Planet Unicorn

a kate west favorite

"In the year 2117, an 8 year old gay boy named Shannon found a magic lamp. He was granted three wishes. The first, a fur jacket. The second, a flying car. The third, a planet full of unicorns. This is the story of that planet." [spoken] "A gay boy wished for a planet full of unicorns, planet unicorn, unicorn planet. Give it up for Feathers, oooh Cadillac, and Tom Cruise. Ohhh, planet unicorn, heyyy!" [sung]

So begins the hottest new video site online, featured on both NPR and in August's issue of TIME OUT, "Planet Unicorn". As the song above says, it's all about a planet full of unicorns (dig those crazy names too), wished into existence by an 8-year-old gay boy named Shannon. The fact that it appeals to children and adult alike is testament to the cleverness of its creators Mike Rose and Tyler Spiers, talented young comedic actors in Los Angeles. Now internationally known, the website has well over a million hits and has become a pop culture phenomenon. Thank you, You Tube!

It's pink, quirky, harmless fun, with childlike animation and simple dialogue. And it all works really well. Check it out now, and you too can be cooler than My Space.


Creators: Mike Rose and Tyler Spiers

Shannon: Mike Rose
Feathers: Drew Droege
Cadillac: Mike Rose
Tom Cruise: Tyler Spiers

Animation: Craig Morris and Robert Potter

Theme Song/Vocals: Mike Rose

Original Music: Ryan Elder

Shannon

Shannon is an 8-year-old gay boy. He found a magic lamp and wished for a planet full of unicorns.
He has a vivid imagination and likes to have fun.

Feathers

Feathers has a southern accent and a cowboy hat.
He's sassy and no-nonsense. He likes to have fun.

Cadillac

Cadillac is Hispanic and wears his mane in a pompadour.
He likes having the last word and he likes to have fun.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise likes to travel and is always up for a new adventure.
He likes to have fun.

http://www.planetunicorn.tv

Congratulations on your NewNowNext Award!!!
http://www.newnownext.com/2007/04/planet_unicorn_.html
Read more!

The Simpsons Movie

The Simpsons Movie
a kate west favorite

It's only been a couple of decades in the making, but The Simpsons Movie is finally here! My brother and I have pretty much every episode memorized, between the two of us, so this is big deal for me. So much of my daily vocabulary is thanks to them. Mmmmm! D'oh! Woo-hoo! Mmh-mmh-mmh? (how does one spell that, anyway?) Excellent! Hah-hah! And HA! I'm a fan, in the very fanatic sense of the word. I even went to a Kwik-E-Mart early one Saturday morning to try a squishee. And the next day I had a pink doughnut. Mmmmm. Sometimes I'm mercilessly drawn to pop culture consumerism. I designed a Simpsons character for Kate West. See?



Anyway, I had great fun at the movie. It's one big long episode, really, but that's the fun of The Simpsons. We love them and want to see them in their element, with Homer doing something colossally stupid, this time on pretty much a national scale. He ruins the environment in Springfield, causing the evil government, run by Arnold Schwarzenegger (NOT Rainier Wolfcastle), to put a dome over the town. His family escapes through a sinkhole before the town can lynch him and they end up in Alaska, of all places. The main voice actors are featured, and I'm sure many people will complain about not seeing enough of their favorites, but the movie runs under two hours, so they can't fit everyone in. It's nice to see Bart appreciating Flanders, for once, and to see Marge being open and emotional with Homer. (You know all will be forgiven in the end, right?) The regular scenes are morphed into bigger emotional arcs, fit for the big screen. Fun sight gags and satirical references (you'll love "Spider-Pig" - so gloriously dumb), and of course you have to stay for the end credits. Well, I didn't, but that's not your problem.

Voice Actors in the Movie:
Julie Kavner as Marge

Nancy Cartwright as Bart/Maggie/Ralph/Nelson/Todd Flanders/TV Daughter/Woman on Phone

Yeardley Smith as Lisa

Harry Shearer as Scratchy/Mr. Burns/Rev. Lovejoy/Ned Flanders/Lenny/Skull/President Arnold Schwarzenegger/Kent Brockman/Principal Skinner/Dr. Hibbert/Smithers/Toll Booth Man/Guard/Otto/Kang

Hank Azaria as Professor Frink/Comic Book Guy/Moe/Chief Wiggum/Lou/Carl/Cletus/Bumblebee Man/Male EPA Worker/Dome Depot Announcer/Kissing Cop/Carnival Barker/Counter Man/Apu/Drederick Tatum/Sea Captain/EPA Passenger/Robot/Dr. Nick

Marcia Wallace as Mrs. Krabappel

Billie Joe Armstrong as Himself
Tre Cool as Himself (Green Day) (voice) (as Frank Edwin Wright III)
Mike Dirnt as Himself (voice) (as Michael Pritchard)

Tress MacNeille as Sweet Old Lady/Colin/Mrs. Skinner/Nelson's Mother/Pig/Cat Lady/Female EPA Worker/G.P.S. Woman/Cookie Kwan/Lindsey Naegle/TV Son/Medicine Woman/Girl on Phone

Pamela Hayden as Milhouse/Rod Flanders

Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony

Albert Brooks as Russ Cargill (voice) (as A. Brooks)

Russi Taylor as Martin

Directed by
David Silverman

Writing credits
James L. Brooks (screenplay) &
Matt Groening (screenplay) &
Al Jean (screenplay) &
Ian Maxtone-Graham (screenplay) &
George Meyer (screenplay) &
David Mirkin (screenplay) &
Mike Reiss (screenplay) &
Mike Scully (screenplay) &
Matt Selman (screenplay) &
John Swartzwelder (screenplay) &
Jon Vitti (screenplay)
Joel Cohen (consultant writer) &
John Frink (consultant writer) &
Tim Long (consultant writer) &
Michael Price

Worth seeing for Simpsons fans. And if you are one of the remaining holdouts and have never seens a Simpsons episode, you may as well start with this:

The Simpsons - The Complete First Season

www.simpsonsmovie.com
www.simpsonizeme.com Read more!

Spider-Man and Stan Lee

a kate west reflection

My favorite superhero is Spider-man, originally created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. He seemed to show up everywhere, from his own animated television series and special appearances on "The Electric Company" to major motion pictures. I loved it all. He was created the same decade I was born too, in the 1960's. I never read many comic books as a kid, but always held a fascination for the webbed man, funny considering my slight arachnophobia. Maybe it's because he's a climber, and I'm in love with rock climbing (love scaling those walls and cliffs). Or maybe it was the idea of teenage angst finding a noble outlet.

It's also great to have a "real" character in a real city (I heart New York) working for a newspaper, all things I dig. Brings it all closer to home. Peter Parker is full of doubts, in both comic book form and film versions. Bitten by a radioactive spider, why wouldn't a bookish teenager become even more petulant at times? That would wreak havoc with anyone's hormones. Raised by his aunt and uncle, he loses one of them (Uncle Ben) to a carjacking thief, prompting him to fight crime for the rest of his life. He's directly responsible for this in the movie, which comprises most of his agonizing self-doubt. Another cinematic change is that his web is organic, rather than scientifically made as in the comic books, a really cool improvement. Plus he goes through many different relationships (Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, etc), another realistic aspect. (But please, Director Raimi, stop allowing him to reveal his identity while rescuing the same girl over and over in each and every film. New story needed!)

I became a Stan Lee fan because of Spidey, in spite of some comic world grumblings over his alleged unscrupulousness. Even to the point of watching the over-the-top "reality show" silliness that is "Who Wants To Be A Superhero?" It led me to his other creations like the X-Men, another fascinating world of conflict. Tobey Maguire makes a fine young Peter Parker and although the three Spider-man films are unevenly matched, I can't help watching every last one of them. Such is the power of Stan Lee. And Spider-man, of course. Everyone from my generation, please feel free to sing along:

Spider-man, Spider-man
Does whatever a spider can
Spins a web, any size
Catches thieves, just like flies
Look out! Here comes the Spider-man!

Is he strong? Listen, Bud!
He's got radioactive blood.
Can he swing from a thread?
Take a look overhead.
Hey there, there goes the Spider-man!

In the chill of night,
At the scene of the crime
Like a streak of light
He arrives just in time

Spider-man, Spider-man
Friendly neighborhood Spider-man
Wealth and fame, he's ignored
Action is his reward

To him, life is a great big bang-up
Wherever there's a hang-up
You'll find the Spider-man!


The Movies:
Spider-Man - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Spider-Man / Spider-Man 2 / Spider-Man 3)

The Comic Books:
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus, Vol. 1 (Variant Version) Read more!

Powerpuff Girls

a kate west reflection

The Powerpuff Girls are three super hero little girls made of sugar, spice, everything nice and an accidental dose of Chemical X, a mysterious component from Professor Utonium's laboratory. Blossom (fearless, smart leader), Buttercup (feisty, dark-haired favorite, guess why?) and Bubbles (silly, blonde, fun one) are Townsville's trio of saviors. The Professor just wanted companionship, but got more than he bargained for not only with three adorable daughters, but a daily method of saving the world too. Super powers often conflict with school, super villains like Mojo Jojo often conflict with bedtime and the incompetent Mayor Mayer keeps getting everyone into trouble.

A good role model for little girls everywhere, check out the Cartoon Network for your local listings now.

Checking Them Out:
The Powerpuff Girls - The Complete First Season

The Powerpuff Girls - The Movie Read more!

Spirited Away

a kate west favorite














Hayao Miyazaki is a brilliant Japanese filmmaker. Unknown in the States until the release of "Princess Mononoke", his other greats such as "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle" gained acclaim as well. Combining hand-drawn artistry with computer animation, his films have garnered several prestigious awards, including the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for "Spirited Away". This film in particular is most known in America.

It revolves around a little girl who must travel to the spirit world to rescue her family. The breathtaking finesse of imagery that serves as the background to this amazingly imaginative story will never leave you. The films are not simple, but rather illustrated with mysticism, symbolism and heavy magic. There are often social messages as well, such as a profound nod to environmentalism. One cannot fully explain how special these movies are in words alone as it is a truly visual art.

Thank God for DVDs, although you really need to try and catch one of these masterpieces in a real movie palace.

Directed by:
Hayao Miyazaki
Kirk Wise (co-director) (English version)

Writing Credits:
Hayao Miyazaki (story)
Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay)
Cindy Davis Hewitt (adaptation: English version) and
Donald H. Hewitt (adaptation: English version) and
Linda Hoaglund (adaptation: English version) and
Jim Hubbert (adaptation: English version)

Cast:
Rumi Hîragi ... Chihiro / Sen (voice: Japanese version)
Miyu Irino ... Haku (voice: Japanese version)
Mari Natsuki ... Yubaba / Zeniba (voice: Japanese version)
Takashi Naitô ... Chihiro's Father (voice: Japanese version)
Yasuko Sawaguchi ... Chihiro's Mother (voice: Japanese version)
Tatsuya Gashuin ... Aogaeru, Assistant Manager (voice: Japanese version)
Ryunosuke Kamiki ... Bôh (voice: Japanese version)
Yumi Tamai ... Lin (voice: Japanese version)
Yo Oizumi ... Bandai-gaeru (voice: Japanese version)
Koba Hayashi ... Kawa no Kami (voice: Japanese version)
Tsunehiko Kamijô ... Chichiyaku (voice: Japanese version)
Takehiko Ono ... Aniyaku (voice: Japanese version)
Bunta Sugawara ... Kamajii (voice: Japanese version)


To Watch It:
Spirited Away Read more!

Toy Stories

Toy Story I & II
a kate west favorite

Once Upon A Time, Pixar and Walt Disney were good friends. And now they're not. But back when they were, they sure made some beautiful magic together - mainly the two "Toy Story" movies. John Lasseter, head honcho at Pixar, put himself on the map of fame forever with those computer animated films.

Woody (Tom Hanks) is a toy cowboy, in charge of a loyal roomful of toys. His reign is threatened when a brand new toy arrives, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), an astronaut, the updated modern hero replacing outdated cowboys. The magic of these films is in the computer effects, certainly, but more importantly, in the poignant depth of character organically written into the story. Woody learns about leadership when Buzz threatens to take over and this challenge ultimately makes him a better person (or toy) and we all need that nemesis to wake us up a little. Buzz too learns about himself and how to be a part of a real community. The sight gags are hilarious and each character contributes something important and we love them all.

Ditto with "Toy Story 2", a real accomplishment in a sequel. This story adds Jessie, a vintage cowgirl doll, who has yet another lesson in self worth for Woody. He's a collectible and worth money too. It still speaks to childhood and friendship, as well as offering a more sophisticated story for adults, the humor appealing to young and old alike. Yet another triumph for Pixar. And of course, the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles and many more are a divine delight.

Well worth renting, or better yet, adding to your home collection, speaking of collectibles. And the best part is these toys aren't lead-based or made in China.

Toy Story:
Directed by
John Lasseter

Writing Credits
John Lasseter (story)
Pete Docter (story)
Andrew Stanton (story)
Joe Ranft (story)
Joss Whedon (screenplay)
Andrew Stanton (screenplay)
Joel Cohen (screenplay)
Alec Sokolow (screenplay)

Cast
Tom Hanks ... Woody (voice)
Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head (voice)
Jim Varney ... Slinky Dog (voice)
Wallace Shawn ... Rex (voice)
John Ratzenberger ... Hamm (voice)
Annie Potts ... Bo Peep (voice)
John Morris ... Andy (voice)
Erik von Detten ... Sid (voice)
Laurie Metcalf ... Andy's Mom (voice)
R. Lee Ermey ... Sergeant (voice)
Sarah Freeman ... Hannah (voice)

Toy Story 2:
Directed by
John Lasseter
Ash Brannon (co-director)
Lee Unkrich (co-director)

Writing Credits
John Lasseter (story)
Pete Docter (story)
Ash Brannon (story)
Andrew Stanton (story)
Andrew Stanton (screenplay)
Rita Hsiao (screenplay)
Doug Chamberlain (screenplay)
Chris Webb (screenplay)

Cast
Tom Hanks ... Woody (voice)
Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Joan Cusack ... Jessie, the Yodeling Cowgirl (voice)
Kelsey Grammer ... Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice)
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head (voice)
Jim Varney ... Slinky Dog (voice)
Wallace Shawn ... Rex the Green Dinosaur (voice)
John Ratzenberger ... Hamm the Piggy Bank (voice)
Annie Potts ... Bo Peep (voice)
Wayne Knight ... Al the Toy Collector (voice)
John Morris ... Andy (voice)
Laurie Metcalf ... Andy's Mom (voice)
Estelle Harris ... Mrs. Potato Head (voice)
Jodi Benson ... Tour Guide Barbie / Barbie on Backpack (voice)
Joe Ranft ... Wheezy the Penguin (voice)
Andrew Stanton ... Evil Emperor Zurg (voice)
R. Lee Ermey ... Army Sarge (voice)
Jonathan Harris ... Geri the Cleaner (voice)
Jeff Pidgeon ... Green Aliens (voice)

The Set:
Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (2 Pack)

More Fun Pixar:

Monsters, Inc. (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Finding Nemo (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

The Incredibles (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Most Recent Best:
Ratatouille Read more!