Mark, Lawrence, and returning parents/panelists Michelle Parrinello-Cason and Chris Sunami take on the mass of largely animated films by Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, Illumination, etc. We've all watched them with our kids, and many adults devour them even in preference to other types of films. So what's the underlying ideology of this kind of media? What messages are they … [Read more...] about PMP#153: Kids’ Films, Adult Messages
Animation
PMP#88: Indie Animation w/ Benjamin Goldman
In the perennial conflict between art and our corporate entertainment machine, animation seems designed to be mechanized, given how labor-intensive it is, and yes, most of our animation comes aimed at children (or naughty adults) from a few behemoths (like, say, Disney). Mark, Erica, and Brian are joined by animator Benjamin Goldman to discuss doing animation on your own, … [Read more...] about PMP#88: Indie Animation w/ Benjamin Goldman
PMP#54: The Genius(?) of Rick and Morty
Mark, Erica, and Brian address the 4-season 2013 Adult Swim show (which has 94% on Rotten Tomatoes). What kind of humor is it, and how are we supposed to take its sci-fi and family drama elements? While its concepts start as parody, with an anything-goes style of animation, they're creative and grounded enough to actually contribute to multiple genres. How smart is the show, … [Read more...] about PMP#54: The Genius(?) of Rick and Morty
PMP#9: Cartoons with Dee Bradley Baker (from Clone Wars, American Dad)
Are cartoons an inherently juvenile art form? Even animation aimed at adults is still typically considered genre fiction--a guilty pleasure--and the form enables tones and approaches that might simply be considered awful if presented as traditional live action. So what's the appeal? Dee's voice can be heard in substantial portion of today's cartoons, especially for animal or … [Read more...] about PMP#9: Cartoons with Dee Bradley Baker (from Clone Wars, American Dad)
PMP#7: Native Representation w/ Jonathan Joss (King of the Hill, Parks & Rec)
Jonathan built his career playing 19th century Indians on horseback and is best known for his voice acting as John Redcorn III in King of the Hill (starting season 2) and then for his recurring role as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. Erica, Mark, and Brian talk to him about those roles plus acting in The Magnificent Seven, True Grit, and his current role as … [Read more...] about PMP#7: Native Representation w/ Jonathan Joss (King of the Hill, Parks & Rec)