Madagascar - a great movie!!

[Escapay]

becuase frankly everybody has their opinions. I am sticking to it, people that didn't like these movies are close minded. Nuff said.

But your opinion is flawed in that you are generalizing EVERYONE who doesn't like those movies to be both close-minded and Disney fans, when in fact as I and Siren pointed out, they most certainly are not! Have you taken a worldwide census? Did you interview every person and find out if they like Dreamworks, if they are open or close minded, etc.? No. So essentially your opinion is moot since you haven't considered every option before making that opinion.

When you say "people that didn't like these movies are close minded" you are saying that out of every theatergoer or DVD-renter or DVD-blind-buyer that saw those movies, if they didn't like it, they automatically are now considered close-minded by YOUR standards. You don't take into consideration THEIR standards or their tastes, therefore your opinion only reflects what you believe, not what you believe based on what you know about them.

You are clumping every person who dislikes Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, and Madagascar into a generalized group of close-minded Disney fanatics. And that's what bothers me.

If we were to break down the types of animation fans based on Dreamworks and Disney alone (and the ridiculous "close-minded" opinion), it'd look like this:

1. People who love both Disney and Dreamworks, and are open-minded.
2. People who love both Disney and Dreamworks, and are close-minded.

3. People who love Disney but hate Dreamworks, and are open-minded.
4. People who love Disney but hate Dreamworks, and are close-minded.

5. People who hate Disney but love Dreamworks, and are open-minded.
6. People who hate Disney but love Dreamworks, and are close-minded.

7. People who hate both Disney and Dreamworks, and are open-minded.
8. People who hate both Disney and Dreamworks, and are close-minded.

9. People who don't even know what Disney and Dreamworks are, and are open-minded.
10. People who don't even know what Disney and Dreamworks are, and are close-minded.

The list goes on and on, but out of those ten given possibilites, your opinion and your logic is saying that people are either # 4 or # 5. Therefore, your opinion is flawed, as it is not taking into consideration the other 8 given possibilities.

Now we can say "Nuff said".

Escapay

[GhostHost]

some people just don't care for the Dreamworks style of filmaking, like me. Note:I am not considering W&G and CR DW's they are Aardman.

[Siren]

Dreamworks style has changed from movie to movie, as has Disney. Compare the realitic style of Bambi to the cartoon-style of Home on the Range. Production companies don't get stuck in one style for long.

Dreamworks is no different. Spirit and Prince of Egypt were realistic, while Antz, Shark Tale, and Madagascar were stylyized cartoons. I aboslutely LOVE Spirit. I think Prince of Egypt is a gorgeous movie (albeit CGI was a little overused). Antz and Madagascar's styles didn't bother me. It was their stories that I found rather droll and not exciting. Madagascar was a little more original, and was a nice "buddy movie", but IMO the best animated buddy movie is Toy Story. But Dreamworks style has changed movie to movie. And I'm not talking CGI, I'm talking storytelling, character writing, and overall look.

[Wonderlicious]

some people just don't care for the Dreamworks style of filmaking, like me. Note:I am not considering W&G and CR DW's they are Aardman.

I don't agree with what you say on Dreamworks in general, but you hit the Aardaman thing rightly, in my opinion. Perhaps because I'm British with the Wallace and Grommit featurettes being the equivalent of how How the Grinch Stole Christmas is in America (the beloved telecartoon that everybody watches during the Holiday season), I don't associate Aardaman with Dreamworks.

[Prince Eric]

memnv Wrote:

War of the Worlds(2005) comes out next week and inside of Madagascar there is a $3.00 coupon for it

Dude, I know War of the Worlds (2005) comes out next week.
All I said was I'm getting both WotW(2005) and Madagascar next week.
Also I don't know what edition to get from War of the Worlds(2005).

Um, OK, totally weird outburst. What memnv was trying to tell you was that if you buy Madagascar first, you can use the coupon inside for War of the Worlds. Duh.

[dvdjunkie]

The Wal-Mart 'bonus' is not much of a bonus, after all. What they have done is taken the "Penguins Christmas Caper" and put it on a extra disc and then they have a short with the Penguins singing some Christmas songs. 12-minutes of stuff for $5 more........not worth it, when you can get everything that is on the disc, except the Christmas songs (all four minutes of them), on the single disc set. I only bought two copies of "Madagascar", the one at Best Buy to get the Lithograph, which is numbered and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Then I bought a copy of "Madagascar" at Circuit City to get the Alarm Clock, which is really cool by the way.

Now for the debate on "Madagascar" - you know I wasn't going to let this one slide for long.

Why be so close-minded about one studio's animation and so open about another. There are so many studios doing animation that it seems to be what I call 'being picky' when it comes to what you like and dislike. I, for one, think that "Madagascar" is very, very good. I think that all of the Dreamworks Animation stuff has been very good. I liked "Ants", and "A Bug's Life" (which is Disney) equally. They both told really good stories and I thought the animation was very good. While Pixar seems to have the edge over all of them with their 3-D style CGI, I think that "Shrek" and "Shrek 2" were phenomenal in their reception and their story telling. A lot of people don't like "Shark Tale" because it has a very good moral story to it. It teaches children, and adults, that it is wrong to lie, by showing the problems that lying creates for all those involved. I see nothing wrong with that, and I am glad to have "Shark Tale" in my collection. How come nobody compares this stuff to "Veggie Tales" and their moralistic stories. Their latest release "Lord of the Beans" is incredibly good. I have collected all of the Veggie Tales DVD's and my grandkids watch them just as much as they do "The Lion King" or "The Jungle Book" or whatever animated film they choose to watch.

I think that some people are just too critical and lump to many people into areas that they don't belong just because they dislike one thing and like another.

They are just animated films people, c'mon, let's lighten up a little. It is okay to voice your choice of whether you like or dislike something, but to put someone down for their choice.......now that is totally wrong.

'nuff said.

[Alan]

A lot of people don't like "Shark Tale" because it has a very good moral story to it. It teaches children, and adults, that it is wrong to lie, by showing the problems that lying creates for all those involved. I see nothing wrong with that, and I am glad to have "Shark Tale" in my collection.

Sharktale, in my opinion, is BETTER than finding nemo, which is overrated. I really don't find anything wrong with it, its just that those people who automatically think disney animation is better than other types of animation...

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

Sharktale, in my opinion, is BETTER than finding nemo, which is overrated. I really don't find anything wrong with it, its just that those people who automatically think disney animation is better than other types of animation...

I have to quote Escapay/John Ritter() on this one:

"When you assume, you only make an "ass" out of "u" and "me"!

Now I'm not one to defend Finding Nemo, in fact it's the only Pixar film I can say that I hate, however it is way better than SharkTale IMO.

I tried to watch it, thinking it wasn't Dreamworks, but it just ended up a terrible film. Oscar was so unlikeable! The way they tried to make the audiences love him was so lame! In fact I ended up hating him at the end. I would actually be happy if the sharks ate him, since they were more likeable than he was!

The animation SUCKED, BIG TIME! Never did I feel like I was underwater, in fact the fish looked like aliens!

The story was boring and they also overdid they unfunny pop gags, in fact the ones in Shrek 2 were funnier.

Sadly I did laugh once( ), the only joke that was amusing was the Godfather reference, but it was THE ONLY time I even laughed, I didn't even chuckle at the other lames jokes. Yet, after repeating views, that once joke isn't funny anymore, so it's pretty much a laughless movie!

As for the Non-Disney/Pixar things, I loved "The Iron Giant" "Chicken Run" "Ice Age" "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and "The Polar Express". I also really liked Spirit, Robots, Corpse Bride, and the original Shrek(it's the sequel that sucks) , so I don't hate Non-Disney/Pixar animated films, I just hate almost all of Dreamwork's films.

But none were more crappy than SharkTale! This film goes in the top 5 worst films I EVER seen in my life! One film I'm glad to give a 0/10!

Oh and even your precious IMDB gave it a low rating, so why do you love it?

[Siren]

A lot of people don't like "Shark Tale" because it has a very good moral story to it.

Okay, when did you conduct a survey to say WHY people didn't like Shark Tale. Yes, it teaches not to lie and how a lie can balloon and become a disaster. A good lesson.
I didn't like Shark Tale because I just didn't find it all that compelling and funny. Pinocchio did a better job about teaching kids not to lie.
I think your idea that "a lot of people" don't like it because it has a very good moral story is a bit askew to say the least. As MICKEYMOUSE has, you have also assumed because you like it and other's don't, it makes us seem like we missed the whole point. I got the point. I certainly know my daughter likes the movie and its a good movie for her. But its not my kinda story and whatnot. I don't like it because I wasn't a fan of the story itself and frankly, I'm getting a little tired of Will Smith playing Will Smith. Besides Ali, he pretty much does nothing else but play the same character in every single role, even as a CGI fish, he's still acting like all his other characters. A cocky guy, who usually screws up something or people think he's a screw up, and then aims to prove himself.
Great moral story, I recognize that. Don't ass u me otherwise.

[creid]

I love UD as the first five or six postings from a thread called "Madagascar Is A Great Movie" only discuss what extra goodies you can get from buying a $15 movie at different stores. Nobody actually states an opinion on the movie until the sixth or seventh posting.

Unfortunately, I have not seen the movie and will have to wait until Christmas to see it as my in-laws have already bought it for my twin sons for a present. (Is it evil to expand your DVD collection by having family buy your kids DVDS you secretly want? )

As for SharkTales, I thought it was simply lame. It takes the Shrek model (moral storyline, pop culture refereneces, celebrity voices) and runs it into the ground. I found nothing fresh or interesting about the movie.

[MICKEYMOUSE]

The reason I liked Shark Tale (not really love it) is becuase it was like watching a animated gangster movie. I myslef love watching gangster movies, like Goodfellas, Casino, Godfather, Scarface, etc.... Also Robert DeNiro was a voice in the movie, that made it that much more interesting. Him and Al Pacino are my favorites top two actors. Sometimes you don't have to feel like you are really "under the sea" to appreciate a movie!!

[Zoltack]

I got to watch parts of this movie at work and I thought the animation wasn't all that great. I mean in some parts it just look too computery (???) for me. However, I haven't yet sat down and watch the whole thing so I can't judge the story or whatnot. But I didn't look like it was too bad from where I was watching it.

[dvdjunkie]

Thank You MICKEYMOUSE!!! You said it all right there. I guess that is why I find the movie fascinating is all the voices that belong in 'gangster' films are in this one. I disagree with whomever said that Will Smith can't act and that all of his roles are the same. Evidentally they don't watch Will Smith movies very closely. "Hitch" was a total diversion for him and done very well. We aren't here to discuss one actors abilities, but to talk about "Madagascar" and why it is so good or 'so bad'.

Judging a film as harshly as some of you is totally unfair, and unwarranted. I didn't like the animation in "Chicken Run" but I am fascinated by the story and the characters. Same with "Wallace and Gromit", I am not a big claymation animation fan, but I enjoyed the movie a lot. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" has never been a favorite of mine, because of the subject matter, however because of the great stop-motion animation I own it. I also found the same with "Corpse Bride", but I enjoyed "Bride" more than "Nightmare".

Opinions are just that, opinions. But every one has their own and shouldn't be putting others down for not agreeing with them. There is nothing wrong with Dreamworks Animation, or any other studios that do animation, true they are not Disney or Pixar, but why compare them. Just enjoy them for what they are - animated entertainment.

And for all you "Shrek-Haters" out there, there are two more of those 'great' "Shrek" films coming in the next few years.

'nuff said.

[Zoltack]

And for all you "Shrek-Haters" out there, there are two more of those 'great' "Shrek" films coming in the next few years.

YESSSSS!!! Totally going to watch those! I actually like Shrek because it's original and funny. Yeah it's got fart jokes in there but how else are you going to make someone laugh. I mean they're not lame fart jokes. And there are some clean jokes in there too.

[yankees]

The First Time I saw Shark Tale... I didnt like it

but I watched it on TV aabout a year later and I found it pretty good.

Sure Its No Shrek,Toy Story, Madagascar, Finding Nemo but the movie made me laugh (and isnt that what an animated comedy is supposed to do) yet I found it better then some films like Chicken Little, Chicken Run, Wallace and Gromit, iron giant, nick films, and more.

As for Pixar overated films...

I found Finding Nemo overated but I just love that film and its deffinatley in my top 5 animated films.

I found The Incredibles overated actually very overated.. I mean ppl thought the film was orignal i didnt think it was sure it was CGI but how many superhero flicks have we had before november of 05.
We had
Superman
Batman
Hulk
Spiderman

Also People were saying that this was the first time we saw a family of superheros... sure it was one of the first timeswe saw it on the big screen but it was basically a rip off of fantastic 4(except they were friends while there was a bro and a sis in the movie and im guesssing the comics.

Dont get me wrong I thought the Incredibles was good.. It had great action, wonderful animation and a good cast but I just found it way to overated and one of my least fav pizar movies but thats saying much since Pixar films are goods.

I guess I like both pixar and dreamworks movie. From Dreamworks I enjoyed
Madagascar
Shrek 1 and 2
Shark Tale
The Price of Egypt

and i liked From Pixar
Toy Story 1 and 2
Monsters Inc
Finding Nemo

and I plan on seeing Over The Hedge in May of 06 and cars in June of 06
________
Rent Guarantee Forum

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

Also People were saying that this was the first time we saw a family of superheros... sure it was one of the first timeswe saw it on the big screen but it was basically a rip off of fantastic 4

Personally, I don't really understand the whole comparrison between Fantastic Four and The Incredibles.

I mean I understand they had similar super powers, like Mr. Incredible was similar to the "Thing", and Elastigirl was similar to Mr. Fantastic and Violet was similar to The Invisible Woman! But aside from that, the story WAS completely different. Also Dash and Frozone's powers weren't in FF and the villian was also a totally different character so I really don't know why people keep comparing this to FF.

As for the rest of the conversation, I can't really argue anymore since there's really nothing to argue about.

[Escapay]

Also People were saying that this was the first time we saw a family of superheros... sure it was one of the first timeswe saw it on the big screen but it was basically a rip off of fantastic 4

Personally, I don't really understand the whole comparrison between Fantastic Four and The Incredibles.

I mean I understand they had similar super powers, like Mr. Incredible was similar to the "Thing", and Elastigirl was similar to Mr. Fantastic and Violet was similar to The Invisible Woman! But aside from that, the story WAS completely different

And Jack-Jack could turn to flames like...the fire guy (I haven't seen Fantastic Four nor have I read any comics so I don't know his name).

I think that's the only REAL argument people make as to how The Incredibles were a rip-off of Fantastic Four. It's like how people keep trying to find the comparisons between Pixar and Dreamworks films. They'll share some qualities, but not enough to merit one to be truly called a rip-off of the other.

Toy Story/Toy Story 2 vs. Small Soldiers - they both deal with live toys, that's it.
A Bug's Life vs. Antz - they both deal with ants, that's it.
Monsters Inc vs. Shrek/Shrek 2 - they both feature ogres/monsters of sort, that's it.
Finding Nemo vs. Shark Tale - they both take place underwater, that's it.

Escapay

[Kenai]

I watched it for the first time last night. It didn't really make me laugh a whole lot, which I was expecting. But I enjoyed the characters. The relationship between Alex and Marty was classic buddy material. Those two are awesome. Gotta feel for Alex when he goes "wild" lol.

[MickeyMousePal]

I thougth Madagascar was okay, I even liked the music video more.
You know the one that goes I like to move it, I like to move it....
I loved Chicken Little better not because it was made by Disney I loved it because it was original.

[2099net]

Personally, I don't really understand the whole comparrison between Fantastic Four and The Incredibles.

I mean I understand they had similar super powers, like Mr. Incredible was similar to the "Thing", and Elastigirl was similar to Mr. Fantastic and Violet was similar to The Invisible Woman! But aside from that, the story WAS completely different

And Jack-Jack could turn to flames like...the fire guy (I haven't seen Fantastic Four nor have I read any comics so I don't know his name).

I think that's the only REAL argument people make as to how The Incredibles were a rip-off of Fantastic Four. It's like how people keep trying to find the comparisons between Pixar and Dreamworks films. They'll share some qualities, but not enough to merit one to be truly called a rip-off of the other.

The Incredibles was The Fantastic Four in "spirit". Something doesn't have to be a literal copy of something else to be a copy. To be polite, The Incredibles was inspired and paid homage to the Fantastic Four. It's not so much the powers, or the story, but the general feel.

But if we are to make comparisons to the Fantastic Four:

* Powers were obviously based on most of the Fantastic Four powers. Yes, I know some were different, but some weren't.

* The Baby showed no signs of having powers of his own, but turns out to be the most powerful of the family (just like Franklin in Fantastic Four)

* The main villain has a techno-fetish, and has a personal grudge against the 'leader' of the superhero team (just like Dr Doom and Reed Richards)

* The ending, with the Underminer, was an obvious "homage" to the first ever issue of The Fantastic Four with the Mole Man.

* The Marriage flashback, was an "homage" to the wedding of Mr Fantastic and The Invisible Girl (as she was then).

As for characters, Dash didn't have the powers of The Human Torch, but shared his character, Elastigirl, as the mother, natuirally shared many of the worries and concerns that The Invisible Woman has, and Mr Incredible's name in itself is an "homage" to Mr Fantastic's.

There's nothing wrong with that. Comics have been basing characters and concepts on themselves for years, and still coming out with exciting, new characters and stories. But... Don't aways assume that bacause Pixar is Pixar they are above stealing from others to add their own twist. After all, they steal from themelves a lot.