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Ratatouille serves up an exquisite dish
by Nick (movies profile)
Jul 20, 2007
24
of
38 people found this review helpful
In a span of nearly twelve years, the computer geniuses at the animation studio of Pixar have developed some of the finest movies in cinematic history, animated or not. The wonderful imaginations of trademark Pixar directors, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Brad Bird have engrossed these films through their ingenious methods of storytelling. I can’t think of another animation crew that could envision a story of toys and the struggle they must face when their owners reach adulthood. Who else could devise the enchanting tale of a daddy clown fish on a mission to rescue his son from a fish tank? In their latest animated feature, “Ratatouille,” Pixar tells yet another unbelievably astonishing fantasy fable.
After centering their stories on toys, bugs, monsters, superheroes, and cars, Pixar explores the extraordinary world of rats. While I’ll admit that rats might not be the most compelling or appealing group of protagonists, Pixar manages to make vermin lovable. The movie tells the story of Remy, a young rat with the aspirations to become a great chef. However Remy’s dreams appear to be a lost cause. Nobody in their right mind would willingly eat food prepared by a rodent.
After separating himself from his rat clan, Remy finds himself in the city of Paris. There he ventures into a five-star restaurant where he is discovered by Linguini, an awkward garbage boy. Linguini is in desperate need of better employment and Remy desires to show off his cooking abilities. Together, the two team up to become the greatest chef in all of Paris.
“Ratatouille” is beautifully animated with its gorgeous landscapes of Paris. This is quite possibly the most technically achieving of the Pixar films. Director Brad Bird has brought films such as “The Incredibles” and “The Iron Giant” to life through his mesmerizing use of action. Here Bird enthralls the animation with his ingenious technique of animated action.
Animation aside, the look of a film can be completely disregarded without a gripping story. The reason that “Ratatouille” works so well is because of it’s boldness to envision the most inspiring and impossible dream. The film’s tale of a picky-eating rat with a passion to cook exquisite food astonished me. I was completely captivated by the innovation of the film with its original and utterly unique story. The film ranges in the league of even some of the great animations.
The people at Pixar seem to be incapable of making a bad film. While many found last years “Cars” to be somewhat of a disappointment, the film still achieved the status of a delightful animation. “Ratatouille” however, completely meats the standards that Pixar has set for itself. Given the other animations released this year, “Ratatouille” is by far the most exceptional. The film is funnier then “Shrek the Third,” more charming then “Meet the Robinson’s,” and more action packed then “TMNT.” Come Oscar time, “Ratatouille” will surely be a frontrunner for “Best Animated Feature.”
Also worth mentioning is the short animation, “Lifted.” I can’t recall the last time I laughed out load so hysterically then in this uproarious animated short. This five minute segment will be presented in the commencement of “Ratatouille.” |
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