Random Thought: What's up with Pixar?

Not so recently, news came that Pixar were developing a sequel to Cars, possibly the low point in terms of quality of their output thus far. Not only that, but there is a direct-to-DVD spin off being developed, Planes. Unnecessary? I think so.

Once upon a time, it was Pixar who convinced Disney to not do a direct-to-DVD sequel to Toy Story, as they were threatening to do. Pixar instead produced not only one of the finest sequels in cinematic history, but also one of the finest films in cinematic history. And until recently, Toy Story 2 was their only sequel. Then, of course, this year we had Toy Story 3 (which I loved, and thought was a fitting end to the series and the characters). It has gone on to become the highest grossing animated film in the UK, and looks set to be the highest grossing film of the year in the US (no doubt bolstered by 3D prices).

Pixar was, like Marvel, a House of Ideas. Their focus was on story and character. Any other studio should be (and indeed, probably is) jealous of Pixar's amazing run of films; in terms of quality and box office. Now we have Toy Story 3, Cars 2 and Monsters Inc. 2 as their next releases. This follows an announcement from a few months ago that they were shelving production on their original film, Newt (although Bear and the Bow is apparantly still going ahead). I don't want to see Pixar churning out sequels to films that were fine on their own; that said all they really needed to say. Yes, they have always said they will never make a sequel unnecessarily, but... Cars 2? Really? It was the first Pixar film I didn't see at the cinema. I've seen it a few times on DVD since, and it has grown on me. But a sequel? I honestly do not see the point.

Perhaps I should be giving Pixar the benefit of the doubt. They have, after all, gifted us with Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. Personally though, I would rather give them the benefit of the doubt with regards to a mostly dialgoue free film about a robot cleaning up a deserted Earth. Or a French rat that wants to be a chef. Or an adventure film starring an old man and a scout.

Just my opinion.