“The Pixar Theory”

The Pixar logo is visible with various Pixar characters surrounding it.

image via mashable.com

“Every Pixar movie is connected.” Those are the words of blogger and self-proclaimed “movie fanatic” Jon Negroni, who became obsessed over hidden links between some of our favourite animated masterpieces, leading to him to compile the “The Pixar Theory”.

Negroni begins with Brave, released in 2012, as the catalyst for events to come. As the earliest time period covered in a Pixar film, set in the Dark Ages, Negroni pays particular notice to how Brave is the only movie that explains why animals have human abilities and characteristics. Merida, a young princess, discovers a form of magic, which she inadvertently uses to turn her mother into a bear.

Merida later finds that this magic comes from an odd witch, who disappears every time she passes through a door, leading Merida to question her very existence. According to Negroni’s theory, this is not the only time we have encountered this witch.

Negroni is very quick to explain that the “The Pixar Theory” is an idea, not fact. He states that “The point of this theory is to have fun and exercise your imagination while simultaneously finding interesting connections between these fantastic movies. If you hate fun and/or imagination, you probably won’t like this theory.” Regardless, the further you delve into the Pixar Universe, the more you will become engrossed in its seamless narrative.

Centuries after Brave, the progression of intelligence leads to a power struggle between humans and animals. Negroni explains that “The stage for all-out war in regards to animals is set by Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, and Up, in that order. Notice I left out A Bug’s Life, but I’ll explain why later”.

Alongside the growing power battle between humans and animals, Negroni also highlights the progression of artificial intelligence, including machines in the struggle. This begins in The Incredibles, as Buddy, aka Syndrome, creates the A.I “Omnidroid” in his attempt to defeat the superheroes. “The omnidroid eventually turns on Syndrome, and starts attacking humans in the city. Why would an A.I.
want to just attack randomly? Do machines have an inherent hatred of humans?” asks Negroni.

Things get even weirder as Negroni adds more and more films to the timeline. In fact, he manages to include every single Pixar film into the story, including “Newt”, which has never been released by the company. Negroni invites you to, analyse, deconstruct and offer new angles as his theory continues to grow and gain pace online.

“The Pixar Theory” does not fail to shock and surprise you, as Negroni consistently uncovers hidden links, backing them up with evidence and interesting logic, and we haven’t even scratched the events on the timeline, as the real treat is at the end.

To check out “The Pixar Theory” yourself, visit the Pixar Theory website. You can also follow the man himself at @JonNegroni

Festive favourites: three Christmas must see’s

A middle aged man, Will Ferrell, lies across two tiny beds dressed as an elf in a red jumpsuit.
A middle aged man, Will Ferrell, lies across two tiny beds dressed as an elf in a red jumpsuit.

Image via www.focusfeatures.com

It’s just over two weeks until Christmas day so it’s about time that you snuggled down with a glass of mulled wine, a mince pie and some of the best festive films. Here are a few of our choices blended with a bit of trivia that you probably didn’t know about these festive favourites.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one showing of Love Actually, especially as it is ten years old this year. Essentially a holiday rom-com, Love Actually is filled with heart-warming tales alongside a star studded cast; from Martin Freeman to Keira Knightley. If you haven’t seen it (it’s on TV every Christmas, there’s no excuse) the film follows the interlinking lives of eight couples and their curious relationships, a month before Christmas in London.

Kris Marshall, (who you may recognise as the father from the BT adverts) plays Collin Frissel, actually refused his pay cheque for the scene in Love actually where three American girls undress him due to the fact that he reportedly had so much fun filming the 21 takes; he was willing to work for free.

Another cheering fact is that the lovely airport compilation of loved ones reuniting is real. A team of camera men filmed for the entirety of a week in Heathrow Airport, asking for permission from people when they captured a perfect moment.

Released in the same year, Elf is a Christmas classic. It’s an uplifting tale of a man raised as one of Santa’s elves, searching for his identity in the real world to hilarious consequence. You’d have to be a scrooge not to enjoy watching six foot three Will Ferrell prancing around in an elf suit. It was certainly distracting to drivers when Ferrell walked through Lincoln tunnel in his costume, so much so that it caused minor traffic accidents.

When Santa shows Michael his nice list, all of the names are people who worked on the movie, from Victoria Down, a key make-up artist, to Jimmy Miller the executive producer.

Finally, a timeless film, The Muppet Christmas Carol, released in 1992. We all know that this ageless picture follows the tale of a Christmas Carol but retold by the lovable Muppets cast. What you probably didn’t know is that there is a shop in the film named ‘Micklewhite’ after Michael Caine, who plays the part of Scrooge, as his real name is Maurice Micklewhite.

The film is also dedicated to the memory of Jim Henson and Richard Hunt. Jim Henson was the creator of the Muppets and the voice of Kermit and Richard Hunt was a puppeteer.

There you have it, three Christmas classics that you should definitely watch before the big day. Even if you’ve seen them many times before, they are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit, and if you haven’t seen them then what are you waiting for? Go get your festive onesie on and get comfy with a spiced hot chocolate.

Events, offers & releases 02/12/13

Elsa, a yong blonde princess sparks ice from her hand

First up, this week there are some notable film releases this Friday.

Frozen, Disney’s newest venture, is an animated musical comedy loosely based on The Snow Queen. Voiced by Kirsten Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff, Frozen promises a charming tale, full of laughter and perfect for a family night out.

If you’re a little older, take a look at Homefront. Starring Jason Statham and James Franco, this Crime Thriller will keep you at the edge of your seat.

For something lighter, consider seeing A Long Way From Home. A romance about two couples from different generations colliding in the south of France.

If there is a Cineworld near you, why not treat yourself to two Oxford notebooks, (A4/A3 refil pads or Wiro notebooks) and get a cinema ticket for free. A4 refil pads are just £2.40 so you could go to the cinema for under £5.

Events, offers and releases 25/11/13

A movie still from the new film 'Free Birds'.
A movie still from the new film 'Free Birds' featuring two animated turkeys running.

Image via IGN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Cinemas – Friday 29th November

Saving Mr Banks – For over 20 years Walt Disney sought the rights to the now much beloved Mary Poppins, and for over 20 years author P. L. Travers refused. Starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, Saving Mr Banks explores that difficult relationship between these two big characters and their journey from book, to music, to script and eventually to the big screen. For any die hard Disney fan this film will not fail to disappoint and shed some light on the method behind the magic.

Free Birds – Two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the holiday menu for good. With voice talents from Owen Wilson, Amy Poehler and Woody Harrleson. Now with the nights drawing in, this is the perfect film to entertain the kids on those cold winter nights.

Carrie – If you’re looking for something a bit different, or enjoy the occasional thrill check out this new release. Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass) stars as the title character in this re imagining of the classic horror tale. A shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother, who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Co-starring Julianne Moore.