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Vegas (725 KP) created a video about AEW Dark in TV

Oct 28, 2019  
Video

Darby Allen Vs Cima

A sample match from AEW Dark.

  
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Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) created a video about The Source by Tony Allen in Music

Nov 10, 2017  
Video

Tony Allen - The Source (Teaser)

  

Folk Alley casts a wide net to the world of folk, roots and Americana music. Looking back at 2016, here are some of their favourites.


Honest Life by Courtney Marie Andrews

Honest Life by Courtney Marie Andrews

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After a decade spent at the height of the music industry, touring solo and with large pop bands,...


folk
Wondrous Traveler by The Small Glories

Wondrous Traveler by The Small Glories

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Album Watch

"Wondrous Traveler," the debut album by Canadian folk powerhouse pair The Small Glories - Cara Luft...


folk
Real Midnight by Birds Of Chicago

Real Midnight by Birds Of Chicago

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Roots band Birds of Chicago formed in 2012 as a collaboration between Chicago's JT Nero (JT & the...

Magic Fire by Stray Birds

Magic Fire by Stray Birds

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Album Watch

Magic Fire, out August 19th on Yep Roc Records, shines with striking immediacy and conviction. Over...


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and 5 other items
     
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Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) created a video about Real Midnight by Birds Of Chicago in Music

Oct 29, 2017 (Updated Oct 30, 2017)  
Video

Folk Alley Sessions: Birds of Chicago - "Real Midnight"

  
Video

Folk Alley Sessions: The Small Glories - "Time Wanders On"

Folk Alley Sessions: The Small Glories perform "Time Wanders On" from their 2016 album 'Wondrous Traveler'

  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a video about Dollhouse (Dark Carousel #1) in Books

Oct 29, 2020  
Video

Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

Book trailer for Dollhouse (Dark Carousel #1) by Anya Allyn

  
Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story (1995)
1995 | Animation, Comedy, Family
Truly a classic
With Toy Story 4 coming out in theaters this summer, I thought I'd go back and check out a beloved classice - the original TOY STORY (1995) to see if this film holds up to my memory of it.

It sure does.

Directed by visionary Pixar founder John Lasseter, TOY STORY is the first computer generated full-length motion picture and tells the...story...of toys that come to life when the humans leave the room. It is a simple concept that is executed beautifully with wit, charm and heart that sustains to this day and (I would imagine) to infinity...and beyond.

Besides the revolutionary CGI work (which mostly holds up), the heartwarming story and the crispness of the pacing of the film, the masterstroke here is the pitch perfect voice casting. Tom Hanks was the first - and only - choice for Woody, the Cowboy doll that has been the main toy for Andy. His confidence is shattered when Andy receives a Buzz Lightyear action figure for his birthday and he struggles to maintain control of the room - and Andy's heart. In lesser hands, this character could be be annoying and a bit of a jerk, but with Hanks' inherent charm, Woody is lovable, neurotic and vulnerable as he tries to get out of one jam after another.

Tim Allen wasn't the first choice for the voice of Buzz Lightyear, but with his success in 1994's THE SANTA CLAUS he was called into service on this film - and the results couldn't be better. He blends machismo, bluster and a sincere earnestness that perfectly pairs and counterbalances Hanks' tics to form a movie duo that ranks right up there with the best in film history.

It is the attention to detail that these filmmakers really excel at and the supporting cast of voice actors really brings it here. From Don Rickles to John Ratzenberger to Annie Potts to R. Lee Emery to Jim Varney to Laurie Metcalf, all bring charm and heart to their characters even when they are in conflict.

Speaking of attention to detail, the CGI in this film works really, really well - even after 23 years of improvements. The filmmakers were blazing a trail and there is much to look at in the background, from the 2 "Hidden Mickey's" in Andy's room to the tribute to THE SHINING, the background and renderings are lush and are worth a viewing just to look at hidden gems (and Easter Eggs) in the background.

But none of this would matter if the story wasn't any good and I give story writers Lasseter and future Pixar Director's Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton credit for keeping the story crisp, clear and simple and infusing heart and sincerity without getting cloying or annoying. Interestingly enough, in looking at the credits, Joss Whedon, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow were all contributors to the screenplay as well. When I see that many writers on a screenplay, I worry about continuity and flow. But, make no mistake about it, this film has a strong vision driven by Lasseter and the results on the screen show that focus.

If you haven't seen this film in awhile, give yourself a treat and check it out again, it holds up very, very well and will be well worth the 84 minutes it will take to watch it (the shortest of all PIXAR films).

Letter Grade A+ - which means, of course...

A rare 10 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)