Amy Poehler

Inside Out 2

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Riley wakes up confused

It’s been nearly 40 years since Pixar got going in the, yes, garage of one of its founders, and in that time it’s gone from being cult item to monster indie to part of the Disney mega-stable. Inside Out 2 comes at an interesting point in its history. Pixar is now part of the cultural furniture and at this point in its development is well used, to mix metaphors, to having its lunch stolen by younger, nimbler rivals. Gone also are the years when every new release was a banger – Toy Story followed by A Bug’s Life, followed by Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo and The Incredibles is a good run … Read more

Lucy and Desi

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Desi licks chococlate off Lucy's face

Amy Poehler’s debut documentary Lucy and Desi wants to tell the story, not unreasonably given its title, of both titan-of-TV-comedy Lucille Ball and her husband, business partner and co-star Desi Arnaz. Immediately there’s a problem. Lucy was a genuine star, Desi was not. Whatever his many talents behind the scenes, first as a musician then as a producer, they didn’t translate to the screen, and even a cursory glance at any one of Desi’s many appearances alongside his wife reveal a man who looks like he’s eager to get out of the bright lights. Not everyone can be a gifted comic actor, or wants to be. This asymmetrical twin focus is tough enough, … Read more