"Rockfish" is an 8-minute animated short film from 13 years ago that managed an Annie Award nomination back then. It is the most known work by writer (co-wrote the script with 3 others) and director Tim Miller. This may change soon though as Miller directed "Deadpool", one of the most eagerly awaited works of 2016, which will come out in about a month from now. It'll be interesting how this one goes as Miller has not made a film since "Rockfish" in 2003, especially not in terms of live action. But back to "Rockfish". I did not enjoy the watch too much I have to say. For my taste, it was too much of science-fiction and special effects instead of an interesting and convincing story. The animation was decent, but did not blew me away either. This rock/sand planet certainly could have looked much more impressive. And the relationship between the two main characters left me rather unattached as well. Not recommended.
... View MoreThis is fishing in the 54th century, I guess, or "Tremors" on another planet, or some combination of the two.It's very "sci-fi," very futuristic as we see a big, macho guy in his fancy rig on some desolate, rock-filled planet do his version of "fishing." He hooks the big one and it takes he and his pet dog-like creature on one wild ride along the rocky surface. When the "fish," finally emerges from the underground, you'll know what I mean about the reference to the film "Tremors." There are no laughs in this animated short, but the graphics are excellent and it keeps you riveted to the screen for the full nine minutes. This is fishing like you've never seen it!P.S. I didn't quite understand the ending but I don't think the story is going to capture most viewers, anyway, just the art and the action-packed sequences which will keep you wondering what exactly is beneath the earth that is so strong! Lovers of science fiction (and pets) should enjoy this.
... View MoreThe story is not as much about a fisher as about a hunter. Set on a distant planet, a guy is fishing rockfish who roam underground. Only this time he met his nemesis, it's a HUGE one. And although he catches the rockfish, his gear doesn't survive the hunt. Some clues to the story behind this you see in the final Scene. A marker-stone in the dessert with "Miners beware" and some 7 successful catches marked. The guy then marks his catch onto the stone, only this one about 4 to 5 times as big.A very nice animation in general (beautiful landscapes, machine and artifacts rendering), Some rough edges on character animation. Would be interesting to see how the remake (filming 2007) fills the other hour or so with sub-stories, sub-plots and character-development. (8 out of 10 for beautiful landscapes, wow-factor and pace)
... View MoreIn this nigh 9 minute short, a man and his pet "alien" turn the most boring beer-drinkingest "sport" in the world into a fun ride.Blur is the capable 3D studio that churned out this little future fish tale. This story is about a nameless man and his pet whatever taking part in the only sport less sporty than golf, fishing. Yet somehow Blur manages to make it more than worth watching. Being a short as it is, there really isn't a deep story. Instead, Blur goes straight for the eye candy appeal.If you put aside any preconceptions of depth, poltwise, and just enjoy the story for what it is, this short is quite entertaining. The visuals are top notch for 2003 and hold up well even 3 years later (something that is hard to do in the 3D field).I'd recommend this short to anyone who likes pure unmussed action and visual glory. I can only sigh that they would make a longer version with Vin Diesel when there are real actors out there who would handle the job much better. But that is another story.This future Finding Nemo gets 8/10 stars from me. Enjoy! ~Aaron
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