28 Years Later, A Bug’s Life Is Still One of Pixar’s Smartest Movies

by

Pixar is known for making movies that appeal to both kids and adults, but it’s easy to forget how sophisticated their early films actually were. A Bug’s Life, in particular, is a surprisingly thoughtful story about rebellion that still works for younger viewers. Its complex themes feel more similar to serious dramas like Andor and Daredevil: Born Again than to most other Pixar movies, and even after nearly three decades, it remains one of the studio’s most intelligent films.

Paradise Recap: The Woman of the Hour

by

Xavier wakes up in Graceland’s Jungle Room, still handcuffed to the couch, after being stabbed. Annie is expertly tending to his wound, but remains determined to keep him from going to Atlanta to help his wife, insisting he stay with her at a bunker in Colorado. Despite her seemingly harsh actions, Annie isn’t malicious – she’s driven by fear and struggles to trust others. Over the two weeks Xavier needs to recover, they actually start to develop a connection. His biggest flaw, as far as Annie is concerned, is his tendency to condescendingly explain pregnancy to her, but otherwise he’s not doing much wrong.

Pixar Knows It’s Running Out of Ideas, and That’s Okay

by

The show Hoppers centers on Mabel Tanaka, a young woman who loves animals and is determined to save a peaceful forest from being destroyed by new construction. As she investigates why the animals have disappeared, Mabel discovers their departure began when the beavers left. She then learns that a secret technology called “Hopper,” developed at her university (where she’s been skipping class), is involved. To understand what’s happening, Mabel connects with a robotic beaver and enters the animal world.