AVargyas

Carl's Date (2023)

Not what Pixar shorts are supposed to be

Once upon a time, not so long ago, Pixar shorts were simple, understated, and, well...short. Sometimes they even had no dialogue, a charming throwback to the days where the theater's organ player had to do all the story's heavy-lifting.

"Carl's Date" is none of these things. It's overwritten, it tries too hard, and it's definitely too long. Credit where credit is due, Ed Asner does a fine job (Rest in Peace) and if you liked his performance in Up, you'll at least find this watchable. But it's far from one of the best Pixar has to offer. Give me "One Man Band" or "Geri's Game" any time. This? Not so much.