Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/225858
charming story, told in the style of a 2D watercolored children's book, but utilizing a number of CGI techniques. I think it stands out from the usual 3D CG fare and will be a player in the competition." entertaining. It was funny, but it's not an original and not as good as the original. This year we have some really good films on the playing field, so maybe I would pass on Monsters University." FROZEN Release date: November 27 Production companies: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures The backdrop of this film is filled with blustering cold, snow, and ice, but the production is heartwarming. The CG fantasy has all the requisite elements of a Disney hit: an endearing tale of a beautiful princess, a handsome, charming man, a goofy, funny character (snowman) that provides comedic relief, and a cute, charming animal (reindeer) – all set within gorgeous winter scenes. "I did see this, and it was very, very good. Honestly, is this the film I would pick? I am not sure, but I do think it is the film to beat. It's got all the elements and innovation," says Beck. "In past years, one of the reasons Pixar was the leader is because it would innovate with new techniques in the films' creation. You don't see that in Monsters University. It is just a rehash. They might say there are some things, like amazing fur on the creature, but I am not aware or don't see it. Frozen had some cool things going on and saw some of the technical things, and you can tell by looking at it, it is great entertainment with wonderful music and memorable songs, great sequences, comedy, drama. It's a fairy tale. It's in the same vein as Tangled but is a better movie. There are some sequences in Frozen that I want to see again because of the music sequences and the way they did them. I think it will be a boxoffice success. Yes, I think it will be the film to beat." THE CROODS Release date: March 22 Production company: DreamWorks Animation This prehistoric visit to the past provides a stunningly beautiful landscape for a naïve, energetic family as it learns valuable life lessons. The characters are fun, the creatures cute and not always cuddly. The landscapes are big, epic, larger than life. In this film, there are no man-made features, such as buildings; everything is natural, requiring some very large matte paintings among the CGI. "In the land of cartoons, the film that I enjoyed the most this year has to be The Croods. The family story held together, and I thought [Co-director Chris] Sanders added his own fantastic touches of humor and design. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the film. Good work, team DreamWorks," says Kris Pearn, one of the two directors of Sony Pictures Animation's Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. Pearn was head of story on the first Cloudy, story supervisor on Arthur Christmas, for which he received an Annie Award, and story artist on Surf's Up and Open Season. "The Croods has this incredible pedigree, with Chris Sanders in particular, who took over the film after Dragons and made it his own. It is wonderfully entertaining. It's beautiful, a nice art direction and funny film – a hallmark of what Chris does well (he is a traditionally trained animator)," says Beck. "I hope it will not be forgotten since it came out in March. The early-in-the-year pictures are sometimes forgotten even though their qualities are high." MONSTERS UNIVERSITY THE WIND RISES Release date: June 21 Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios In this summer hit, Mike and Sulley are back in the classroom learning how to be scarers. They are joined by close to 400 characters, about a quarter of them whose bodies are covered with hair. Meanwhile, these new characters also wear garments. As a result, simulation plays a big role in the film. "Pixar, need we say more?" Beck asks. He notes that this is a sequel to a highly successful Pixar picture, and that can be a plus or a minus, as sequels are not really looked upon [as favorably by the Academy], though Pixar has broken that rule before with Toy Story. "But, sequels are not the original; originals mean more to an Academy member. They are a derivative. All the creatures are designed already, and we know the personalities. So, in this case, is Monsters University as good as the original? That's a good question. Personally, I don't think so. I really liked Monsters University, it was very Release date: July 20 (Japan); limited fall release in the US, with full US release February 21, 2014 Production companies: Studio Ghibli, KDDI Corp. Purported to be the last film from Hayao Miyazaki, this animated historical fantasy film honors the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II – a mature theme targeted at adults. Miyazaki's films are noted for their hand-drawn look, and this one is no different. ■ CGW Karen Moltenbrey is the chief editor of CGW. .com ARTICLES/VIDEOS: Articles associated with these films and Oscar news links can be found in the In Focus "Awards" box C G W N ove mb e r / D e c e mb e r 2 013 ■ 31