mauve127

It is really not possible to limit a work of such purity by a rating, but for all practical purposes "Heidi" deserves at least a 10 on IMDb's scale, in my opinion.

The animation is so realistically done that we not only feel for all the characters, human and otherwise, but also live, grow, smile and cry with them. And the storytelling is at once engaging, visceral, harrowing, redeeming and deeply poignant. Every frame has some subliminal emotional content that draws us deeper into the narrative.

On a personal note, "Heidi" was by a far margin the best show I enjoyed in my childhood, not just because of the fantasies it weaved but also how intensely they were interweaved with all the harshness of reality. While that may not be necessarily the ideal content for children, the feeling of emancipation at the end of it all still rings true with me.

Johanna Spyri probably could not have asked for a better visual translation of her story.

I went with high hopes to this film after having watched the magic and beauty of "Up" created by the same team. And I wasn't disappointed.

The entire concept of an alternate reality within the brain is a stroke of marvelous creativity, and the way the story turned and twisted around unexpected corners made the watch engaging and fulfilling. This is a story that dazzles with its onset, evolves with its progress and leaves a feeling of warmth with its conclusion.

Throughout the storytelling there is a sense of innocence that makes the characters all the more likable. The complexities of the human psyche have been boiled down to five principle emotions who begin as simple one-dimensional characters and mature by experiencing loss and achievement in their own individual ways - which is the true essence of growing up.

All in all, this is a story well thought out and equally well presented, making this a complete film and easily one of the best from Pixar so far.

"The Interview" attempts to make a satirical comedy of the political tension and turmoil associated with dictatorship, but ultimately falls short of its mark by focusing more on the comedy than on the satire. That is not to say it does not score as an entertainer. In fact, it has all the elements of a successful slapstick comedy complete with improbable and often ridiculous situations, crackpot over-the-top characters, dramatized dialogs and a simplified story line that does not require much (or any) brain-scratching.

James Franco excels in portraying the jovial, hyper-charged but easily manipulated celebrity tabloid show host, Seth Rogen complements equally well as his ever-serious, logical-thinking but quirky producer. Randall Park's presence is largely one-dimensional and he gives a reasonable performance within the limitations imposed by his character. The other cast members do not have enough screen presence to contribute any performance of significance.

Overall, the film appears to have all the ingredients to rise above the mire of formula-wrapped humor, but falls right back down by overcooking its script and never having any real entrée to please the senses.

Could be recommended for a lazy Sunday afternoon watch at best.