Luxo Jr.

Two lamps one big and one small. The small one plays with a ball while the other lamp look at it playing. Pixar uses this partial lamp style for their company logo. This is the short film that started it all for Pixar. A nice companion piece to Toy Story 2.

I find it amazing that a film which is a minute and a half long, with one fixed camera position, can have such a strong story and characters. And these characters don't even talk! It's all about the animation. I can almost see the delight on Luxo Junior's face (although he doesn't have a face) as he leaps after that giant ball at the end of the film. Likewise, I love Luxo Senior's surprised double take as he sees the ball come bouncing towards him, and then his exasperated head shake as his son passes him by. It was a good idea for Lasseter to start out with mechanical objects. He could start slow and work his way to working more with facial expression.

This is Pixar's first official short film. The first one done when Pixar became an official company. This short shows why their mascot is a Lamp. It has some good visuals to it as well. Since it has to do with Lamp it has some good light effects to them.

You a get a few laughs out of it. And it's only about 2 minutes long, like Adventures of Andre and Wally B were. Has some better improvements than Andre and Wally B.

Made in 1986, Pixar still had a long way till they get their fame and glory.

you're able to find it on the Toy Story 2 DVD or Pixars website.

I give it 7.5/10

An important piece of animation history and a cute little story in general.

The short focuses on two living table lamps and a ball.

The short is charming and cute. It shows pixars craft when it comes to the fine details of shadows and lighting and also that they rarely can make a movie without using an interesting concept.

They could easily have made this short (that essentially is a demo) very generic and boring in terms of it's story. But makes a cute little animation that creates a iconic image that is in their logo to this day.

I'll recormend you to give it a watch and keep in mind that this is one of the most iconic animation studios humble begining.

Plot

A larger lamp watches while a smaller, younger lamp plays exuberantly with a ball but doesn't pick up the knack of correct handling.

Cast

Made by John Lasseter, the man behind Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Cars and countless other Pixar classics.

Verdict

I wasn't aware of Luxo Jr, but I'm very glad I watched this blink and you'll miss it short.

You see with zero spoilers I actually found myself saddened watching it as it touches upon a certain Toy Story-esque trope that turns me into a blubbering mess but thankfully it almost immediately lands on it's feet and it's positively adorable.

Considering it's so short it's hard not to consider this essential viewing for any Pixar fan.

Rants

I did have a rant but the site didn't like it and I got declined, so you don't get one in this review. Rasp.

Breakdown

Impressive visuals for 1986 Adorable on every level Gave me a momentary sad face.