TRAVIS BYRAM'S MOVIE REVIEWS

When it comes to Pixar, so many people are defensive about the studio geniuses.  My generation (born in the late 90's) was practically raised on Pixar, for many of us "Toy Story" was our first movie.  Then there's "A Bug's Life," "Monsters, Inc.," "The Incredibles" when we got older.  But that isn't the only reason why people will go to war over Pixar; it's because they treat us so good.  When you go into a Pixar film, you're treated to a great short film beforehand, the knowledge of knowing the movie ahead is going to be great from all the reviews you've read, and the silence of all the children because Pixar's stories are good enough where kids actually listen.  Well, the last thing listed isn't always  guaranteed , but you get where I'm going.  (Nearly) all the Pixar movies are instant classics, but I wouldn't go branding "Brave" that title just yet. Earlier this year in my early predicti...

Heading into "Cars 2" last year, I had a false sense of hope that it would be this significant Pixar film, despite the stinging reviews I'd read everywhere.  Anticipation was building, even the kids whining in their seats didn't bother me.  Then...it began, and that stupid James Bond spoof started.  That's when I realized I was going to be let down for the first time by Pixar. The lesson here is: expectations.  Like the food and drinks you've smuggled in because the prices at theaters are ridiculous, expectations are a key thing to bring with you to the movies.  When viewing "The Artist," don't expect to laugh out loud even though it's technically a comedy.  When Adam Sandler does a movie nowadays, don't expect it to be as good as "The Wedding Singer" or "Happy Gilmore."  And when you walk into Adam Shankman's "Rock of Ages," don't expect the next "Sound of Music," because you will  sure...

Here's a sad thought: We haven't seen Will Smith on the big screen for three and a half years!  That's insane!  For me, though, Smith is omnipresent in the media world, what with his son starring in a decent karate remake, his daughter winning over the world by whipping her hair around, and those "Fresh Prince" reruns you see on TBS all the time.  The last time I saw Smith was on New Year's Day of 2009 , (don't ask me how I remember) when I went to go see him in "Seven Pounds," which was critically bashed but I thought was pleasantly mediocre. But that still isn't fair, Will!  Don't be so selfish, share yourself with the rest of the world! Welcome back, Will! I kid, but the movie season has seemed a little more lonelier with the absence of critic/audience pleasers like "I Am Legend" and "The Pursuit of Happyness," both of which are classics by teenage standards.  You can't blame Smith; however, he's a fam...

I'm going to shock a few people with this opener: besides "Fantastic Mr. Fox" I've never seen a Wes Anderson film. Feel free to take some time to gasp, I know, it's surprising.  No "Rushmore," no "Royal Tenenbaums," nothing.  I myself find it a little puzzling, but a quick analysis on IMDb clears things up a little, they're all rated R up to "Fantastic Mr. Fox."  If this film is any indication of Anderson's work, I know for sure he'll become my new favorite director. He already is, but I suppose it isn't fair to judge on one film alone.  But based on his trailers, a theme is steadily approaching in my mind, full of quirkiness and men wearing tweed jacket, and Owen Wilson.  Like Scorsese and Tarantino, I see Anderson reuses many of his stars, and the Rotten Tomatoes ratings don't lie, you know, he's fairly acclaimed.  I'm reviewing one of his best rated films, and one of my favorite animated films, because...

In a span of 12 movies Pixar has made more memorable films than most studios that have been going 100 years have made.  It's easy to see the ingredients to a good Pixar movie: stunning animation, humor for all ages, and actually complex characters worth seeing into, rather than the one-dimensional dribble kids are fed nowadays.  With the exception of a rare lemon that occurred with last years "Cars 2," Pixar (almost) never gets it wrong.  I take a look back at the five most enjoyable characters from the past 17 years in preparation for the sure to be conversation-provoking Princess Merida in the new Pixar film "Brave." 5. SYNDROME While not instantly recognizable as other Pixar villains (Randall from "Monsters, Inc.", Stinky Pete from "Toy Story 2" for instance), Syndrome (voiced effortlessly by Jason Lee) is undoubtedly the  super-villain to end all animated super-villains, especially in Pixar's only superhero movie. What makes him ...

My last review of the classic "Snow White" inspired me to think of the upcoming film's star; Kristen Stewart. To call an actress like Stewart polarizing is to display a misuse of the word; people hate, in bold, italics and underline, HATE her.  Legions of computer dwelling kids sitting at their laptops blogging how much they want to beat the entire crew of "Twilight" senseless. Well...not all bloggers are bad you know. I don't hate Stewart, Pattinson or Lautner.  They've all had good roles in other movies ("Adventureland," "Water for Elephants" and "Sharkboy and Lavagirl" respectively) and the fact they're not very good in "Twilight" might just be a fluke.  Actors have misses, a heck of a lot more than hits anyway.  And while of course the "Twilight" series is one of the world's biggest franchises, the cluster of hatred and parody towards is nearly overwhelming. A really good Stewart in ...