Sony Yells, Surf's Up!
Filed under: Animation, Comedy, Sony, Family Films, Movie Marketing
I was a little surprised when Happy Feet turned out to be one of the big box office success stories this year. Sure, everyone likes a family film, especially right around the holidays, but I thought Bond would have definitely beat up on those penguins. I guess it goes to show you never can tell, huh?I think Sony is hoping you forget all about those adorable dancing birds by the time their new animated penguin film hits screens this summer -- or that your love for animated penguins is at an all-time high. Banking on the idea that if you enjoyed dancing penguins, you are going to love surfing penguins, Sony has launched the official site for Surf's Up. The story focuses on the unlikely premise that penguins were the originators of surfing, and the film is a mockumentary about a historic surfing competition held on Pen Gu Island. Of course, there will be plenty of family friendly messages about winning, accepting differences, etc..., mixed in with a slew of wisecracks. Voices in the film include Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, Michael McKean and James Woods. The website has a link to the trailer, a wallpaper download and a "live" web cam of Pen Gu Island. If you have little ones in your life, I'm sure you will be seeing this movie, whether you like it or not. But, since I don't, I think I'm might have to pass.
[via JoBlo.net]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-04-2007 @ 7:09PM
Seighton said...
WTF?! These similar plot studio releases are ridiculous! The studios HAVE GOT to know another movie is in production with the same freaking characters/storyline, what's the deal? Is it just a race to see who can finish first? I can remember thinking this was stupid as far back as Tombstone was immediately followed by the Kevin Costner steamer, Wyatt Earp.
Seriously,
The Illusionist/The Prestige
Finding Nemo/Shark's Tale
Armageddon/Deep Impact
A Bug's Life/Antz
Madagascar/In the Wild
Barnyard/Open Season
Capote/In Cold Blood
Those are just a few recent examples off the top of my head, I'm sure there are dozens more. Let's try coming up with something original, Hollywood ...or Canada ...or wherever we're supposed to feel guilty for pirating crappy movies from.
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1-11-2007 @ 11:09PM
Sing4nds said...
I have to agree. I've heard it said that: "Everything good has already been done". But seriously? Does it HAVE to come out in the same decade, let ALONE the EXACT SAME YEAR?!? Hollywood has turned into one big "Choose Your Own Adventure" movie. If you don't like the plot, characters or ending, just wait! Another production company is about to release the SAME movie, with slightly different characters, and a "surprise Twist" end! And sadly, Disney/Pixar and Dreamworks are two of the WORST culprits, especially when it comes to children's/family movies. Speaking of - Have you seen the new Disney/Pixar previews about a MOUSE that lives in the sewers of France? HELLO? Didn't Dreamworks' "Flushed Away" JUST come out? And Whatever ... Way to Capitalize Hollywood, WAY to Capitalize.
And in case you're thinking it - NO, I can't come up with anything original either, but I don't get paid the BIG bucks to do it! If it's your job, DO IT, and do it GOOD. We're bored with it out here in the real world.
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1-11-2007 @ 11:58PM
Matt S said...
I actually know a little something about this...what happens is a studio may pass on a movie or a script, but when they hear a competitor has picked it up, they immediately go into panic mode and try to find better actors and hire better writers. They may end up putting out the film second but they hope if they can make it good enough or if they throw in some twists, it will leave a lasting impression and will make you want to see it more or buy it on DVD. Plus, if two similar movies come out at the same time, these corporations cannot maximize profits and one inevitably takes the backseat and will release its film second.
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1-12-2007 @ 12:12AM
Chris said...
Not to mention "Dante's Peak"/"Volcano"...
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1-12-2007 @ 3:40AM
Annie Burnham said...
"HAPPY FEET" was SENSATIONAL!!! Our daughters are older and didn't express an interest so my husband and I went alone. Although he was hesitant to spend a few hours in the theater watching what isn't his typical movie of choice, he enjoyed it thouroughly and commented that he wouldn't mind "seeing it again".
It was a pleasure and a joy to experience a film that just plain made you feel GOOD (and had our toes tapping to boot!).
We will certainly be awaiting the next "PENGUIN PRODUCTION".
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1-12-2007 @ 4:16AM
Buzz said...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0488539/
Farce of the Penguins
Tagline: What Happens In Antarctica... Stays in Antarctica
Plot Outline: A mockumentary the illuminates penguin survival and mating rituals, as well as one bird's search for love while on a 70-mile trek with his hedonistic buddies.
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1-23-2007 @ 2:12PM
Bree MacStory said...
I don't think Surf's Up! is similar to the other 'penguin' movie storylines at all, save for the fact that they both involve penguins. There are tons of action hero movies, horror films, comic character movies so why not a few that have animals? I'll admit it can seem to be overkill when they come out within a few years (and even the same year) as each other but there are enough people who go to the movies who want entertainment and do not focus on the similarities of the species the main characters are; whether they are human, animal, etc.
I think this film looks pretty damn good. The animation is quite exceptional and the story seems entertaining. Both Happy Feet and Surf's Up were in production for years. It's hard to say which one was thought of first. Just because one came out before the other simply means one was finished first.
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