I just saw the news that Pixar’s Joe Ranft has died in a car wreck. One of the early Pixar guys, and one of the indescribably brilliant writers behind Toy Story, which is still my favorite Pixar film (though The Incredibles is close). Before joining Pixar, he worked in the story department at Disney (back when Disney movies HAD stories), including writing on Beauty and the Beast (my favorite modern Disney movie).

Just an immense talent, and a great loss for Pixar (and for us). RIP, Joe.

More here and here.

[Eschewing almost all of the "where-have-I-been" crap in favor of just starting up again, I say...] Jim Geraghty at the increasingly-inaptly-named Kerry Spot has precisely nailed my discontent with George Lucas, and by now the entire SW franchise. Excerpts:

…I can’t be the only one who finds a stunning disconnect between the messages of Lucas’ films and the decisions he’s actually made in his life and work. [...] Let me get this straight. [...] I’m being warned about the dangers of capitalism from a man who made perhaps more money from merchandising than any other man in history. I’m getting lectured about the dangers of greed from man who authorized, “C-3POs” breakfast cereal, “The Star Wars Christmas Special” featuring Bea Arthur’s musical number, and not one but two Ewoks made-for-TV movies.

Ouch. More:

Technology is bad, soulless, dangerous, and dehumanizing. Mmm-hmm. This from a man who replaced a tall man in a hairy suit, a projecting the human-eyed loyalty and sadness of Chewbacca, with the CGI cinematic war crime that is Jar-Jar Binks.

Or

I’m being warned about the dangers of a “you’re either with me or against me” attitude, and the viewing of the world in a black and white morality, from a filmmaker who has his villain dress entirely in black, choke the life out of helpless pilots, and blows up entire planets. This from a man whose nuanced moral view required an edit to make Greedo shoot first.

[Insert witty close here that won't sound vapid and pointless following JG's inspired skewerings] [As soon as I think of one.]

MSNBC reports:

A controversial Dutch filmmaker accused by Muslims of ridiculing their religion was stabbed and shot dead in Amsterdam on Tuesday, shocking the Netherlands where the killing was denounced as an attack on free speech.

You can join me in holding our breath while we wait for the Hollywood Left’s outraged denunciation of this assault on a fellow film-maker. All together, big breath now…

Now, wait…that Paragon of Journalistic Integrity, that Towering Monolith of Truth and Veracity, that True Patriot just Asking Tough Questions, Michael Moore, is being sued for “misrepresentation of facts” in his recent movie. I’m stunned; misrepresentation of facts? In a Michael Moore movie? In Farenheit 9/11, of all places? No! NO! Not Mr. Moore!

The paper seeks “an apology” as well as “compensatory damages of exactly one dollar.” And I’m thinking, “Good luck!” But still, say it ain’t so, Michael! I’d just be so…so…shocked. All that journalistic integrity, all that careful reporting, now gone to waste.

But apparently, for the first time in his life, the uncontrollable gasbag has gone quiet. The article concludes by noting, “Moore could not be reached for comment.” I wonder when was the last time that happened?