Issue #198 November 2009

2009 Oscar Watch - Fans are hoping that Pixar's animated octogenarian from "Up" is nominated alongside live-action heavyweights; A quick look at the diverse Best Animated Feature contenders, their pros and cons. Features - Wes Anderson delivers a delightfully quirky adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book in "Fantastic Mr. Fox"; Spain's Ilion Animation Studios and Sony Pictures deliver a flip on the classic alien flick with "Planet 51"; Adam Elliot, the Oscar-winning director of "Mary and Max", talks about the joys and heartaches of making his first feature length stop-motion movie. Television - Inspired by classic holiday specials, Disney's CG-animated "Prep & Landing" puts the spotlight on Santa's efficient helpers! Opportunities - With the aid of SJSU students, writer-director Scott Sublett's Flash-animated "Bye-Bye Bin Laden" hits the festival circuit and gets a DVD release.