Random Commenter

In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and theirselves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. There are times when a critic truly risks something. And that is in the discovery and defence of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent. New creations. The new needs friends. Last night, I experienced something new. An extraordinary film from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the picture and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about animated filmmaking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Walt Disney's famous motto, “if you can dream it, you can do it”. But I realise only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now working at Pixar, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest storyteller in America. I will be returning to the movies soon, hungry for more.