Reviewing - Pixar's Spinoff Shorts
Good enough to merit a follow-up. Not good enough to build a franchise.
I've made a similar post about Disney's one-off sequels, and now it's time to look at the Pixar films that resulted in little tidbits like these without propelling its characters into a larger story. While none of these are terrible, they're also totally skippable. If you were only going to watch one of these, though - it should be BURN-E.
Your Friend The Rat (***)
More educational than entertaining, this short film hit its marks without reaching for anything exemplary. It’s really nothing more than an explanation of the role rats have played in society throughout history, with a few fun facts you’ll probably hold onto for a week. The disclaimer at the end of the short was probably the best part. I wasn’t disappointed in this, but there’s certainly nothing about it that makes it commendable.
BURN-E (***1/2)
This was a lot of fun. Burn-E walks the fine line between telling its own story and following the narrative set by its predecessor. The bulk of this short is focused on Burn-E’s determination to replace a broken light on the exterior of the Axiom, which is the perfect recipe for good physical comedy. At the same time, it keeps reminding us of how Burn-E’s fate is intrinsically linked to the events of the feature film. Where other Pixar and Disney shorts have failed, Burn-E keeps this balance exciting by making each major plot moment of Wall-e become an inadvertent stumbling block for Burn-E. Shorts like Pixar’s “Dug’s Special Mission” or Marvel’s “All Hail The King” have been too preoccupied with the feature films that preceded them. Burn-E uses its parent as a launchpad instead of a finish line, which is what makes it so effective. That, and the machine that Burn-E keeps returning to for new lights. That was great every time.
The Legend of Mordu (***)
Similar to “George and A.J” in the sense that the animation is very rudimentary, what sets Mordu a cut above the rest is the gravity it determines to imbue its story with. The whole short feels like it should be the opening minutes of a feature film – maybe this could’ve worked as the opening for Brave itself. It’s grave and compelling, although the short doesn’t resolve its own problems. We hear the beginning of Mordu’s story, but not the end, which is what makes this short feel even more like a prologue than a self-contained narrative. If you’re a Brave fan, then this is essential viewing, but if you haven’t seen the feature then this will be utterly meaningless.
Riley’s First Date? (***1/2)
Boy, I really want more Inside Out content. We got a bit more of a glimpse into Riley’s dad’s mind in this short, and although it’s somewhat reminiscent of the dinner table scene from the main film, the hyper-protective instinct aspect makes this a fresh story. It’s simple and funny, and it left me wanting more. Pixar, please give us a sequel or something. If there was ever a film of yours that deserved a sequel (besides Toy Story), it’s this one.
22 vs. Earth (***)
This was harmless and inconsequential – and I’m not sure either of those are compliments. Set as a prequel to the events of the feature film, this short sheds light on 22’s plot to turn souls away from Earth. Unfortunately, we already knew that she didn’t like Earth, so this wasn’t anything new. Further, the premise of all the jokes for the short became apparent so quickly that any opportunity for surprise dissipated. I was hoping to see 22 engage with some of her historical mentors that we’d seen glimpses of in the film – I feel like that would’ve been a better opportunity for laughs than what we got. This didn’t stink, but it just wasn’t significant.
Ciao Alberto (***1/2)
Like many of Disney and Pixar’s short films, Ciao Alberto is nothing more or less than a short and sweet return to the world of one of their full-length features.
There’s not much to say about this film, but fans of Luca won’t be disappointed. This short delves into the burgeoning relationship between Alberto and Massimo, and the father-son dynamic hits me right in the sweet spot. Massimo’s an enigmatic figure because of his general reluctance to use words, but the Pixar animators do a lot to make sure he communicates even when he’s silent. There’s a few laughs and a happy little ending – there’s nothing to complain about at all.
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