By Phil Villarreal
Pixar Animation Studios has let us swim with Nemo, meet the monsters under our bed and watch the adventures our toys have when they come alive.
The Disney-partnered computer-animation company has not only trailblazed an original genre of movies over the past 13 years, spawning hordes of imitators, it's maintained its spot at the top of the heap.
"WALL-E", the space-set robot exploration opus that opens Friday, has high standards to live up to.
My picks for the 5 best Pixar films (pre-"WALL-E"):
1. Finding Nemo (2003) — This is not only Pixar's pinnacle, but one of the most moving and beautiful of all animated films, with detailed undersea vistas. The story, which does its best to get you to tear up, follows a young clownfish who gets separated from his father.
People are also reading…
2. Toy Story (1995) — Tim Allen and Tom Hanks voice action figures Buzz Lightyear and Woody, who start as rivals for the attention of the kid who owns them. The stunningly clean and lifelike look of the movie and its sequel made traditional animation seem antiquated.
3. Toy Story 2 (1999) — Losing little of the charm of its predecessor, Buzz and Woody are at it again. This time Woody has been nabbed by a toy collector and it's up to Buzz and company to find a way to rescue him.
4. Monsters, Inc. (2001) — A "Matrix"-like revelation shows us that monsters hide under kids' beds and in their closet for a noble purpose — to power their city. But it's the monsters who freak out when a kid enters Monstropolis.
5. The Incredibles (2004) — Superpowers run in the family in this tale that blends the sensibilities of sitcoms and comic books. The clan had settled into average suburban life but is called upon to stop an evil villain and save the day.
Upcoming Pixar films
Pixar likes to plan ahead. All will be released in 3-D.
Up (May 29) — An elderly man and an 8-year-old boy travel the world, battling monsters, searching out treasure and, one would hope, getting both kids and senior citizen discounts at Denny's.
Toy Story 3-D (Oct. 2, 2009) — Just like "Toy Story," only more 3-Der. Buzz Lightyear's "To infinity and beyond" apparently refers to the illusion of depth viewed through funky glasses.
Toy Story 2 3-D (Feb. 12, 2010) — The chase scenes should look really cool when toy parts fly off the screen. Hopefully they don't land in the popcorn.
Toy Story 3 (June 18, 2010) — They grow up so fast! Remember the little boy from the first two films? Now he's off to college, but has a problem leaving behind his childish things.
Newt (Summer 2011) — Only two blue-footed newts remain alive, so the survival of their species depends on them. Problem is they don't get along.
The Bear and the Bow (Christmas 2011) — A rebellious princess (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) takes to archery and ends up putting the kingdom in jeopardy, which is never a good thing.
Cars 2 (Summer 2012) — The film will catch us up on the globe-cruising adventures of Mater and McQueen.
