I think my batch is the most fortunate batch. We grew up with Andy. We were young when we experienced Andy's love for his inanimate (really?) friends, we are at that phase when we know how it feels like to throw out old things during spring cleaning, and we don't have attics to store up toys. We know how it feels like to grow up- growing pains are non too foreign. Been chatting with Mel, Junyi and we just keep reverting back to the topic of childhood and how last December holidays will probably be the last official student holidays we will ever have. Because the next few will always be spent studying. I am already looking forward to the long break after A levels and that is saying something.
Anyway, back to the topic, timing is so very important. I remember blogging about overgrowing the Inkheart series, and till date, it saddens me. And that is why Pixar hits the spot because it has proven itself capable to extend children movies to the adult audiences and those at the liminal adolescent stage (i.e. me). Emotions of fear, sadness are universally experienced, no doubt about that. The fact that we can relate to toys, proves this point. We never had a moment where we went through cognitive dissonance "Wait a moment, they're toys." Their characters are just so alive to us, so what if the game arcade aliens have 3 eyes? Intended puns also meant that adults could laugh along.
Still, I had moments where I wished I experienced this movie at a younger age. The knowledge of the world right now makes the ending all the more bittersweet, it's almost painful. This post is coming along with fading resemblance to a movie review, but no, a reflection is what it is.
Let me enunciate some of my observations!
Andy is using a MAC- it's thin, what else could it be?
When they were almost being incinerated, did you see the Ben and Jerry tub? I saw it, with its signature font in the midst of the garbage (:
And Woody was clearly using googlemaps when he wanted to find his way back to Andy.
^ (American dominance much?)
Totoro represents Globalization haha. I was delighted when I saw it and smiling at the credits when they credited Hayao Miyazaki.
Bullseye's texture is fantastic. I can't help but gush.
I love how Pixar uses the everyday in a new way. The trucks become seats for toys, the boxes become jails, etc.
Oh and aside from the hilarity of Buzz turning Spanish, it is quite stereotypical to depict the Spanish culture with the dance, rose between teeth and all. It made me wonder the about circularity of influence between the media and society. It is funny to us precisely because we have access to the stereotype and understand it perfectly (i.e. the media depicts what is already known in society). Yet, it also reinforces the stereotype, influencing society.
Oh and the ending could be due to a wariness to children using Toy Story as a justification to cram up the attic as with Fish Flushers learn Life does not Imitate Nemo. An altruistic donation will resolve the story better.
I wonder where my toy ostrich is now, it's pink blush on white, and black body brings back so many fond memories.
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