy Story 4 in 2018, and The Incredibles 2 in 2019.
The Good Dinosaur and Coco (2017) are the only films that come from original ideas. Many people I have spoken with are excited for these sequels, yet, as a young and critical moviegoer, I do not see excitement but monetary investment. It is clear that Pixar is playing a different game than just producing quality entertainment.
It seems rather odd that over the next four years the studio will produce only two original film ideas. On top of that, between The Good Dinosaur and Coco are Finding Dory and Cars 3. This worries me, as it might mean that Pixar has little trust in new ideas and relies on established franchises to cover up possible losses.
Both sequels to Toy Story, which had box-office successes and received critical praise, convinced Pixar of the power of sequels, yet there was a problem: this power only worked for Toy Story. A prequel to Monsters Inc., Monsters University was generally panned by critics and fans. Cars 2 was received the same way.
Pixar, however, still made a lot of money from these movies because of one thing: merchandise. This is a dangerous slope where Pixar could stumble. Why is a Cars 3 being made when it is considered the worst Pixar franchise ever made? It is because it can sell toys and it can sell tickets through Pixar’s name.
Pixar, I love you and everything you have done to give the people of the world that smile or tear. I will not lie, I did cry when I saw Inside Out; however, this is thin ice you are treading on. Creating films just to sell and make a buck was never the point for you guys. You were the innovators and the risk takers.
I beg you to look at yourself and consider what you are doing. Are you willing to sell out just for the sake of monetary gain? Or will you take the high road and create films to not only entertain but to take risks and do something new.
Choose wisely, Pixar. The world is watching.
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