15 replies to this topic

[Dirtydutch]

So, according to IMDB, Charlie fucking Kaufman, the greatest screen writer ever and probably the world's greatest active artist, has apparently done the rewrites for Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom.

[LadyGrey]

If they think that will convince me to see it, they are wrong. One of my biggest pet peeves is these animated CGI movies chock-a-block full of big name stars instead of normal voice actors. When I was a kid and we watched Disney films, you heard the voice of Belle or Ariel or Simba or whoever, not the voice of Jack Black or Cameron Diaz etc. I wish they would just use normal voice actors to originate the characters. It's not like all these famous people need the money, and if the film is good enough it will stand on it's own without needing to be marketed as a vehicle for famous Hollywood actors.

So in conclusion, even with Kaufman doing rewrites I will never watch fucking Kung Fu Panda 2. I will wait another few years for the next Synecdoche/Adapatation/Malkovich, and it will be worth the wait.

[ajs510]

When I was a kid and we watched Disney films, you heard the voice of Belle or Ariel or Simba or whoever, not the voice of Jack Black or Cameron Diaz etc.

[LadyGrey]

Pictures

I had no idea that they did the voices, and I doubt most people know because it wasn't part of the marketing of the film and never has been. Anyway, my main examples were the princess movies, I only added Simba in because I wanted a more recent example - obviously the nineties marked the beginning of the trend for using celebrity voices.

Nowadays the actors names are a huge part of the marketing:






The Lion King was never marketed that way, with actors names prominently displayed on the DVD covers and posters etc. So, my point still stands.

[LongLiveYorke]

The difference is that, at least 10-20 years ago, being a canonical "Disney Musical" has a certain cache that was independent of any actors in the movie. Pretty much every kid had to automatically see every new big Disney musical cartoon. These new animated movies don't have that same quality about them, kids don't automatically have to see "Kung Fu Panda," that has to be earned.

Though, I agree with you, it's odd that they would focus on the actors in the movie. It's not as if a kid cares who voices the panda or tiger or whatever.

And, for the most part, I think it's better to cast A-, B+ actors who fit the part more than to cast A list acors who seem out of place. Pixar seems to understand this, which is why they cast people like Patton Oswald, Ellen, Albert Brooks, Ed Asner, etc. At the same time, there are several noteworthy cartoon flops that contained several A list actors (the one that comes to mind is Sinbad, if anyone remembers that).

[ajs510]

The Lion King was never marketed that way, with actors names prominently displayed on the DVD covers and posters etc. So, my point still stands.

It doesn't, actually. Disney made a tremendous deal of the fact that JTT was playing Young Simba in that movie, to appeal to all the tweens and teens who idolized him on Home Improvement and make more money (obvious sidenote - it worked). My brother and sister were Disney Channel addicts (I was 17 when this movie came out, but still saw it) so I know for certain that they made mention of his role in the film during every promo spot, showing behind the scenes footage of him recording the voiceovers, video of his arrival at the premiere, total star of the show treatment to get those younger customers lined up.

[LadyGrey]

It doesn't, actually. Disney made a tremendous deal of the fact that JTT was playing Young Simba in that movie, to appeal to all the tweens and teens who idolized him on Home Improvement and make more money (obvious sidenote - it worked). My brother and sister were Disney Channel addicts (I was 17 when this movie came out, but still saw it) so I know for certain that they made mention of his role in the film during every promo spot, showing behind the scenes footage of him recording the voiceovers, video of his arrival at the premiere, total star of the show treatment to get those younger customers lined up.

The Disney Channel does not constitute the entire marketing strategy for a film, but way to use your own personal experience as evidence, that's always convincing. Anyway, I already conceded that the Lion King isn't a great example, so you continuning to use it as an example doesn't invalidate my original point in any way.

[ajs510]

The Disney Channel does not constitute the entire marketing strategy for a film, but way to use your own personal experience as evidence, that's always convincing. Anyway, I already conceded that the Lion King isn't a great example, so you continuning to use it as an example doesn't invalidate my original point in any way.

Seeing something with your own eyes isn't a valid example of direct marketing?

You're right, before LK they used voice-only actors almost exclusively. Cracked me up when I saw Back to the Future 3 for the first time, there's a saloon scene near the end with three old timers sitting at a table, and the second one of them spoke I realized immediately that he was a longtime Disney voice actor (played the Sheriff in Robin Hood, and Chief in the Fox and the Hound).

[Iphonenkinder]

I think Kaufman could do a good job. There's lots of well known writers who script doctor and rewrite scripts that their name isn't on. William Goldman rewrites a ton, M.Knight wrote Stuart Little, etc.

I have a hard time picturing Kaufman doing any direct publicity, he never does. Panda was a huge hit for Dreamworks, they wild be stupid if they didn't try to acquire as much of the 18-34 male audience as possible. I think I can only stomach Jack Black animated, live action he's too hammy and self aware.

[JoeyJoJo]

Though, I agree with you, it's odd that they would focus on the actors in the movie. It's not as if a kid cares who voices the panda or tiger or whatever.

Well, they're not marketing that aspect to the kids; that's for the parents who have to take the kids to the movie.

Disney made a tremendous deal of the fact that JTT was playing Young Simba in that movie, to appeal to all the tweens and teens who idolized him on Home Improvement and make more money (obvious sidenote - it worked).

My personal experience is that I don't remember anything about JTT being Simba, so there.


I agree that I'd rather not have the voice be very recognizable for my cartoon characters.


Oh, and Sinbad = Brad Pitt, I think.

[ajs510]

Well, they're not marketing that aspect to the kids; that's for the parents who have to take the kids to the movie.

My personal experience is that I don't remember anything about JTT being Simba, so there.

Clearly, you weren't at my house in 1994 watching the Disney channel that day.

FACE.

[BigDMcGee]

I've got news for you. Those princess disney movies, of the 80's and 90's, with the "anonymous" voice actors, sucked cock. Disney hasn't made a good animated feature since like cinderella. not counting pixar.

[JoeyJoJo]

I've got news for you. Those princess disney movies, of the 80's and 90's, with the "anonymous" voice actors, sucked cock. Disney hasn't made a good animated feature since like cinderella.

Aww, BigD watches Disney princess movies.


Edit: Also, what are you talking about? Beauty and the Beast was up for a friggin' Oscar (which I know isn't the end-all, but still).

[BigDMcGee]

Aww, BigD watches Disney princess movies.


Edit: Also, what are you talking about? Beauty and the Beast was up for a friggin' Oscar (which I know isn't the end-all, but still).

Hey, if I want beauty and beast, I'll fire this chick up on webcam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeV3ck5B_uA





Hmmmm I can't find her webcam site anymore. I guess she's a professional disney princess impersonator, and she used to have a website where she would do "princess shows"giving you and one on one princess session. What was disturbing is it was unclear if traci was doing princess cams geared toward adult erotic chat, for like little girls to talk to ariel. Possibly both.

[BigDMcGee]

Found it!

http://princessgateway.com/
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1168792

[Dirtydutch]

lol I still check her (Traci's) YouTube channel semiweekly.