Cartoons in the past, loved to use explosives. Looney Tunes is the most famous in the usage of bombs, cannons and other explosives. However, when the person is “blown up” or shot at he doesn’t die. Why is that?
This week, I watch Bunker Hill Bunny (1949), starring our favorite rabbit Bugs Bunny. In this episode, Bugs and Sam are fighting one another, using any kinds of explosives. The explosives that were used were: canons, firecracker, rifle and gun powder. However, Bugs never experiences the “fatal” blow from this explosives, Sam is the one who is always getting “blown” to smither renies.
One scene that is memorable is when Sam runs, right into the canon belonging to Bugs, and as he is about to run out of the weapon; he is launched back into his fort. One would assume that Yosemite Sam would meet his timely end because he was blasted by the canon; however he is in the next scene trying to the exact same thing to Bugs.
Whenever, I watch a Looney Tunes or a Bugs cartoon I’ve never paid any mind to the fact these characters, when they deal with explosives–they never die. Not that I have gone an watched this episode, it as come to mind on why the cartoonists, made sure the characters had never died in any of the episodes. There are many reasons, why the animators did this, but I think the main reason because of a younger audience. I don’t think parents, wanted to hear their kids deal with the idea of someone dying, even if that someone is a cartoon character.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) was the movie, I chose to view this week. The story tells of a young prince who gets transformed by an enchantress into a viscous beast for being selfish and rude. The only way for the spell to be broken, is if the prince learned to fall in love with a girl and receive her love in return. The one thing that I love most about this movie is the message. To love someone for who they our on the inside, and not the outside.
In the beginning, of the movie the Beast is seen a someone to be afraid of and we see this through the way he shouts, his attitude towards Belle and her father, and forbids Belle from going to any part of the castle. However, the audience soon realizes that the Beast is nothing more than a teddy bear. He shows his soft side by trying to please Belle. She soon realizes this and her feelings for the Beast change. In the beginning, she wanted nothing to do with him, but as the movie progresses we see that her feelings for the Beast changed. Bell starts reading books to him, playing around with him and they start eating together. It isn’t until, Belle almost looses the Beast that she realizes her love for him. Belle even stands up for the Beast, after she leaves the castle to save her father. Her father still saw the Beast as someone to be afraid of, but Belle reassures her father that the Beast is kind and gentle.
She defends him even more to Geston, who is an egotistical maniac. Geston, is obsessed with Belle because she is beautiful…like him. When he gets turned down TWICE by Belle, Geston is furious. The first time was during their “wedding,” and the second time was when he found out she had feelings for the Beast.
During the battle scene between the Beast and Geston, the viewers start to see who truly is the viscous beast. Geston wants the Beast dead, in order for him to have Belle, but the Beast just wants Geston to leave. Unfortunately, Geston does not listen and tragically faces the consequences; after he stabs the Beast.
To love someone for who they are on the inside, is more powerful than loving them for their outward appearance. Even though, the Beast was horrendous on the outside he was beautiful on the inside and because of that he was able to obtain Belle’s love.
We had a discussion, in class about how cartoons were used for propaganda. Most of the cartoons were asking the people, who were not fighting to support the army and the war by purchasing certain items. In the United States, cartoons were used to promote: War Bonds, giving up rubber and stockings would help the boys win the war, and come home sooner. The major use of animation was used to prevent army officials from “slipping” the tongue to enemy spies.
As we watched in class, specific animated films, like Private SNAFU-Spies. As we watched this episode we saw how every enemy spy was going after Private SNAFU. The one person who Private SNAFU, spilled secrets to was a WOMAN spy. Maybe, this implies that a woman in a provacative outfit can’t be trusted, I don’t know. Or, it simple means that EVERYONE can be a spy–this includes women and babies.
The main reason for this film, was to tell soldier to be aware of EVERYONE they come in contact and that “Loose Lips Sinks Ships”
Recently, I found a Ducktales cartoon, that covers this particular subject. The episode is called Spies in Their Eyes. In this episode, Donald Duck is a sailor and is working in the navy. The navy is creating a secret submarine with the help of Uncle Scrooge. Donald is the target of the enemy spy. As you will see, when you watch the episode, the spy who hypnotized Donald is a woman–with an accent. This episode has a happy ending (which is a common trait for Disney) and Donald is redeemed, and the spies are caught.
Why is animation, so effective, when it comes to propaganda?
For the past week, we discussed history in animation and watched: An American Tail. This animated movie showed, (through the eyes of a mouse), us the journey, harships and joy immigrants had to face as they came to America. Cartoons, often animate historical events, to bring entertainment value to the views.
I’ve seen many cartoons, that parody after certain historical events. I. Freleng, directed an animated cartoon called “Bunker Hill Bunny.” In this cartoon, Bugs is fighting Sam the Hessian during the Revolutionary War. The cartoon shows the historical side of the colonist fighting, the allies of the British–the Hessians. But, it also shows the reason why the colonists were fighting against the British army. In the cartoon, Sam is bombing the fort of Bugs and demands that he give up that fort. Bugs, brings out the spirit of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiess,” that the colonists brought during the Revolutionary War.
Unfortunately, this cartoon doesn’t give the full background on the Revolutionary War, or accurate account. But, it does offer an entertainment and some educational value to the viewer.
Now, there is cartoon that was made recently called “Liberty Kids”(2002) and the shows follows three childern before, during and after the Revolutionary War. The three childern, also get to meet famous men from that time period. Each episode, tells of an actually event that happened pre & post-revolution. The three kids are: James, Sarah and Henri LeFevre. James works for the Pennsylvania Gazette, owned by Benjamin Franklin.
In the episode of “Bunker Hill” we get see the attitude from both the British and Americans. The British see the Americans as “rebels” and should be put down. The Americans, as in the words of Sarah “are determined to drive the British away from their shores.” The attitude of the colonists are seen even more, as the battle progresses on. As the episode continues, we see ordinary men fighting against a well-trained army. But, that shows the determintation of these men, they are fighting for something more than removing the Red Coats from their shores. They are fighting in the name of liberty, and it takes everyone–not just the army–to fight and defend her.
What appeal do cartoons, offer in the case of historical events?
DC Comics and Marvel have become part of America’s history. There has been numerous TV shows, about these heroes that have come out of these two brands. Now, DC and Marvel have leaped to the big screen with a single boundwith their famous heroes. How and why did these superheroes make their way onto the big screen?
The first movie attempt, by DC was the Superman (1978-87) movies, played by the late Christopher Reeves. The story of Superman and Clark Kent, is a famous one. An orphan child escaping from his home, comes to Earth and becomes its greatest hero. The first Superman (1978) opened on December 15th in America, and it grossed $134.22 million in North America and worldwide 300.22 million. Why was this a success? Was it because of new technical advances? People were familiar with the comic book heroe? Or, was it because of what Superman represents?
In 2006, Superman Returns was created andreceived $200,081,192 in the U.S. and worldwide it made $391,081,192. Reviews for this movie were divided. Most of the negativity revolved around Brandon Routh, who had taken the role; that once was held by Reeves. The reason, I believe this movie had mixed reviews, is because no one could see someone else by Superman besides Christopher Reeves.
The next movies that were made for the DC franchise, was Batman. Batman’s story is also famous. A young Bruce Wayne, watched his parents die and became Gotham’s vigilant hero to fight crime. The four Batman movies–Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997) didn’t gross as much as the Superman movies. In fact, Batman & Robin was rated the worst movie in the superhero franchise. Why did these movies bomb in the theaters?
In 2005, Batman reveived justice with release of Batman Begins. It grossed 370 million dollars worldwide and 48 million in the US. This movie was a success with the viewers and the critics. But, it gets even better with the release of the Dark Knight in July 16 2008. Chritian Bale comes back as the Dark Knight, to fight his greatest nemesis, the Joker played by the late Heath Ledger. This movie made more than 500 million dollars and made over a billion dollars internationally. Why did these two movies make it and the other four did not? Did Batman Begins and the Dark Knight, bring the essence of Batman?
Other superheros from DC are making there way to the big screen: The Flash (2011) and The Green Lantern (2011) and the Justice League (rumor).
Marvel is the same way. The two movies out of the Marvel franchise; that could compete with the success of Batman Begins and Superman, are: Spiderman and Ironman
In 2002, the franchise released Spiderman (starring Tobey Maquire as Peter Parker) into theaters. The movie made 821.71 dollars worldwide. It was the third hightest movie in 2002 and because of this success two sequels were made: Spiderman 2 (2004) and 3 (2007).
Ironman was the next superhero from the Marvel franchise that had success in the theaters. The movie was released on May 2 2008, starring Robert Downey Jr. as business engineer Tony Stark. Overall, Ironman grossed $585,133,287 worldwide and in North America $318,412,101. The success of Ironman, allowed for the production of the sequel. Ironman 2 will be released this year May 7 2010. Will this sequel, pass the first one?
Other comic book heroes from Marvel, will also be hitting the big screen. Thor (2011), Captain America (2011) and The Avengers (2012).
I grew up in the 90s and it was impossible to miss cartoons because they were everywhere. Today, I’ve only seen a few cartoons, and majority of those cartoons are for toddlers and not for teenagers. Why is that? Most of these cartoons are shown for educational purposes (which I’m not against) on networks, like Nick Jr, PBS Kidsand Playhouse Disney. Cartoons for teenagers are miniscule. Why? Is it because teenagers are too old to watch cartoons and that is why they produce television shows, like Hannah Montanaand Jonas.
It wasn’t too long ago, that Nickelodeon had a load of cartoons, like: Hey Arnold, Rugrats,Rocko’s Modern Life, and more. The same went for Disney, I remember there being cartoons in the afternoon, like Recess, Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers, Talespin, and so much more. But, now they all have disappeared and only appear in the special DVD collections.
Why have they disappeared? Is it due to political correctness? Or, were they out of date and they wanted to have shows that appealed to the teenaged crowd? Or, was it also do to ratings?
The reason for the disappearnce, I believe is due to the ratings. This is where Hannah Montana, Jonas and Zoey 101make their appearances. These shows appeal to that specific audience; that are too old for cartoons and too young to watch shows that appeal to older teens. Some cartoons also focused on the pre-teen audience: As Told By Gingerand Rugrats: All Grown Up. These two shows did draw a crowd, but even they were canceled and have disappeared.
I disagree with my thesis, I believe cartoons are for everyone and there should be a variety of shows that attract different viewers and not a specific crowd.
How many of you has moved? Where it be to college, when you were little or helped a friend move? I have moved four times in my life, mostly because my dad was in the military, so we had to move around–to different states or countries. Why do people move? As I mentioned before, some people have to move because its part of their job or their forced to move out of their house or apartment.Moving can be stressful, especially if you in a hurry or have to be out of the building by a certian date. You hope that nothing goes wrong or delays you from moving out. You also hope and pray that you have everything when you live the place. This can cause a major pain and headache. The best cartoon that shows this stressful day is a Mickey Mouse cartoon: The Moving Day. In this cartoon Mickey and Donald Duck have to live their house because they forgot to pay the rent. So, they have to move–with help from their friend Goofy.
Here is the Link:
This clips shows things going from bad to worse. Goofy tries to keep the piano to stay in the truck; which slows the moving process. Especially when the piano is playing game of back and forth with Goofy.
Donald also causes things to go from bad to worse when tries to get a toilet plunger and a fish bowl off his tail. Of, course the methods he uses to get those objects off of him cause more harm than good–especially when he inhales oxygen, and starts flying around the room, like a balloon that losing air. This causes him to break plates and destroy furniture. But, as in all Disney cartoons and movies there is a happy ending. Mickey, Donald and Goofy are able to move out of the house with everything, but I must say….Poor Donald, he can never catch a break, (watch the clip and you will see what I mean, by this comment).
For my special post, I decided to watch Pixiar‘s movie Up. I have never seen the movie when it came out in theaters in 2009. Before, I watched the movie, I had already assumed that the movie was going to be weird because of the title. I thought the title was alittle silly, until I watched the movie. This movie was great! I loved the message and the symbolism; that was portrayed in the movie.
I am going to focus on one symbol; which is Carl Fredricksen’s house. This house represented Carl and Elle’s love for each other. It began as a club house for them, but evolved into a home; where they could start a family. This house was going to stay with them forever. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the house multiple times. The first one was the miscarriage of Carl and Elle’s child, the death of Elle and the city’s attempt of taking his house because space was need to complete the architect’s project. It is understandable to see the architect as the bad guy because he wanted to destroy everything; that Carl had left of Elle.
That house and everything in it was special to Carl; this evident during the thunderstorm, when Carl tied everything that was precious to him down to prevent them being blown out the the window or broken. But, his attachment to the house costs him when he breaks a promise to Russell, during the scene where Charles Muntz sets the house up in flames.
Way before this scene where Carl’s house is almost burned to the ground, the audience starts to see the fragile aspect of the house. The windows are broken and the wood on the porch is falling off the house. We cheered when Carl strapped the balloons on the roof and flew out of the city with everything intact, but as the end of the movie approaches–the house starts to become an inanimate object. That house held a dream for Carl and its all he could see, and nothing else; until Elle through his adventure book tells him to let go.
An adventure is a wonderful idea. Everyone would love to strap balloons onto their house and fly off into the sunset. But, sometimes there is an adventure right in front of you. You don’t need a big plan to have an adventure; it could be something really silly, like going out to get ice cream. This I believe was the main message of the movie.
