When I read Variety last night and discovered that DreamWorks Animation are planning to release five feature films every two years with one or two sequels a year, I was thinking don’t these people ever learn from the success of Pixar?! It’s not about the quantity, it’s supposed to be about the quality first, man!
So pardon me if I’m not too excited with the following list because frankly, I’m reminded by what Jack Black said at the Oscars this year… “I’m going to take the money I got from Dreamworks and bet it on Pixar!”
He couldn’t have said it better.
Here are the bullet points for future DREAMWORKS animated 3D feature films that will be released until 2012…
- HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (March 26th, 2010)
The riotous story of Hiccup’s quest to hunt down the fiercest dragon, bring it into submission, and—hopefully—pass his initiation. Instead, he ends up with the smallest, most ornery dragon—it’s even toothless! Thus begins the hijinx of the world’s most lovable, unlikely hero and a most reluctant “beast.” Packed with energetic drawings and plenty of action, this boisterous tale is just right for fantasy fans or anyone with a spirit of adventure. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell
- SHREK FOREVER AFTER (May 21st, 2010) a.k.a SHREK 4
Directed by Mike Mitchell, produced by Teresa Cheng and Gina Shay and exec produced by Aron Warner and Andrew Adamson. They’re milking this franchise way too much already. They should just stop.
- OOBERMIND (November 5th, 2010) a.k.a MASTERMIND
Robert Downey Jr. will voice a supervillain who finds life a little dull after vanquishing good-guy rival Metro Man. Also starring the voice of Tina Fey. Now this actually doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. I’m looking forward to this one.
- KUNG FU PANDA: THE KABOOM OF DOOM (June 3rd, 2011)
Longtime story exec Jennifer Yuh Nelson makes her feature directorial debut. Melissa Cobb produces. Skadoosh!
- THE GUARDIANS (November 4th, 2011)
Based on a not-yet-published book series from William Joyce, whose work has previously inspired Disney’s Meet the Robinsons. Animation and vfx vet Jeff Lynch will direct, the story unites characters every child knows — Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost and the Sandman — to defend the world from a Bogeyman-like villain.
- PUSS IN BOOTS (March 12th, 2012)
Antonio Banderas returns, and Salma Hayek will lend her voice to love interest Kitty. Shrek The Third helmer Chris Miller will direct
- MADAGASCAR 3 (May 27th, 2012)
The story will relocate the critters from Africa to Europe via a traveling circus. Mireille Soria and Mark Swift produce.
And November 12th, 2012 will be taken by THE CROODS, TRUCKERS or the SUPER SECRET GHOST PROJECTS
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Bleh! Not interested. But I’ll have to see if my little ones will be.
SHREK FOREVER AFTER – Enough already. Thought one and two were good, but three was yuk! Even my daughters were bored by it…. even though it was about “girl power” haha
OOBERMIND – SOUNDS GOOD! One of my favorites is THE INCREDIBLES. If they make this anything like that film, I’m there.
KUNG FU PANDA: THE KABOOM OF DOOM – Haha… The title says it all. Skadoosh! I’m there!
THE GUARDIANS – I hated MEET THE ROBINSONS so I’m sure I’ll hate this one. Skip it!
PUSS IN BOOTS – I enjoyed Banderas’ kitty character in Shrek 2, but less in the last one. To make this one work, they need to go back and view Shrek 2 and get the character right. I’ll wait for the trailers to decide on this one.
MADAGASCAR 3 – Enjoyed the original and thought #2 was ok but not very good. I love those penguins though. To make this third one successful, the penguins need a bigger part in the film. I personally think they steal the show. Keep those penguins in the mix and I’m there.
Can’t say much for the rest of the lineup.
I think The Penguins from MADAGASCAR need to have their own stand alone movie.. maybe they can call it MADAGASCAR ORIGINS: THE PENGUINS lol..
I’d have to disagree with you about PUSS IN BOOTS, he’s the most hilarious character in SHREK 3.
80% of MEET THE ROBINSON’s story was too wacky and confusing but the the ending parts, about the adoption and how he wanted to meet the parents that gave him up.. that was touching..