Two Plush Two Productions

a kate west recommendation

We're still in a recession, still at war, still escaping tsunamis and still enduring reality t.v. And yet we can take a small breather from all of that to watch Two Plush Two Productions videos featuring stuffed animals enacting short stories to cool music. In fact, we should. It's light, it's fun and it's cute. And it makes you smile. And like the work of the late Jim Henson (Muppets), none of it is ever mean-spirited. Good for the whole family.

Bunnies, cats, bears, monkeys and even unicorns bust some moves on camera, in emotional farewells to friends, cuddling with loved ones and even some getting in some holiday decorating. Manipulated by human arms (the "puppeteers"), the animals show remarkable feeling and convey perfectly soulful vignettes. From classic tales like "The Tortoise and the Hare" to simulated musical videos, the cast members demonstrate delightfully furry versatility.

What's really remarkable is that something so simple can be so enthralling. Didn't we all do this as kids - make our stuffed animals perform for a captive audience (usually our parents)? The cleverness isn't at all self-deprecating or mocking as in so much of comedy today. It's sincere. And just ... happy. And what's wrong with that? We all need more playtime, especially the older we get.

Oh and they count The Presidents of the United States of America among their fans (click here). So bring along your inner child and please spread the joy (see below).

Performers
Kirsten Egan
Susie Danzig
Nick Olson
Caela Fujii
Nathan Diehl
Bill Olson
Jake Horstmann
Paul Wu
Jonathan Bender
Alicia Dattner


Website:
http://www.2plush2.com/2plush2/Two_Plush_Two_Home_Page.html


Watch them on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/twoplushtwo

Like them on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Plush-Two-Productions/139622116101249#!/pages/Two-Plush-Two-Productions/139622116101249?sk=wall

FUND IT:

http://www.kickstarter.com/pro

jects/1913952317/babys-getting-up-video-by-two-plush-two-production

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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)

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