ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The toys are back in town
And we’ve only been waiting a decade!
By Gabriel Ward // Staff Writer
They’re back, and they have a new adventure for us. Yes, Pixar is finally coming out with “Toy Story 3.” Everywhere you look, in toy stores, in video game shops, even on cereal boxes, it's clear: Andy’s toys have been pulled out of storage. In October of 2009, a double feature of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” in 3D came to theatres, and grossed a domestic total of $30,702,446. On June 18, another chapter is expected to open with Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang, and toddlers and teens alike will be hitting the theatres to see the addition to this fun-filled saga.
Teens feel nostalgic, as they were young when the movies were released, and good memories just come naturally with these productions. “I loved them,” said Denna Pham, 16, of the West Roxbury Education Complex. Pham saw both movies on tape after they came out.
“I enjoyed both,” said Emily Hunt, 16, of Boston Latin Academy. “But I like the first one better.” Hunt saw the first movie in theatres when she was very young.
“I thought they were amazing,” said Frank Calderon, 16, of Boston Latin Academy. Calderon saw the first movie on tape when he was little, and still owns it.
For those who don’t know, “Toy Story” was the very first full-length computer-animated movie. The first film hit theatres in 1995 and became an instant classic. The second came out in 1999, and did as well as the first. And now, over a decade later, the third is coming out, and a lot of people are anticipating it. But does this mean “Toy Story 3” will be a box office hit, or will it get swept under the bed?
Pham intends to see it with four of her friends. “I don’t think it will be bad,” she said, “but not as good as the first two movies.” Calderon also plans to see it with friends. “I think it’s going to be better.”
But you don’t need a trailer to know “Toy Story 3” is coming out; everywhere you go, you see “Toy Story” merchandise, such as the “Toy Story Collection,” which are supposed to be exact replicas of the toys in the movies. Some teens are happy for the new merchandise. “I think it’s pretty cool for the young kids,” said Calderon. “I had a Buzz Lightyear as a kid.”
“Toy Story 3” takes place -- get this -- 10 years later, as Andy is going to college. Asked by his mother to do something with all of his toys before leaving, Andy throws them into a garbage bag and is going to put them into the attic. But he leaves them in the hall for his mother to put by the curb. One thing leads to another, and they end up at Sunnyside Day Care Center. The toys, realizing this mistake, try to get home. The movie introduces a whole bunch of new toys, such as Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie, and Ken.
To see trailers, sneak peeks, and more, go to: www.disney.go.com/toystory
TOY STORY 3 (L-R) Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Aliens, Slinky Dog, Rex, Jessie, Hamm, Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head.
courtesy of Disney/Pixar
Capturing Anime Boston 2010
Ninjas, and pirates, and... Waldo? Oh my!
Since 2003, Anime Boston has taken Boston’s shores by storm. This year, more than 17,000 fans attended, keeping it the largest anime convention in the Northeast, according to group organizers.
And as a newcomer to the April convention, I was amazed at what it was. The first thing I noticed while walking through the halls of the Hynes Convention Center was that almost everyone was dressed in costume. The strange thing about this, though, was that not everyone was dressed up as anime characters. As a matter of fact, I ran into not only Carmen Sandiego and Waldo, but even Finn from “Adventure time with Finn & Jake,” a show on Cartoon Network that had not yet even premiered.
Continuing my day, I discovered the game room -- a massive space full of video game consoles, tables, and chairs. Later, I stopped by the marketplace, and it was amazing. However, it’s not for anyone with empty wallets. The products here were not inexpensive. They ranged from $2.50 figurines to $400.00 “Gundam” statues. I bought two plushies, a ring, a figurine, and six trading cards. All of that massed up to $51.50! Not very cheap in my opinion, however, most of this was hard-to-find stuff.
The final event of the first night was the Video Game Orchestra. They performed songs from the Mario, Resident Evil, and Blue Dragon series. The cost for getting into Anime Boston isn’t super low-priced at $50 for those 13 and older, but for all three days, it’s worth it. But only if you’re a true anime fan. Still, if you go even without anime experience, you will discover the nerd in you.
Cardboard cosplay creativity.
photo by Joey DiChiara
“Anvil” hits metal fans over the head with loyalty and love
"Anvil! The story of Anvil” – now out on DVD -- is a movie tribute to two 50-year-old guys who won’t give up their dream. This is the story of the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil and their journey of making it to the big leagues alongside bands such as the Scorpions, Bon Jovi, and Whitesnake.
The lead singer and guitarist of Anvil, Steve “Lips” Kudlow, along with the drummer, Robb Reiner, face many troubles, including money shortages, lack of promotion, and gigging in empty halls. It gets to a point where Reiner threatens to quit. But the band plays on.
This is a great movie because it touches on many themes, such as friendship and loyalty. It was hilarious, and moving. Movie-maker Michael Moore has said that it was “The best documentary I’ve seen in years.” The movie also features interviews of other great musicians who have been influenced by the band, such as Slash (Guns n’ Roses), Lemmy (Motorhead), and Lars Ulrich (Metallica). Watch this movie and it will be time well spent. It will change your whole perspective on Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Robb Reiner (L) and Steve “Lips” Kudlow (R).
photo by Ross Halfin