ANIMATED SHORTS: OPEN SEASON, ANIMATED SPACEBALLS & MORE

[MattBrady]

by Steve Fritz

OPEN SEASON
SPACE BALLS GETS ANIMATED & MORE

It’s just what the world needs, right? Like there hasn’t been other films about semi-domesticated animals rediscovering “the wild.” Then again, there’s the old Hollywood saying if it’s been done before, and it was successful, do it to death.

Then there’s Open Season.

While I’m not saying you won’t see the ending coming long before you’re about a third into the film, that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to enjoy this trip.

SPOILER ALERT

For starters, our central character Boog (voiced by Martin Lawrence) wasn’t raised in a zoo. Actually, he was saved as an orphaned cub by a park ranger Beth (Debra Messing), who gives him eight meals a day and all the creature comforts a Grizzly could ever ask for.

Boog then makes a big mistake. When a hunter (Gary Sinese) captures a deer named Elliot (Ashton Kutchner), the big galoot frees him. Elliot repays this kindness by offering his savior a night on the town. The next thing Boog knows he and Elliot have caused a ton of destruction and are shipped out to the wide open spaces. It’s bad enough the bear doesn’t know a pine tree from a porcupine, but its also three days before bear season…and he’s an especially large target.

END SPOILER

Yes it’s another fish out of water story. There are dozens of them produced every year in the live action world and animation is guilty of it, too. In these films what matters is the chemistry of the main characters. There are some good jokes and snappy dialogue going down here, particularly between Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutchner.

What really helps is the directorial team. The “senior” director is Roger Allers. His background includes The Lion King (with Rob Minkoff). He was also a story man on Disney projects like Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid and Beauty & The Beast. The second is rookie director Jill Culton, who worked her way up the Pixar ladder as a character animator all the way back to the original Toy Story. The last man on this team is Roger Staachi, whose resume is pretty wide spread. He’s worked on everything from MTV’s Aeon Flux to Dreamwork’s Antz. It appears these three had a good chemistry in their own right, with enough varied experience to balance each other out.

Producer Sony Pictures is calling Open Season it’s true first film, not Monster House. Then again, it should be remembered that MH has that wonderful tag “Steven Spielberg Presents…” in front of it and is actually an Amblin film. Open Season definitely does not. So it’s understandable if Sony put its money on the screen. The characters are all finely detailed and very expressive. The forest settings are suitably lush and when there’s action, it moves as fast as shotgun blasts. There’s also some very nice, barbed commentary about the boons and busts of what we call “civilization,” that’s sure to get some laughs out of even the most jaded critics.

Still, even though this is a finely produced film, and there’s some good acting going down from both an animation and voice point of view, one can’t help feeling we’ve seen all this before. The domestic/wild scenario has been played to death, and it appears the only good news about that is there aren’t any similar films coming in the very near future. Taking the zoo element out of the formula was a step in the right direction, but it might have been better if a few more steps—like Boog just being a happy bear in the wild without any domestic background—would have been even better.

But hey, that’s arguing with that old Hollywood adage. The only way we’re ever going to see this sort of repetition end is when it stops making money. I get the feeling we’ll see a few more of these released before that happens.

SPACE BALLS TO BECOME ANIMATED SERIES

G4 and MGM Animation announced they’ve struck a deal to create an animated series around the Mel Brooks movie Space Balls. Not to be left out of the party, Brooks himself will not only be involved in the creative process, but will also voice a few of the characters in the series, among them Yogurt. According to informed sources, another member of the original movies cast, Rick Moranis, will also return to do the series.

For those who did manage to forget Space Balls (1987), a fairly broad parody of George Lucas Star Wars films, was one of the last movies Brooks ever directed. There was good reason for this as it is also one of his worst. But for some reason, there are gluttons for punishment who enjoy the skewering it gives the Lucas/Hollywood empire, even if it’s a pretty shallow one.

Then again, when one thinks about it, this probably should have been a cartoon from the very start. Brooks, like other washouts of the 70s such as Ed Asner, has made a heck of a second career doing voice work. It could work.

In the meantime we’ll probably have to wait some time in the distant future, like 2007, to know for sure.

ASIFA PRESENTING A SMOKER THIS OCTOBER

Back in the bad old days of burlesque and full-figured strippers, when the cops weren’t getting the graft they thought they deserved, they used to bust the joints, arrest the girls and call it a night. In order to keep the clientele happy the theatre owners would then show what they called “smokers,” aka vintage porn so the customers didn’t walk away completely unhappy.

Well, the worldwide association for animation, ASIFA, is now taking its own spin on the matter.

In these days of politically correct cartooning, where organizations are now scrubbing out any references of cigarettes from classic animated shorts, the Los Angeles division of ASIFA will host a special presentation featuring all your favorite toons smoking like Pittsburgh steel mills. Even better, the only thing you have to do is be in L.A. to see it. There’s no cover charge.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) at American Film Institute, Ted Ashley Screening Room (2021 N. Western Ave.; Hollywood). For more information, check out the ASIFA-Hollywood website; http://www.asifa-hollywood.org

[NormanB258]

Spaceballs does not need to become a cartoon.

Then again, maybe it will be Buffy-esque, in that the spin-off elcipses the original piece.

[Scott King]

How come there was no "weekend viewing" column last weekend?

[Anavel_Gato]

I loved Spaceballs.

But an animated series? I don't know...

[Spaz_Monkey]

Spaceballs The Animated Series would have been great 15+ years ago, when the movie was still fresh.

Now?

Nuh-uh.

[Funkytable]

It's good to see someone in the nerd community dog the movie space balls. For years I thought I was the only nerd on earth who didn't like that movie.

Although I think if the biggest fans of Space Balls were put into my situation for a particular week in college, they would hate the movie too. It's a story that begins with going potluck for a roommate.

My sophomore year of college I was paired with this INCREDIBLY FAT guy, no joke. He was about 5'4" and weighed more than 250 lbs. He also slept in nothing but briefs and didn't bother to change to soon after he woke up around 3 or 4 pm. He also didn't wash much, the first time he did laundry during the fall semester I lived with him was the middle of November. He was on a strict diet to lose weight, only half a gallon of nacho cheese dip, a bag of chips and a can of diet coke for his dinner. He took 12 hours of class that semester, and believe me, when he was out of class he was doing one of three things: using the restroom, playing Everquest, or watching his movie choice of the week while doing homework.

This was the fall of 2000, Everquest had been out for around a year and a half, and I asked him "Hey, how much time do you spend on that game?"

He typed something into the computer and said "72"

"72 hours is a lot of time to play a computer game," I said.

"Oh no, 72 days, and that's just this one character I'm playing now, I've got 8 total." He said.

So, from March 16 1999 (if he started the day it was released) to November of 2000, this fat nerd spent over two months of his life leveling up his knight, one of eight characters in the game. I shudder to think of the total number of days for all his characters, 4 months? 5 months? This man was the definition of loser, he ended up flunking that semester, which was supposed to be his last semester of college. I haven't heard from him since.

Anyway...

During the week of finals he studied more than usual, his movie of the week that week, was Space Balls. So whenever I was in the room trying to sleep (he didn’t go to bed until 6 am) or just getting some food I could hear Space Balls going in the background.

Could anybody still be a fan of the movie after going through that?

I also hate Tenchi Moyo, Denis Leary, George Carlan, Jeff Foxworthy, and Ninja Scroll.

[longshot7]

Originally Posted by Funkytable

It's good to see someone in the nerd community dog the movie space balls. For years I thought I was the only nerd on earth who didn't like that movie.

Although I think if the biggest fans of Space Balls were put into my situation for a particular week in college, they would hate the movie too. It's a story that begins with going potluck for a roommate.

My sophomore year of college I was paired with this INCREDIBLY FAT guy, no joke. He was about 5'4" and weighed more than 250 lbs. He also slept in nothing but briefs and didn't bother to change to soon after he woke up around 3 or 4 pm. He also didn't wash much, the first time he did laundry during the fall semester I lived with him was the middle of November. He was on a strict diet to lose weight, only half a gallon of nacho cheese dip, a bag of chips and a can of diet coke for his dinner. He took 12 hours of class that semester, and believe me, when he was out of class he was doing one of three things: using the restroom, playing Everquest, or watching his movie choice of the week while doing homework.

This was the fall of 2000, Everquest had been out for around a year and a half, and I asked him "Hey, how much time do you spend on that game?"

He typed something into the computer and said "72"

"72 hours is a lot of time to play a computer game," I said.

"Oh no, 72 days, and that's just this one character I'm playing now, I've got 8 total." He said.

So, from March 16 1999 (if he started the day it was released) to November of 2000, this fat nerd spent over two months of his life leveling up his knight, one of eight characters in the game. I shudder to think of the total number of days for all his characters, 4 months? 5 months? This man was the definition of loser, he ended up flunking that semester, which was supposed to be his last semester of college. I haven't heard from him since.

Anyway...

During the week of finals he studied more than usual, his movie of the week that week, was Space Balls. So whenever I was in the room trying to sleep (he didn’t go to bed until 6 am) or just getting some food I could hear Space Balls going in the background.

Could anybody still be a fan of the movie after going through that?

I also hate Tenchi Moyo, Denis Leary, George Carlan, Jeff Foxworthy, and Ninja Scroll.

good story. May the Schwartz Be With You.

[Funkytable]

Originally Posted by longshot7

May the Schwartz Be With You.

No, No, it really shouldn't. That's the point.

[Toneloak]

Originally Posted by Funkytable

It's good to see someone in the nerd community dog the movie space balls. For years I thought I was the only nerd on earth who didn't like that movie.

Although I think if the biggest fans of Space Balls were put into my situation for a particular week in college, they would hate the movie too. It's a story that begins with going potluck for a roommate.

My sophomore year of college I was paired with this INCREDIBLY FAT guy, no joke. He was about 5'4" and weighed more than 250 lbs. He also slept in nothing but briefs and didn't bother to change to soon after he woke up around 3 or 4 pm. He also didn't wash much, the first time he did laundry during the fall semester I lived with him was the middle of November. He was on a strict diet to lose weight, only half a gallon of nacho cheese dip, a bag of chips and a can of diet coke for his dinner. He took 12 hours of class that semester, and believe me, when he was out of class he was doing one of three things: using the restroom, playing Everquest, or watching his movie choice of the week while doing homework.

This was the fall of 2000, Everquest had been out for around a year and a half, and I asked him "Hey, how much time do you spend on that game?"

He typed something into the computer and said "72"

"72 hours is a lot of time to play a computer game," I said.

"Oh no, 72 days, and that's just this one character I'm playing now, I've got 8 total." He said.

So, from March 16 1999 (if he started the day it was released) to November of 2000, this fat nerd spent over two months of his life leveling up his knight, one of eight characters in the game. I shudder to think of the total number of days for all his characters, 4 months? 5 months? This man was the definition of loser, he ended up flunking that semester, which was supposed to be his last semester of college. I haven't heard from him since.

Anyway...

During the week of finals he studied more than usual, his movie of the week that week, was Space Balls. So whenever I was in the room trying to sleep (he didn’t go to bed until 6 am) or just getting some food I could hear Space Balls going in the background.

Could anybody still be a fan of the movie after going through that?

I also hate Tenchi Moyo, Denis Leary, George Carlan, Jeff Foxworthy, and Ninja Scroll.

That is some story, almost like a "What made me into a serial killer" book.

I got my eyes on you and i don't blink O_O

[samnoir]

While it's not in the league of Young Frankenstein or Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs (and Robin Hood Men in Tights) does have it's moments.

"Comb the Desert!"

"Mr Radar"

"She's gone from Suck to Blow!"

"Barfolomew!"

"Hello my baby Hello my darling Hello my Rad Time Gal."

___________________________________

MIRACLEMAN #6 by ALAN MOORE for sale on EBAY! NM 99 cents.

ROBERT CRUMB UNDERGROUND COMICS and ART BOOKS for sale on EBAY!!!!
___________________________________

[sme]

While Spaceballs is no doubt not Brooks' best it's a whole heck of a lot better than Dracula: Dead & Loving It, Life Stinks, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, etc. I like Moranis' work in it, think the cartoon could be decent, and would in no way call it Brooks' worst movie. That happened when he teamed up with the creative powerhouse known as Leslie Nielson. (shudder)

And for the record, is there a nerd our there that likes Foxworthy?

[sfritz]

Originally Posted by Scott King

How come there was no "weekend viewing" column last weekend?

I had just completed moving and the physical toll (plus finding where they h*** I packed my DVD player) just took it out of me.

Weekend Viewing will be back up this weekend. I got it half-written already. -s

[sfritz]

Originally Posted by Funkytable

It's good to see someone in the nerd community dog the movie space balls. For years I thought I was the only nerd on earth who didn't like that movie.

Although I think if the biggest fans of Space Balls were put into my situation for a particular week in college, they would hate the movie too. It's a story that begins with going potluck for a roommate.

My sophomore year of college I was paired with this INCREDIBLY FAT guy, no joke. He was about 5'4" and weighed more than 250 lbs. He also slept in nothing but briefs and didn't bother to change to soon after he woke up around 3 or 4 pm. He also didn't wash much, the first time he did laundry during the fall semester I lived with him was the middle of November. He was on a strict diet to lose weight, only half a gallon of nacho cheese dip, a bag of chips and a can of diet coke for his dinner. He took 12 hours of class that semester, and believe me, when he was out of class he was doing one of three things: using the restroom, playing Everquest, or watching his movie choice of the week while doing homework.

This was the fall of 2000, Everquest had been out for around a year and a half, and I asked him "Hey, how much time do you spend on that game?"

He typed something into the computer and said "72"

"72 hours is a lot of time to play a computer game," I said.

"Oh no, 72 days, and that's just this one character I'm playing now, I've got 8 total." He said.

So, from March 16 1999 (if he started the day it was released) to November of 2000, this fat nerd spent over two months of his life leveling up his knight, one of eight characters in the game. I shudder to think of the total number of days for all his characters, 4 months? 5 months? This man was the definition of loser, he ended up flunking that semester, which was supposed to be his last semester of college. I haven't heard from him since.

Anyway...

During the week of finals he studied more than usual, his movie of the week that week, was Space Balls. So whenever I was in the room trying to sleep (he didn?t go to bed until 6 am) or just getting some food I could hear Space Balls going in the background.

Could anybody still be a fan of the movie after going through that?

I also hate Tenchi Moyo, Denis Leary, George Carlan, Jeff Foxworthy, and Ninja Scroll.

Take it from a guy who has lost 60 lbs over the last year-plus, having a roomate like that would be great motivation for making me eat healthy. -s

[sfritz]

Originally Posted by sme

While Spaceballs is no doubt not Brooks' best it's a whole heck of a lot better than Dracula: Dead & Loving It, Life Stinks, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, etc. I like Moranis' work in it, think the cartoon could be decent, and would in no way call it Brooks' worst movie. That happened when he teamed up with the creative powerhouse known as Leslie Nielson. (shudder)

And for the record, is there a nerd our there that likes Foxworthy?

Well...living in south florid-duh among the gator wrestlers, cubanos, speed/death metal freaks and noo yahkers who couldn't cut it made me appreciate where Foxworthy comes from. I mean, there's NASCAR collectible shops around here that actually sell pieces of race track "pebbles." Worse, there's people who buy them.

It makes you understand Squidbillies, too. -s

[Funkytable]

Originally Posted by sfritz

Take it from a guy who has lost 60 lbs over the last year-plus, having a roomate like that would be great motivation for making me eat healthy. -s

Funny you should say that, I lost my Freshman 50 over a year, and it started when I lived with this guy.

I've managed to keep at a healthy weight for five years now, it's much better.

[mpg]

Why should I bother to be surprised that Spaceballs is getting waxed here....

its not top shelf, but it does make you laugh.
classic lines, great cast, good parodies

get old gracefully, retain your humor

[sfritz]

Originally Posted by mpg

Why should I bother to be surprised that Spaceballs is getting waxed here....

its not top shelf, but it does make you laugh.
classic lines, great cast, good parodies

get old gracefully, retain your humor

Except Brooks didn't do either. When you compare Space Balls and the later films to the (un)holy trilogy of The Producers/Blazing Saddles/Young Frankenstein, the decline in quality is just meteoric. To me, the last truly good film he did was the remake of a Jack Benny film (i'm forgetting its title) set in World War II. Brooks' major problem is he needs to be leashed ...OK a long leash but a leash nonetheless. Let him go and he loses control. -s

[Nat Gertler]

Originally Posted by sfritz

To me, the last truly good film he did was the remake of a Jack Benny film (i'm forgetting its title) set in World War II.

To Be or Not To Be.... which was his last film prior to Spaceballs.

[JLAJRC]

Although I haven't seen it in awhile, I love Spaceballs. I consider it Brooks last good movie.

But I kind of agree with everyone saying why do a cartoon now? And on a now lame network? Was Adult Swim overloaded or something?

I got to be honest though, while it has some funny parts, I never quite found Blazing Saddles to be the classic everyone says it is. Young Frankenstein, on the other hand, deserves its classic reputation.

[Spartan]

Man, nobody appreciates classic stupid humor. I try to catch 'Spaceballs' whenever it's on TV, and it always gets a chuckle out of me. Whether it's Colonel Sanders, Pizza the Hutt, combing the desert, or just the big assed flying Winebago -- it's all made in fun.

And if you laugh at Jeff Foxworthy, you have no business talking down Spaceballs. No business at all.

[belgarion_us]

Gentlemen, I thank you. Some of the posts in this thread had me LOL! (Funkytable and toneloak, you know who you are!) FTR, Blazing Saddles had a major impact on my "young" life (or rather Miss Stein did!!).

[Funkytable]

I must ask...

Could any of you fans of the movie still enjoy it after going through my story told above? I admit the first time I watched Space Balls, I laughed at several parts. But now? I hate it so much.

[Funkytable]

Originally Posted by Spartan

And if you laugh at Jeff Foxworthy, you have no business talking down Spaceballs. No business at all.

I don't think anyone here said they laugh at Jeff Foxworthy, I think you misread something.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by Anavel_Gato

I loved Spaceballs.

Same here.

Originally Posted by Anavel_Gato

But an animated series? I don't know...

Who knows? It could work.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by Spartan

Man, nobody appreciates classic stupid humor. I try to catch 'Spaceballs' whenever it's on TV, and it always gets a chuckle out of me. Whether it's Colonel Sanders, Pizza the Hutt, combing the desert, or just the big assed flying Winebago -- it's all made in fun.

Very much agreed. And of course, there's also the beautiful Daphne Zuniga