Wreck-It Ralph - Review

"Just because you are bad guy,...doesn't mean you're 'bad guy'".     - Wreck-It Ralph, 2012

 

 

   So me and my crew saw Wreck-It Ralph. We were not disappointed. My art manager from years ago had emailed me an article about Disney doing an 8-Bit animated feature. Mmmm, close. The hype built as the kids requested the trailer every other night. My little guy ran around the house yelling, "I'm gonna wreck it!", before pounding his fists on anything,....and anyone.

   Now, I'm pretty easily entertained. Yet, there are a LOT of animated movies out there now and so very many of them are garbage. Wreck-It Ralph had me glued. More importantly, it had my two kids glued. If I'm paying through the nose, for a MATINEE, then I'd better get my money's worth. If my little guy can sit through most of a film, then it has my stamp of approval regardless of content. Having said that, I was laughing throughout the film.

   The visuals were eye-candy in every sense of the phrase. I loved the different game genre that they hit. More than just scene changes, they found the essence of the 8-Bit game all the way over to first person shooter modern graphics. The storyline was pleasing too. I love that there was a male figure trying to figure some stuff out, and a strong female character or two for my daughter to be invested in. At one point at the end, during a triumphant moment, my little guy sitting on my lap threw both fists in the air. He was feeling the vibe and I was too.

   I don't remember theatre's being THAT loud, but,...it was LOUD. We got in the car and I felt like I'd just been to a heavy metal concert. I doubt that was the film's fault. The soundtrack had my shoulders twitching, and my little guy stood up from his seat more than once to dance to the music. I can recommend this flick to everyone. Children, grown up children, grown-ups WITH children, etc. It was a fun ride and we'll be owning it at home one day for sure. Enjoy!

 

J. 

Art When You Can

I will produce art where and when I can. This was a project for my 'Lil Miss's Fall Festival at school. Their class booth was paper airplanes. I volunteered for the box and tried to make something fun. My little guy helped me out with painting and such. The final product is at the bottom and while we were at the festival, it looked like a lot of fun. It was for all ages, so you decorated a paper airplane, chucked it in the box, and BAM.....candy.

Art when you can.

J.

Lunch Box Art Surprises

     I've tried to do more of my lunch box art surprises for my 'Lil Miss. They're VERY quickly done, so that I don't get burned out on doing them. I remember how much fun it was to get a note from my mother in my lunch, and so I've tried to start doing more of that with my first born. As she is in kindergarten now, we're still in the beta test phase. I'm finishing 1 every week or two on average. Some weeks I'll do almost all 5 days. Sometimes I'll go a few weeks without doing one.
   The point is actually trying. She loves it and I enjoy the outlet for my art (which is hard to find time for these days). Being fast, there are liberties taken on anatomy and architecture. She gets the point, and that's all that matters.

J.

You've Got A Friend In Me

You've got troubles, well I've got 'em too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

We stick together and we see it through

You've got a friend in me

- Randy Newman

     I snapped this pic a few days back and realized how good I've got it that my little ones get along so well. While they ARE still young, I hope it's a foundation to build on so that later on in life they don't resort to the exchange of gunfire. My 'Lil Miss is very type A, and can get extremely frustrated when things are not going her way. That seems to pale in comparison to her loving nature. She's always looking out for the underdog, offering help where the shy kid needs it, and comforts her little brother whenever he's upset. My 'Lil Man is the same. He's all boy, for sure, but has a sweet natured side that uses "please" and "thank you" all day long.

     How can we accomplish this? The Wife and I communicate with the kids often. While some items fall under the "because I'm your father" category, explaining things goes over very well. Granted, The Wife has more patience with that than I do, but I'm learning. I think showing love to one another for them to see it important too. Mom and dad showing affection and helping each other. Dad showing that same love and help to each child. They then adopt the behavior to each other.

   Either way, the scene pictured above melted my heart. Let's hope we have a lifetime of them.

J. 

The Birth Of A New Toon

     So, here's the first cartoon for a company that sells generic medication sample kiosks to doctors. The middle panel is a line they use on the doctors, and this was the basis for the first 'toon to come out of it. I have a slew of ideas for the kiosk and its conversations.
     I'm just happy to be creating again. Creating characters and putting them in fun situations is great. As long as that remains, I am a happy man.

J.

This Day Is Just Dragon On

     I did a sketch whilst in a meeting at work. The scribbles turned into a dragon, and as I said the word "dragon" over and over in my head, it clicked. In my head, as I sighed, I thought "Man, this day is just draggin' on."
     The sketch was digitized and the text layed out. I'm sure you've all had days like that, and are in agreement that they tend  to drag-on. It's high time we had a mascot for that feeling. I threw the graphic on a pile of gear at Cafe Press, just in case anyone wants a tee or mug that announces your feelings on the day, meeting, etc.
     Hope you like it.

J.