Tag: tim allen

Next role – saving the world. “Galaxy Quest” (1999)

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directed by Dean Parisot
© 1999 DreamWorks Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

We all need such films from time to time, so here I am, sharing my suggestion for your lovely weekend. I just hope that if you’re a fan of “Star Trek”, you won’t get offended. The comedy I’m recommending today is about a group of actors playing in a fictional sci-fi TV series called “Galaxy Quest”. They are incredibly popular for pretending to be interstellar travellers. One day, the actors are approached by some fans of theirs, who present themselves as Thermians. The series main character, Jason (Tim Allen), guesses that those people just want to invite him for some event in order to promote their own… whatever it is. So he agrees to join them for a trip and soon finds out that Thermians are actually aliens… But no worries, those are the good aliens. They actually saw “Galaxy Quest” and thought it’s a documentary, so they are pretty sure that the man they brought to their starship is an actual commander, not just an actor. What’s more – this “commander” has to help Thermians in negotiations with their enemy, Sarris (Robin Sachs). Personally, I’ve never been a fan of such productions like “Star Trek” (forgive me), but this comedy caught my attention mostly because of the cast. Except Tim Allen as the “commander”, we can also see Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Justin Long, Rainn Wilson or Missi Pyle. So when I spotted the cast, I just had to watch the film. And in the end, I had a lot of fun. At first you might have this impression that it’s a mean parody of “Star Trek” and their fans, but I wouldn’t agree. In fact, a lot of “Star Trek” fans appreciate this film and consider it a cult production. It’s just the base of the story that’s mocking the famous series, but generally it’s about an unqualified man trying to save the world. And since it’s happening in space, then a sci-fi series actor seems like a great choice for this role. Besides, I have a thing for the 90s comedies and their humour, so whatever you show me from those years, I shall be satisfied. So if you’re looking for a chill film to see this weekend with friends or family, I definitely recommend this one.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Free Frosty! Free Frosty! “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004)

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directed by Joe Roth
© 2004 Sony Pictures Releasing. All Rights Reserved.

Can you feel it’s Christmas time? I have to say that despite my positive energy this month, following a tea advent calendar, decorating my place with way too many gnomes – I can’t feel this Christmassy spirit. Maybe I’m getting old and Scroogey, or maybe it’s because there’s no snow outside. No idea. So since I’m in such not-sure-what-is-going-on mood, I believe recommending you this comedy will be the best choice for today. Perhaps you’ve seen it or you even watch it every year (like me), because it’s an adorable comfort film for Christmas. And for those who haven’t had a chance to see it, let me introduce you to the story. We get to meet a couple, Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis), whose adult daughter Blair (Julie Gonzalo) is not about to be home for the upcoming Christmas. She joins Peace Corps and decides to go to Peru for a year. For the Kranks it’s the first time they won’t be together and both parents are a little bit lost. As Nora is rather feeling blue, Luther tries to look at the bright side of the situation and he comes up with an idea – instead of celebrating Christmas, the couple should spend ten days on a Caribbean cruise. At first, Nora is definitely against because she simply cannot imagine skipping Christmas, but the more they talk, the more they feel like it’s actually an interesting alternative. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones involved in the decision process… Their whole neighbourhood consider Christmas celebration an incredibly important community tradition and when they find out that the Kranks have other plans, they simply cannot accept it. Everyone shows their disapproval and tries to make the couple change their mind, very often in a hilarious way. When I think of this film, I always remember Christmas dinners at my Grandma’s, because it’s always on TV around this time, so I basically know it by heart, even if I don’t always watch it carefully. It’s one of those films that are great for a family gathering, a lunch with friends, or as a comforting background for cooking. And even though it’s just a silly comedy to make us laugh, I also see a good lesson hidden there. No matter if you celebrate Christmas or not, no matter if you stay at home, go visit your distant family or you’re currently sunbathing in the Maldives – I hope you do it in accordance to your own will and you’re accompanied by someone important to you. It can be your partner, your family member, your friend, beloved pet or even yourself. Spend this time the way you want and then it’ll be truly jolly and bright. And don’t forget good food, because food is happiness in all circumstances! Cheers!

My rating: 6/10
S.

Where’s my nose? “Toy Story 3” (2010)

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directed by Lee Unkrich
© 2010 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

And we’re back to the “Toy Story” world for the last time. There’s also the 4th film released in 2019, but I already wrote about it last year, so if you’re curious, you can find the post about it on my blog. That is why today we’re saying goodbye to Woody, Buzz and the whole crew that was growing up with some of us. The 3rd part was released in 2010, so 11 years after the last film. I remember it was a big thing for me, because I’d been sure that “Toy Story” is a wonderful childhood memory for me and suddenly, there’s another part and I’m already a bit bigger. But, to be honest, I was also incredibly scared that they would have disappointed me. They didn’t, luckily, but I have to admit that it’s not the same as the first two parts, I’m sorry. Even if the animation techniques were much more developed (the same with the 4th part), I still believe that “Toy Story” could have had just two parts and we would be satisfied. Still, I love this story too much to hate the 3rd and the 4th part, so I watched and enjoyed them, even if my heart stayed in 1995 and 1999. In this film, Andy is already a grown-up, planning to go to university. He packs his toys into a bag and wants to leave them in the attic, but his mother, thinking that Andy is getting rid of the toys, accidentally takes the bag to a day-care centre. To a day-care centre. To children. CHILDREN. And you know what happens with toys if a bunch of little humans are “playing” them? Exactly. So Woody is doing his best to take his crew back to Andy’s house, which won’t be that easy, obviously. This part is not the same as the first two, but… I admit that I cried at the end. The ending is absolutely beautiful and I was both heart-broken and thrilled. Dear Disney and Pixar, stop making such emotional films, because at this age I cannot handle crying so much. So one of the reasons to see “Toy Story 3” is to find out why I was in tears. And I have a small fun fact for you – in the first two films Andy was voiced by John Morris, who was a teenager back then. However, making the third part, the director requested to contact the same actor and ask him to voice Andy again, this time as a grown-up. And it wasn’t easy, because John Morris hadn’t done much in cinema after “Toy Story 2”, so 1999. Still, they found him and he voiced Andy again, after all those years. Adorable, right? So here we finish this short journey with “Toy Story”. I hope you’ve got inspired to rewatch the films (or watch them – which is a must) and get back to your childhood for a moment. And remember: to infinity and beyond!

My rating: 7/10
S.

To Al’s Toy Barn… and beyond! “Toy Story 2” (1999)

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directed by John Lasseter
© 1999 Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Since I wrote you about “Toy Story” yesterday, there’s no way I’m not going to continue telling you about this series. And it’s quite an interesting coincidence, because the second part, which I’m recommending today, was released in the US on… November 24th, 1999. Magic? For sure. The second part is equally good, in my opinion, and I was watching both films over and over when I was younger. In this part, Woody is accidentally stolen by some strange toy collector, Al McWhiggin. At his place, Woody realises that there’s another cowboy toy similar to him. Or actually, a cowgirl, Jessie. Together with some other toys, they are based on one TV show, so having them all is a real treasure for a collector. And even better when they can be sold. Al wants to send all the toys to Japan, where they would be put into a museum. Woody is terrified and wants to return to Andy as fast as possible. However, without him, the collection is not complete and the museum will not accept such set. Plus, Woody is told that Andy will eventually grow up and stop playing with toys, so there’s no point of going back. The little cowboy needs to make a very difficult decision about his future. I think this film is one the few sequels that I really love. Mostly, second parts are a huge disappointment. However, it was possible that the sequel would be much shorter and released only on home formats. Luckily, Pixar was stubborn and made a full-length animation for the cinema. Bless you, Pixar! And this part is also very emotional, perhaps even more than the first film. I’ve heard that the cast was in tears watching the finals scenes, even if they’d known them. If an animation for children makes professional adult actors cry… then I have no questions. It must be a masterpiece. I remember I had some toys based on the ones from “Toy Story” series, and I really liked Jessie, indeed, but my absolute favourite was Buzz, because it was making sounds and other pew pew pew. But I’ve never had Mr. Potato Head and it’s probably my beloved character, so if you can get me Mr. Potato Head, my adult arms will accept him with pure happiness.

My rating: 9/10
S.

You are a sad, strange little man and you have my pity. “Toy Story” (1995)

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directed by John Lasseter
© 1995 Walt Disney Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I couldn’t stop myself from writing about this masterpiece today. As some of you may know, “Toy Story” was released 25 years ago. Feeling old? I do. I still remember when I was little and I was a huge fan of this film. At some point there was also a game based on it, which was super difficult for me, but I loved watching older family members playing. Anyway, if you haven’t seen this animation, look at the title of today’s post. And for those who somehow haven’t watched “Toy Story”, here’s what it’s about: imagine a world where all toys are alive! Cool, huh? However, they are absolutely lifeless when there’s a human somewhere close. In “Toy Story” we focus on the toys owned by Andy, a little boy, who’s absolutely in love with his belongings and takes care of them well. But… Andy’s birthday is coming and the toys are worried that he might get new ones to replace them. The boy, indeed, receives one new toy, which is Buzz Lightyear, a cool action figure. All his old toys are terrified and want to do everything not to be forgotten by his owner. I have to tell you my little secret: when I was little, thanks to this film, I thought that my toys were also alive. So all my teddy bears had to be together, because I knew they would feel best that way. My dolls were all dressed up and sitting comfortably, never left half naked on the floor or something. Even my LEGO figures were left sitting, because who could manage standing like that for hours? Maybe it sounds childish, but I’m not ashamed because I’ve heard Tom Hanks, the famous Woody from “Toy Story”, also used to think his toys were alive. And you know what? I bet this film has taught me respect towards things. Even now, being an adult, I hate when people don’t care about their belongings. Besides, this story has so many good messages for children, that it should be an obligatory homework to watch it. And for film freaks – it was the first fully computer-animated feature film ever produced, so it’s a shame if you haven’t seen it. Oh and one more fun fact: they say that the character of Sid (that annoying little asshole destroying toys) was inspired by one of the Pixar employees who liked to deconstruct toys and create weird things out of their parts. He’s also said not to be working in Pixar anymore, so calm your toys down and remember to seat them properly after playing.

My rating: 9/10
S.