So, is it hypocritical for Pixar/Disney, a brand-heavy corporation, to make an anti-consumerism, pro-environmental art film?
Yeah, I agree, definitely not. I got really annoyed reading some review that was saying that. I'm just curious, should they have never even approached the subject!? Would that be better? Also, Pixar is fully aware of the irony, I'm sure. I don't think they're trying to trick people and have them think, "Huh, I guess Disney isn't so bad!" or whatever. I think Pixar is trying to make a good movie, for kids, that incorporates some thoughtful messages. I'm positive their main goal is to make an impression on kids.
Also, it's a Sci-Fi film, and generally, very often, Sci-Fi incorporates some poignant, meaningful messages behind the futuristic backdrop. So I think they were staying true to the genre.
Anyway. I loved the film, it was really great. And I thought the second half was just as great as the first, to the chagrin of everyone I've read from on the subject. And I thought the live-action was interpolated perfectly, and kind of bumped up the atmosphere of the movie a lot. Blah blahlsjfsl.