Would You Like a Book, Show, and Movie Recommendation?

JDA makes some reviews/ recommendations.

Book: Creativity, Inc. ( overcoming the unseen forces that stand in the way of true inspiration.) Written by: Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace. Published by: Random House

This is a fantastic book that I recently read by Ed Catmull, President of Pixar, and Disney Animation. I have been following his work and his company (Pixar) for years, and this book provides a true insider perspective of the creative culture of Pixar. I am a big booster of Pixar, I think those guys are amongst the best in the game. It's not only a ground breaking film studio, with excellent stories and creators of many of the most memorable and "revenue generating" characters in the past 20 years, but also a game changing technology company! They essentially invented, and continue to lead in the field of computer animation. Mr. Catmull is a man with insightful theories, practical actions, and numerous accolades to prove "his way" works. I think it's amazing that he is so open, and thoughtful about the challenges of the inspiring and managing the creative process. I may be the biggest fan of this book out there, but, should you read it ?

How about a test? Simple yes/no answers will do....ready?

1) Are you capable willing to read 300 pages?

2) Are you "into" Disney, Pixar, or computer animation?

3) Do you work in a collaborative environment?

4) Would you sell your company to Disney for 7.2 billion dollars?

5) Are you a real tech nerd/enthusiast/historian?

6) Can you name all 14 Pixar films right now? (no cheating)

7) Are you still reading this?

8) Do you understand the value of communication in achieving collective goals?

9) Do you like Steve Jobs stories?

10) Are you a leader?

I think if you can answer yes to 7 or more of those questions, there's a damn good chance you'll find value in this book. Absolutely brilliant book, you'll be lucky to read it.




Show: Bojack Horseman (available on NETFLIX)
Starring: Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Amy Sedaris and Aaron Paul
Created by: Raphael Bob-Wakesburg

(editors note) hahahaha, books? No one reads books JDA! You gotta relate with the people man! Talk about TV, people love TV!

Do any of these shows sound familiar? Walking Dead? Breaking Bad? Mad Men? Game of Thrones? Dexter? Girls? Big Bang Theory? Modern Family?

Well guess what? I haven't seen any of them. Hahaha, so relate able! For whatever reason, I cant commit to TV series I have never really been into it. I didn't, and still don't watch "Seinfeld", I don't like "Friends", I was never into any of the CSI's or Law and Orders, or whatever else. I just wasn't about that life.

I'm not saying I didn't/ don't watch any programs, but I missed a lot of the popular serials of our times. However I'm really into edgy comedies and fun cartoons and this show is a modern, and excellent example of both.

Bojack Horseman is a washed up Hollywood actor who used to star in a very popular family sitcom in the 80's. He still has money, but he has obviously fell off from his glory days 20 years ago. We meet his agent, his few friends, and his biography's co-writer...hilarity f**king ensues.

This show is funny. The satire is on point. The story has depth. The animation is delightful, The voice acting is top rate, the characters are well thought out, the bizarreness is omnipresent, and refreshing! It's a really good show, NETFLIX is winning right now! Should you check it out? Would you like it? hmmm...

5 questions: simply answer 0, 1, 2, or 3 after each.

a) Are you familiar with the work of Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, or Alison Brie ?

b) Do you like Archer, Entourage, or Duckman?

c) How fast would you watch a 12 episode show on NETFLIX?
1)weekly 2)daily 3)all in one sitting.

d) What's you're favourite genre?
1)Drama 2)Cartoons 3)Live action Comedies

e)How smart are you?
1)not very 2)somewhat 3)extremely.

If you score a 10+ I  am confident that you'll like this show. Less than 10? This may not be your cup of tea. If you need any more convincing, check out the shows the shows amusingly informative website!!

Movie(s): Big Hero 6 and Interstellar (both in theatres now)

Big Hero 6 is a must watch for everyone! It's charming, fun, inspiring, and has a fantastic story! It's the me of movies. hahaha. Made by Disney Animation, this movie is another example of us being in a new Disney renaissance. The book I recommended earlier provides insight as to how that happened.

Will you like this movie

2 questions.

1) Do you like colours?

2) Do you have a heart?

Score of 1+, you'll like this movie. Check it out.

The second Movie is a little more complex...

Interstellar is too much! I think it was fantastic. The visuals alone are quite remarkable. I got to experience it in IMAX 70 mm film projection, the optimal format to watch the movie, and wow...I'm still buzzed out. It is a gorgeous film, and the film projection made me sad that its essentially an obsolete format. Digital is cheaper, more versatile, and the future, but film has some obvious advantages. This is a must watch movie, but it's kinda difficult too...one has to have an open mind cause spoiler alert....MATH! The theories in this film are very very advanced, but the movie tries its best to spoon feed the concepts to the audience. Plus it has a very nice family "down to earth" story in there too, so one can connect with this film in different ways. It's grand, epic, yet artsy , and some people may not have time for a 3 hour movie. However I thought it was a hell of an experience, and a movie that would stay with the viewer long after they leave the theatre..

Its also very very hard to market this movie, and talk too much about it without you seeing it first. Just consider these questions before you decide if you want to see it:

1) Can you sit through a 3 hour movie?

2) Do you like Space movies?

3) Do you believe in love?

4)Do you believe in ghosts?

5) Did you get Inception?

6) Do you like Robots?

7) Does the art of cinema matter to you?

8) Are you a math person?

6+ go watch this movie now!

less than 5, this movie may not be your thing

, but watch it anyway so people will think your cool!

***jda out***

JDA is a media junkie and definitely a #BramptonRises kinda guy. Follow him on twitter @Jibbyville.

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