How does Pixar keep doing it?

Rating: Null/10 (11 April 2012)

It's amazing how Pixar keeps making great animated films. They are somehow able to find that magic of compelling storyline, heart-felt characters, great voice actors, lively and light-hearted animation, and meaningful musical scores. Whatever magic potion they've got over there is really working. Dreamworks has been hit and miss. The other companies pale in comparison.
Where to begin? How gutsy was Pixar to have a septuagenarian as one of its lead characters? And to top it off, deal with emotional gut wrenching themes of loss; through miscarriage, death of a loved one, and potential loss of a lifelong home. They spice things up by adding a young boy who's dealing with his own issues of abandonment, emotional distance from a father, and striving to achieve. Wow. Heavy stuff for a kids film. And yet Pixar pulls it off, making a film highly entertaining for young ones (my 6 yr old was captivated) and their parents.
Just when you think things are getting too heavy, a change of pace comes along with the introduction of a group of dogs with collars that allow them to "speak", as well as the antagonist of the story. A few chase scenes, some funny scenes, some serious bonding and voilÃ . A fantastic family adventure movie that ranks among the best ever made by any animation company.
9/10