Next Club Meeting: November 21, 2026, at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Animatrix Network is an anime & manga fan club located in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. We usually meet on the third Saturday of each month (except when holidays or conventions coincide). The meetings are free and open to the public. Join us for a day filled with anime.

This site provides news, reviews, commentaries, and previews of the world of anime and everything it inspires in today's pop culture, such as live-action films, comics, music, art, and other weird things to enjoy and contemplate.
Showing posts with label pixar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pixar. Show all posts

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Welcome to Hexe, the World of Witches...

H E X E D
“Hexed” is an all-new magical coming-of-age saga releasing in theaters November 25. The original animated film is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 65th animated feature.

Joining previously announced voice cast members Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones are seven-time Emmy Award® winner Tracey Ullman (“The Tracey Ullman Show,” “Tracey Takes On…,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”), who voices the enchanted feather quill pen Ms. Quill, and Stephen Fry (“Gosford Park,” “Wilde,” “Jeeves and Wooster,” “V for Vendetta,” “The Hobbit” trilogy) as the magical journal Elias Quire.

The new trailer introduces the impulsive and unconventional teenage girl Billie (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and her cautious mother, Alice (voiced by Rashida Jones). When Billie accidentally unleashes secret magical abilities, she’s hurtled out of suburbia and into a magical realm called Hexe, where she’s greeted by Ms. Quill (voiced by Tracey Ullman) and Elias Quire (voiced by Stephen Fry). As Billie’s spectacle-filled journey unfolds, she uncovers family mysteries that could change the magical world of witches forever.

Director Fawn Veerasunthorn said, “A wonderfully strange phenomenon is happening all around Billie, something she can’t explain. She's someone who has felt miscast in her own life, and it takes leaving her normal world behind and entering a hidden world of wild, unhinged magic to begin to understand herself.”
"Hexe is a place where Billie begins to feel seen for the first time in her life,” director Jason Hand said. “She embarks on a journey of self-discovery that reveals a powerful connection to magic, and in the process uncovers long-held secrets about her family.”
Disney’s “Hexed” is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, co-directed by Josie Trinidad, and produced by Roy Conli and Yvett Merino. The film opens exclusively in theaters November 25, 2026.
Disney’s "Hexed" is only in theaters November 25, 2026

Friday, August 1, 2025

"This is nothing like Avatar!"

H O P P E R S
An animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination.
Arriving in theaters March 6, 2026

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Take me to your "leader"...

E L i O
For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Elio, the universe calls back! The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he's beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio's all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth's leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be.

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Everything is riding on the success of this movie...

This is Pixar's LAST CHANCE...
Inside Out 2 seems to be Pixar's last chance, according to Pete Docter. If this doesn't work, they have to "radically rethink" their business model. Is Disney putting the pressure on Pixar to perform... or else?

Pixar's future success depends on their ability to create original, universally relatable movies and successful sequels, while avoiding predictable and boring content.

00:00 Pixar's future is at stake with the success of "Inside Out 2" as Disney pressures them to avoid another box office disaster, and doubts linger about whether they have learned from past mistakes.  

02:07 Pixar's latest movie is projected to fall short at the box office, but is doing well in pre-sales and is being compared to Toy Story 4, with reviews saying it's a safe and warm continuation of the first movie, and Pixar needs to deliver what people expect from their films.  

04:59 Pixar must return to its reliable and family-friendly storytelling to avoid rethinking its business model, as recent films like "Turning Red" are not resonating with audiences as well as their more universal tales.  

07:08 Pixar's future success depends on the box office performance of their upcoming movies, as recent disappointments have put them at risk of being sacrificed by Disney.  

09:09 Pixar needs to find new big ideas after getting rid of their successful idea team, and they are strategizing to balance sequels with new movies to attract audiences back to theaters.  

11:56 Pixar's future success hinges on creating original movie ideas that stay true to characters and don't pander to the audience, as their recent spin-off "Lightyear" may be their last chance to redeem themselves.

14:31 Pixar must create universally relatable movies, generate original ideas, and revisit past risks to produce enduring classics.  

17:03 Pixar needs to refocus on universal themes and successful sequels to regain their creativity and appeal to a wider audience, or risk resorting to predictable and boring content.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Make Room for New Emotions...

INSIDE OUT 2
The little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out—but next summer, everything changes when Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” introduces a new Emotion: Anxiety. According to director Kelsey Mann, the new character promises to stir things up within headquarters. “Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, might be new to the crew, but she’s not really the type to take a back seat,” said Mann. “That makes a lot of sense if you think about it in terms of what goes on inside all our minds.” A trailer, poster and film stills are now available for what promises to be the feel-good (or feel-everything) film of Summer 2024. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024.
Disney & Pixar's Inside Out 2, only in theaters June 14

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

So you're feeling a little anxious? We know why...

INSIDE OUT 2
Disney/Pixar's INSIDE OUT 2 is coming June 2024 with brand new emotions!
The little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out—but next summer, everything changes when Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” introduces a new Emotion: Anxiety. According to director Kelsey Mann, the new character promises to stir things up within headquarters. “Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, might be new to the crew, but she’s not really the type to take a back seat,” said Mann. “That makes a lot of sense if you think about it in terms of what goes on inside all our minds.” A trailer, poster and film stills are now available for what promises to be the feel-good (or feel-everything) film of Summer 2024.
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

This Summer, meet the residents of Element City...

ELEMENTAL
Watch Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental,” an all-new original feature film that transports moviegoers to an extraordinary place called Element City, where a host of elements live and work. The trailer showcases each element—air, earth, water and fire—and what sets them apart according to Ember, a quick-witted and fiery woman who’s always stayed close to home in Firetown. In “Elemental,” which opens in theaters on June 16, she finally ventures out of her comfort zone to explore this spectacular world born from the imaginations of Pixar’s filmmakers and specifically crafted for the big-screen experience. Element City is inspired by big cities around the globe and embraces theorized contributions from each elemental community—from giant pine-tree-like buildings and waterfall skyscrapers to a tornado-shaped arena called Cyclone Stadium.

Joining the previously announced voice cast including Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade, respectively, are Ronnie del Carmen as Ember’s soon-to-be retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember’s love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade’s stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O’Hara as Wade’s welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember’s admiring earth neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern.

Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman.

See the movie in 3D, only in theaters June 16!

Saturday, November 19, 2022

What do you get when you mix Fire & Water?


ELEMENTAL
In a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.
 

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Legacy of a Space Ranger...

LIGHTYEAR  Featurette
“I’ve been a fan of Buzz since the first time I saw Toy Story."
Hear our star cast and filmmakers share the impact that our heroic space ranger has had in their lives. Experience the legacy of Disney and Pixar's Lightyear only in theaters this June 17.
The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), “Lightyear” opens only in theaters on June 17, 2022.

Friday, April 22, 2022

To Infinity and Beyond...

LIGHTYEAR
Lightyear is the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans, the hero who inspired the toy. Watch the beloved Space Ranger's story on June 17, 2022.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Lightyear - *NEW* Official Trailer

LIGHTYEAR
Lightyear is the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans, the hero who inspired the toy. Watch Disney and Pixar's beloved Space Ranger’s story on June 17, 2022.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

What Has Fur & Red All Over? NO... It's Not a Dog!

TURNING RED
It’s gonna be Mei! 🐼
▶ Watch the Official Trailer
Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” introduces Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! Directed by Academy Award® winner Domee Shi (Pixar short “Bao”) and produced by Lindsey Collins.
Turning Red releases on March 11, 2022.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

To Infinity, and...

            B  E  Y  O  N  D          
LIGHTYEAR
Lightyear is an upcoming American computer-animated science fiction action film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. It is a spin-off of Pixar's Toy Story series, serving as an origin story for the fictional human character Buzz Lightyear, who inspired the action figure of the same name. Chris Evans takes over for Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear in this 'Toy Story' spinoff, out June 17, 2022.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Turning Red - Teaser Trailer

TURNING RED
Growing up is a beast. Check out the new trailer for the upcoming all-new original feature film “Turning Red” from Pixar Animation Studios’ director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar® for her 2018 short film, “Bao.” Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS). Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. Directed by Shi and produced by Lindsey Collins, Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” releases March 11, 2022. 

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Disney and Pixar’s Luca - Official Trailer

L U C A
This summer, you’re invited to Portorosso. Watch the new trailer for Disney and Pixar’s Luca and see the film June 18 on Disney+.
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”),

Friday, February 26, 2021

Disney and Pixar's Luca: Official Trailer

Disney PIXAR's LUCA
The first trailer for the latest animated feature from Disney and Pixar, Luca!
Coming June 2021.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Raya and the Last Dragon - Official Trailer

Raya and the Last Dragon
Prepare to join Raya on her journey to find the last dragon! On March 5, check out Disney's Reya and the Last Dragon on Disney+ or in theatres near you. Raya and the Last Dragon tells the story of Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) and her search for the last dragon named Sisi (voiced by Nora Lum AKA Awkwafina) in a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth which is populated by an ancient civilization.
Long ago, in the world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it's up to a lone warrior, Raya and her pet pill bug companion Tuk Tuk, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she'll learn that it'll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it's going to take trust as well.
Cast
  • Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, a fearless and passionate warrior princess who has been training to become a Guardian of the Dragon Gem. To restore peace to Kumandra, she embarks in search for the last dragon.
  • Awkwafina as Sisu, a water dragon who can transform into a human and is the last dragon in existence.
  • Gemma Chan as Namaari, Raya's nemesis.
  • Daniel Dae Kim as Chief Benja, Raya's father.
  • Sandra Oh as Virana, Namaari's mother.
  • Benedict Wong as Tong, a formidable giant.
  • Izaac Wang as Boun, a 10-year-old entrepreneur.
  • Thalia Tran as Little Noi, a baby con-artist.
  • Alan Tudyk as Tuk Tuk, Raya's best friend and trusty steed.
  • Lucille Soong, Patti Harrison, and Ross Butler as the leaders of the Talon, Tail, and Spine.

Sunday, January 17, 2021

The Life-Changing Message of Pixar's Soul

The Meaning of SOUL
Pixar released a new movie. It was a good time. One of our favorite movies of theirs. And here we're going to talk about why. I hope you enjoy it!

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

[Encanto] KAYARA Disney Official Teaser

K A Y A R A
In the oldest culture of the American continent (PERU) lives a beautiful Inca princess (Kayara) who dreams of breaking into the male-only group of Chasqui Inca messengers. Directed by Cesar Zelada. 
In theaters December 1, 2022

Friday, April 17, 2020

Trailer for Disney PIXAR's "Soul"

- S O U L -
Everybody has a soul. Joe Gardner is about to find his.
Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Angela Bassett, Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Daveed Diggs, “Soul” is directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Inside Out,” “Up”), co-directed by Kemp Powers (“One Night in Miami”) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray (Pixar short “Lou”). Globally renowned musician Jon Batiste will be writing original jazz music for the film, and Oscar®-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”), from Nine Inch Nails, will compose an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds. 

In theaters June 19