Most moviegoers were delighted by the recent Disney/Pixar release, Toy Story 4. It was a classic Pixar film with huge heart, beautiful animation and plenty of laughs. That said, many were also disappointed by the lack of a Pixar short before the film. Recently the studio has been putting out a series of short films called Spark Shorts so I’m not sure why they didn’t use one of these for Toy Story 4 but they didn’t and it was sorely missed.
Looking back on the shorts we have gotten I started to think about how special each one is. Even the less effective ones like The Blue Umbrella (I just can’t get emotionally invested in umbrellas falling in love) are still full of heart and quite lovely. Then I continued to ponder them and the idea struck me ‘could the Pixar shorts be the solution to all of life’s problems?” I think they just might be!
Let’s start with some basic day to day living questions:
What to make for dinner?
The clear answer to this question can be found in the recent Oscar winning short Bao. She practically goes over each step to making delicious homemade asian dumplings. Along the way you will shed a tear as a mother learns to say goodbye to her son.
How to handle insomnia?
I don’t know if the short Lifted answers this question but it certainly will provide sleeping inspiration as our poor sleeping farmer gets put through the ringer by a nearby alien and yet remains asleep!
What music should I listen to?
Two battling musicians should be able to help you with this decision in One Man Band. Why pick just one style? Spice it up!
How should I deal with a school bully?
The perfect choice for this is to watch Lou which depicts a bunch of discarded clothes that teach a schoolyard bully to play nice.
You’re bored and can’t think of anything to do?
I haven’t been bored in many years but if it were to happen I can take inspiration from Geri’s Game and have a blast all by myself. At least we know you can always beat yourself at chess!
Ok. Basic questions are done. Let’s talk about the big questions of life
Who should I marry?
Obviously if you are debating about walking down the aisle take a look at the love story in Lava. If you can’t relate to the connection between both of the volcanoes than you may want to keep looking!
How should I raise my children?
Sometimes it can seem like young children are living in a world we don’t understand or know how to direct them through. If you are facing this problem than watch Sanjay’s Super Team about how a father and son come to understand each other.
Where should I live?
When deciding on that big move take a look at Day and Night which takes us from the country with sheep and big skies to the Las Vegas strip! You should be able to decide what works for you both morning and evening!
How do I deal with sexual harassment at work?
This is a new short but give Purl a watch. It tells the story of a female ball of yarn that works for a big corporation called BRO. At first she tries to fit in with all the suits but she eventually realizes she’s great the way she is and the suits are the ones that need to change
What if I am struggling to get along with my family or friends?
For this problem I recommend La Luna about a young boy who is being trained in the family business removing stars from the surface of the moon. His Father thinks things should be done one way and his Grandfather prefers another. In the end, he honors them but figures out his own way to do it. It’s lovely!
Does God exist?
While no short can completely answer this question I’d give Partly Cloudy a watch. It’s about a stork named Peck who’s job is to deliver babies of all kinds to their mothers. He suffers much with each delivery but knows exactly where each baby belongs. If God exists, I’d like to think he is as vigilant and kind as Peck.
So there you have it! All of life’s problems answered through Pixar shorts! Honestly they are all wonderful (I didn’t even mention one of my favorites, Presto)! Many are available in the 3 volume Pixar Short Films Collections and you can find them easily online. What are some of your favorites? We’d love to hear in the comments section. Thanks!