Category: Dreamworks

Articles and news about cartoons, animated series and animated films produced by Dreamworks

If there is a production company that knows how to make us laugh, get excited and sing at the top of our lungs (maybe in the company of a talking panda or donkey), that is DreamWorks Animation. Founded in 1994, it is where the magic of cinema meets cutting irony and a pinch of madness. If you think animated films are just “stuff for kids”, DreamWorks will make you think again.

The beginning of the dream

DreamWorks Animation was born as part of the DreamWorks SKG, founded by three giants: Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg (fresh from Disney) and David Geffen. The goal? To compete with the animation giants, first and foremost Disney. And how did they decide to do it? By creating unique stories, memorable characters and a more daring and irreverent approach compared to the classic and “fairytale” tones of the competition.

Their first big success came in 1998 with “The Prince of Egypt”, an epic biblical tale that proved that animation could be serious, emotional and visually spectacular. But it is with Shrek (2001) that DreamWorks hits the jackpot. A green ogre with a bad temper, a chatty donkey, and an unconventional princess revolutionized the genre, poking fun at fairy tale clichés, and winning the first Oscar for best animated film.

The great successes

Since then, DreamWorks has continued to churn out blockbusters one after another, creating entire generations of fans. Let's talk about their most famous franchises:

  • "Shrek": The most beloved ogre in cinema has had four films (plus a spin-off, “Puss in Boots”) and each chapter is a feast of laughter, pop references and unexpectedly tender moments. Even today, Shrek and Donkey's jokes are unforgettable.
  • "Madagascar": Who hasn't danced at least once to the tune of “I Like to Move It”? Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe have taken us on hilarious adventures, but it's the spy penguins who have stolen the show (and the audience's hearts).
  • "Kung Fu Panda": Po, the clumsy panda and martial arts enthusiast, taught us that even the most unlikely of heroes can make a difference. With a perfect mix of humor, action and zen wisdom, this series has become a classic.
  • “How to Train Your Dragon” (How to Train Your Dragon): Perhaps the most epic and mature of the DreamWorks films, this trilogy tells the touching friendship between Hiccup and the dragon Toothless, in a mix of adventure, personal growth and tears (yes, real ones).

A unique style

DreamWorks stands out for its bold and irreverent approach. Where other studios focus on the perfect fairytale style, DreamWorks is not afraid to be sarcastic, to poke fun at stereotypes and to create characters outside the box. Their stories often put outsiders at the forefront, characters who at first seem inappropriate or awkward but who eventually find their place in the world.

And then there's the technical side: DreamWorks films are a feast for the eyes. The animation is detailed and fluid, and the use of color is always surprising, whether it's the mystical landscapes of Kung Fu Panda or of the Nordic settings of How to Train Your Dragon.

An ongoing challenge

Over the years, DreamWorks has had its ups and downs. After a series of successes, it has had a few flops and has had to face increasingly fierce competition (Disney-Pixar, we're looking at you). In 2016, it was purchased by Universal Pictures, but that didn't stop his creativity. With films like “The Croods”, “Baby Boss” and the sequel to “Puss in Boots”, DreamWorks continues to prove that it can entertain audiences of all ages.

Why do we love DreamWorks?

DreamWorks reminds us that animation doesn't have to be perfect or serious to be beautiful. Their films are colorful, loud, full of energy and always ready to surprise. They are not afraid to dare, to break the rules and to make us laugh with jokes that perhaps only adults can understand.

But above all, they teach us that being different is a strength, that even an ogre, a panda or a boy with a dragon can be a hero. And this, perhaps, is the most beautiful message of all.

So, next time you want a light-hearted, fun night, pick up a DreamWorks movie. Prepare to laugh, be moved, and maybe even learn something new about yourself.