Genres

Visitors Review

AloysiusWeasley 2012-05-24 05:22:59

Pixar's Worst Yet

*********MINOR, MINOR SPOILERS*********** You can find out what thismovie is about from the front page, so I'm just going to critique ithere.For starters, this movie got two stars from me instead of zero becausethe animation was quite unique and paid great attention to detail. Notanywhere near say, a Studio Ghibli level of technique of animation, butquite good, nonetheless.On to the faults, of which there are MANY. Let me just list them, foreasier reading: - The whole plot is RIDICULOUS. Leaving aside that thisis animation (which does often take many more liberties than would beallowed with non-animated productions), rats running a kitchen(Gross!)? A chef being controlled by his hair? No one ever seeing saidrat back lit under a white hat? A rat that just "somehow" knows how tomake all these dishes, knows what the culinary equipment does, andknows exactly what spices to use, EVERY time? Really.- I almost never say this (usually I campaign for the other end of thespectrum), but this movie is WAAAY too long! It really begins to dragand blend together by about a third of the way in, and it was a realstruggle to keep watching. I can think of so many more deserving moviesthat should have been gifted with such a time allotment! - Can you finda sympathetic character in this? Good, I couldn't either.Characterization was definitely lacking, as well as motivation - prettymuch every character in this movie is flat, uninspired, and frankly,annoying and grating.- Humor that is "mostly adult-oriented"? PLEASE. I think I cracked asmile about five times during this one, and maybe a giggle. It's sooverloaded with saccharine garbage you will be nauseated.- On a more personal note, if you don't like rats and find their littlepestilence-ridden bodies distasteful, this is NOT the movie for you.Also, I'm not quite sure why so many animated flicks in the past fewyears have made the focus of their films detestable creatures (rats,bees, ants, other insects, mice, pigs, birds, and did I mention howmany movies there are about bugs?) The last good movie I saw withanything that counted as a predator would be Lion King. What is it,some sort of vulnerability ploy? - I'm no expert on how Europeankitchens work, and there are many other flaws with this movie that manyother excellent reviewers have pointed out. Don't let my review be theonly one you read, and PLEASE don't take the number of stars given thisone seriously! Every Pixar and Disney employee must have been told togive this a great review and number of stars, on ALL the major moviesites! Bottom line, looking for a better rat/mouse-type animated movie?How about The Rescuers, or one of the Fievel/American Tail movies, orbest yet, The Rats of Nimh. Looking for a better movie by Pixar?Personally, I'd say Toy Story one or two, The Incredibles (fabulous,original work right there), Finding Nemo, or you know what, anythingbut this movie, and I think A Bug's Life isn't that great, either.To me, Pixar was one of the top American animation companies not justfor their above-par animation techniques, but because their movies hadone foot in the real world, while the other spun off into the realm ofthe fantastic. The Incredibles was the best example of this - I mean,superheroes being sued for saving a suicidal person? FABULOUS idea! Butthen they came out with Cars. I watched it and was nearly as annoyed asI was with this feature. Why were the cars there? Who made them?Questions like that. This movie tried to go back to their originalformula, but flopped, and honestly, I blame new input from Disney forthis. Hopefully, they'll do better in making future films, and I'llcontinue to wonder how this film got so many positive rating (and howmany studio people helped make this so).

Zoopansick 2012-05-23 10:52:18

Vastly overrated: Poor characterization, unfunny, and boring

Spoilers...First it isn't funny, for adults or kids. I especially think kids wouldbe bored watching this movie, it has a mundane setting and characters.I think it tries too hard to try and put adult humor in the film (andnot succeeding) at the expense of leaving out stuff for kids. I wouldhave been more forgiving if it was goofier and aimed at a youngeraudience, but as it stands. I can't help thinking how bored I was nowas an adult watching it and how much more I would have been bored if Iwas watching it 15-20 years ago.The characters in the movie lack distinct personalities, especially thesupporting cast. There is a scene in the movie where Collete is showingLinguini around the kitchen and tells him a little about all the othercooks. Beyond the 1 or 2 line oddly dark description of thesecharacters there is nothing in the rest of the movie that makes themdistinct. They are just the guys in the background and effectively arescenery instead of amusing or funny little characters. Much the samecan be said about the rats who are just cartoon clichés who have verylittle to do.The aforementioned Collete is a totally unbelievable character who isjust there to be the love interest. When she first converses withLinguini she kind of blows her lid and almost stabs him with butcherknives while delivering some out of place speech about how she is theonly woman in the kitchen. Then like a day or 2 later Linguini out ofno where confesses his love to her and she kisses him right back. Howdid that happen? Is there any build up or reason for either characterto love the other. I'm especially mystified as to why Collete'scharacter, given her personality would be attracted to the dim wittedLinguini. If this weren't an animated movie this particularrelationship would be critically torn to shreds. But because it'sanimated, check that computer animated it isn't given a second thought.This is the definition of HORRIBLE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. This is poorwriting that operates only on the clichéd level that states there needsto be a smart independent female love interest for the generic oftendumb male lead.However I wouldn't say this is the worst bit of characterization in thefilm. That award falls to Gousteau. The deceased yet omnipresent chefwhose message of "Everyone can cook" not only inspires Patton Oswalts'rat character but also provides "the meaning" or message of the film.Too bad that Gousteau's death totally undermines the entire point ofthe movie(!!!) Gousteau is established early in the movie as a jovialchef who loved to cook and firmly believed that "everyone can cook" andto be great you have to take chances and be creative. So one day theobligatory villain food critic comes to his restaurant with theintention of writing a bad review (since it is clear he is a snob andhates the notion that "anyone can do it"). Gousteau then DIES becausethe review was so bad and his restaurant goes from a 5 star to a 4star. WHAT!?! That is totally contrary to the message of thefilm...which is provided by GOUSTEAU HIMSELF! Gousteau should be theLAST character in the movie to be negatively effected by a bad review.He shouldn't care if his restaurant is only 4 stars; throughout theentire film his philosophy of cooking and good natured message of"anyone can do it" is hammered home. On an interpritive level his deathcompletely undermines the message of the film. His death suggests thatit actually does matter what other people think of you and not everyonecan cook. Furthermore it suggests that Gousteau himself doesn't evenbelieve that and his motivations aren't just cooking because he lovesit. Of course over the rest of the movie the complete opposite is saidand shown through the development of the plot. The result is that Gousteau's death is merely a plot contrivance whichhas 2 purposes. First (of course) to set up the plot with Linguinigoing to the restaurant and second to introduce the critic as avillain. Oh, but then at the end the critic is so moved by the foodthat he gives the restaurant a great review. Once again a character isbetrayed by Gousteau's death at the beginning of the film. Early in themovie it was established that the critic was determined to give therestaurant a bad review based upon the sole reason that he hated whatGousteau was preaching. Now all of the sudden he is affected by theactual quality of the food and is going to give the restaurant a goodreview? I guess no one has ever made great food that reminded him ofhis childhood before if that was all it took to make his character toan abrupt 180. Whatever. I can't say I didn't see that one coming, andlike I said before it isn't the worst butchering of a character in thismovie.So basically Ratatouille is a bunch of unfunny, bland, lethallyhypocritical characters cooking and talking about cooking in arestaurant in France. Oh and it's boring. But because it's computeranimated it gets not only a pass but is lauded for being great. IF anyof these elements were in a live action movie they would be criticized.The plot which betrays severely several of the characters (Colleteromance, the villainous critic's motives, and of course Gousteaudying), the predictable outcome in all regards, the lack of jokes forkids or adults are all forgiven/forgotten. If you do decide to watch ittry to look at it with a critical eye and try to look beyond theimpressive computer animation.

kreak21012 2012-05-21 10:29:46

Instant Classic

I actually just got back from this movie and just had to give myopinion. Me and my friends went into the movie expecting nothing morethan a few kicks and giggles. This movie, on the other hand, exceededevery one of our expectations. It already became my favorite Pixar andthats competing with monsters inc., toy story, and other greats. Theanimation was great! Also the music was perfect to fit this Frenchthemed movie. The voices they used were absolutely perfect for theircharacters and I loved the inspiring and creative story line thatplayed through the entire movie. You know that Pixar always endshappily but this ending was just incredible how they wrapped the storyup. I say 10/10 easy!

MacAindrais 2012-05-21 03:56:56

A Feast For All

Ratatouille (2007) ****I'm not sure why, but I just can't allow myself to give Ratatouilleanything less than full marks. As far as creativity in roles goes, itspretty standard dealing with humans (nothing new to animation there)and talking rats (linguistic rodents, been there done that). There areno talking cars or monsters or fish or super heroes. Ratatouille is anexample of a classic storyline overhauled and directed at adults andchildren all the like. This IS a movie for everyone, young and old,rich or poor. To top it off, its without a doubt the most brilliantlypiece of animated work I have ever seen. The movie is at once elitist and proletarian. It takes the lowest ofall creatures, rats, and uses them to defend intelligence and qualityand at the same time ridicules snobbery. It makes the rats cute, but atthe same time still unsettling, especially when seen in packs. The film opens in the French country side, with a rat named Remy, ourhero, jumping out of a window and then a freeze frame of him with glasssmashing around him in mid air. Sound familiar movie buffs? It should.A direct homage to The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. This is just thefirst of many salutes to other films right up to Usual Suspects.Remy gets separated from his clan and ends up in ol' Paris, which isstunningly animated right from the Eiffel Tower to the rotary and thecobble stones. To make a long review shorter, he meets up with theimagined ghost of the great Gusteau, who's motto 'everyone can cook'inspires the young rat. He is lead to Gusteau's restaurant, which hasfaded since his death, and is now run by a short temperamentallyauthoritarian chef. Remy manages to befriend a new kitchen worker namedLinguini, who may or may not be Gusteau's son, who cannot cook unlessRemy hides under his hat and uses some very interesting puppetry.Ratatouille takes classic character types and strips them down andremoves the clichés and manages to deliver the unexpected. The filmalso takes those characters, their surroundings and the food they useto create their meals and animates then in absolutely stunning fashion.Every little detail is noted, from the look of a wet rats fur rightdown to the beats of water on fresh vegetables. The animation isnothing short of incredible.Yes, Ratatouille uses big words that kids won't get - they will howeverget the point - and that is because this film is first and foremost, Ithink, for adults. The kid factor is just a side pot. The filmsdefining monologue comes from a critic, who acknowledges the ultimateinsignificance of a critics work, yet retorts that their work is madeworth while by being able to influence people to try something, if evenonly a few. It also acknowledges that though not everyone can be great,greatness truly can come from anywhere. This monologue is perhaps thebest ever given in an animated film. Like the rest of the movie, itdelivers its point in eloquent fashion, but does it easily enough thata child can understand what its getting at. The movie is not overlyhilarious . Its not always going for those big laughs. It finds joy ingoing for big payoffs in quality. Its a great story, and it neverforces itself to be funny. That said, don't think that this movie isn'ta laugher, there are lots of good little jokes that will have yousmiling. And after all, its often more pleasant to just sit theresmiling from ear to ear often than busting a gut occasionally.And that is what makes Ratatouille so great. It truly is a film thatmanages to be ageless; defend quality through the lowest ranks whiledamning elitist snobs. The critic's monologue was right: We can't all be great, but greatnesscan come from anywhere. And Bird and his team at Pixar chose the leastlikely of creatures to carry out that message, and I'll tell you, thoserats get the job done.4/4

2012-05-19 09:07:37

Merely Average

Ratatouille is a decent movie. It does not, however, live up to theexcellence we have come to expect from Pixar. This was a movie on rails- the sugar-coated Pixar story that we have come to love, but withoutthe originality that makes it so great.At the risk of sounding like a geek, I should say that Pixar movieshave to deliver technologically. We live in a world ofcomputer-animated films. It is not sufficient for Pixar's technology tobe "good", it must push the boundaries of what is possible. In MonstersInc., it was fur. In Nemo, it was water. In The Incredibles, it wascloth. Ratatouille didn't push the boundaries. Yes, it looked great.But so did Cars, Over the Hedge, Happy Feet, and Shrek 3. Perhaps weare reaching a plateau where everything that can be improved alreadyhas been. But the spark is gone. Pixar no longer stands out as theleader in computer animation.So, what else makes Pixar movies so great? Voice acting. Who didn'tlove Hanks in Toy Story, Spacey in A Bug's Life, Goodman/Crystal inMonsters, DeGeneres in Nemo, Hunter/Jackson in The Incredibles, orWilson in Cars? Great voice actors bring personality to the movie.They, more than anything else, define the presence of the characters.Excluding Peter O'Toole's excellent performance as Ego, the acting wasmerely average in Ratatouille. Both Over the Hedge and Shrek 3 hadbetter voice acting, as has every previous Pixar movie. Lou Romano'sLinguini character was the stereotypical shell-shocked teenager, avoice that I've unfortunately endured in countless other films. PattonOswalt's Remy had more personality, but it still lacked the impact thatdefined previous Pixar characters. The voice acting in Ratatouillewasn't bad, but, excluding Peter O'Toole, it wasn't outstanding either.So, what do we have left? The story. Pixar is, and has always been,about great storytelling. Ratatouille, unfortunately, is a letdown inthis regard. It plays out more like a Disney picture than a Pixarpicture. Linguini begins the story unable to cook, and, at the end, hestill can't cook. I guess that "anyone can cook" doesn't apply toshell-shocked teenagers. Where's the lesson that we're supposed to takeaway? Where's the danger? Every other Pixar film connects us to thecharacters by putting them in peril. Remember the door scene in TheIncredibles? Or the rocket scene in Toy Story? Or the angler fish inNemo? There is no risk in Ratatouille. Remy is put in danger, but it istoo brief for the emotion to sink in.I'm not going to say that Ratatouille was a bad film. It wasn't. But itdoesn't have the magic of a Pixar film. When a Dreamworks film, Overthe Hedge, looks just as good and has better voice acting, what does itmean for Pixar? It means that they are losing their edge. Pixar isbecoming more like the rest of Disney - merely average.

Niklas Pivic 2012-05-19 00:57:34

Effective, prejudiced and fallable

This is a Pixar/Disney-flick about a rat that dreams of not having tosteal food, but somehow..._acquire_ it, while wanting to become a chef.The rat's family is hit by a catastrophe, forcing the rat to end up inParis, where it by a series of accidents ends up a puppeteering chef.Don't ask. This film is very Disneyish, letting you know what willhappen miles in advance. It tries to combat prejudice while unleashingit; being a rat's not bad, being French is a walking stereotype. Blah.Boring. Still, this film gives way for a few laughs. It's predictableand good, but nothing, really, in comparison with "Finding Nemo". Note:I saw a version where the voices were dubbed by Swedish actors.

galfridus73 2012-05-17 06:38:54

Amazing...

And I'm talking about both the movie and the INCREDIBLY INANE negativecriticisms."A rat cooking in Paris? How could that happen?" Wait a second... thisis a Pixar fantasy, is it not? When was the last time you saw a talkingrace car? Or talking toys? Or an insect city?!? I understand not likingthe movie, but slamming the premise of a rat cooking in a Frenchkitchen while defending the other Pixar flicks simply astounds me. It'sa silly criticism, but the kicker is that it reinforces the point Egomakes in his closing monologue about critics! Come on, folks! If you'regoing to make a relevant and constructive critique (even a negativeone) then do it, but not in such a way that you actually prove thepoint that's being made.As for the movie: This is an excellent example of animation'sevolution. I understand that the lack of "laugh out loud" moments aredisconcerting for some, but being a 'cartoon' does not mean it has tobe comedic. Just look at anime like "The Grave of the Fireflies" or"Princess Mononoke" as prime examples of beautiful, dramatic moviesthat just happen to be animated."Ratatouille" is a great example of a movie that tells a strong story,is not maudlin or preachy, has excellent animation inspired by a strongstory and excellent voice acting.Pay attention to the name of the movie, and to what ratatouille'smeaning actually is (they explain it in the movie) and you willunderstand the point of this movie. For a capper, listen closely toEgo's final monologue and the movie will make sense.This is a beautiful movie. Pixar and Disney should be commended forcontinually pushing the envelope with these movies.Am I saying you should like this movie? No, of course not. Just becausethe movie is done in such a way that some will think it's strong doesnot mean that we all have to share taste. So, by all means, dislike themovie for what it is... not what you wanted it to be.In the end, I'm thrilled to have seen this and place it on the samelevel as "Finding Nemo" and other classic animated films. This moviewill make its way into my home theater set up many times over the yearsto come.

samo19 2012-05-17 05:20:37

Pixar just keeps getting better & better!

This movie was incredible!!! The animation was so lush and beautiful italmost felt real. The acting was stellar across the board. PattonOswalt was great as Remy, Brad Garrett(one of my favorites:) did anexcellent job as Gusteau. Peter O'toole was really quite good in hispart. I really liked Emil, Remy's brother. He had some of the bestlines and he had me cracking up :) The storyline was really really goodand well-developed. Overall, This film should head to the Top of thelist as one of Pixar's best! Pixar just keeps getting better & bettereach time and I can't wait for the next movie! Ratatouille isdefinitely a film that will be added to my movie collection the day itcomes out on DVD! Highly recommended for all ages! Have fun!

jldelagarza 2012-05-15 04:45:16

Ratatouille

My family and I went to see the movie after receiving free tickets tothe preview and the movies was AWESOME! Very funny and entertainingthrough out the entire movie. It was weird at first to see a ratplaying the role of a chef, because in reality when would you like tosee that in real life happening? My daughter enjoyed it to the fullestand so did my son. Some parts of the movie reminded us about StuartLittle. The setting and overall Scripture of the movie was great. thiss a movie that I would like to buy and own for future viewings at homeon a family night. Highly recommended!!! A movie for the entire family.A movie for all ages. Go watch it!!!

SpriteRefreshingFilms 2012-05-14 22:23:06

Magnificent!

Ever since I saw the teaser for this movie attached to "Cars," I'vebeen looking forward to it. As a huge Pixar fan, I saw this movie assoon as I could by going to the sneak preview. Since it was Pixar, Iknew it would be at least as good as "Cars" and a lot better than allthe other CGI-animated crap that came out before it.But wow. My expectations were blown away completely! Now let's break this review down into categories: 1) The Title - "Ratatouille"... "Ratatouille"... yes it's hard to say,but that's one freaking awesome title right there! 2) The Story - A rat wants to become a chef. Now think of the logicbehind that. Rats and kitchens haven't gone together since thebeginning of... well, rats and kitchens. But somehow, this movie pullsit off really well. I bet in a couple of years, Dreamworks Animationand Pixar's other rivals will be making movies based off the line "A(insert animal here) wants to become a (insert job here)." Like agiraffe wants to become a doctor. Or a camel wants to become a racecardriver. But none of those possible rip-offs will ever beat"Ratatouille," ever.3) The Animation - This is the most beautiful-looking CGI-animatedmovie ever made. Period. And just looking at the animated food in thismovie made me really hungry! 4) The Characterization - The rats and humans are both veryinteresting. What I really liked about the characters in this movie wasthat this is the first Pixar film to really focus on the relationshipbetween a human character (Linguini from "Ratatouille") and a nonhumancharacter (Remy the rat from "Ratatouille"). In the "Toy Story" movieswe had the relationship between the toys. In "A Bug's Life," there wereno humans at all. "Monster's Inc." had Boo, a little human girl, but itwasn't like the relationship of Linguini and Remy in "Ratatouille.""Finding Nemo" had the relationship between the fish. "The Incredibles"had no nonhuman characters, and "Cars" had no human characters, like "ABug's Life." Now not having humans or not having nonhuman charactersisn't a bad thing at all. I was just surprised at how human"Ratatouille" was when I thought it would be all about the ratcharacters.Now I'll talk about mistakes that the movie "Ratatouille" DIDN'T makecompared to other animated movies.First, it wasn't like all the rats were voiced by Mike Myers and EddieMurphy. All the voice casting here is prefect - absolutely perfect.Second, it was great that all the characters had names that weren'tlike Bob or John or something. All the names were French to fit thesetting. Heck, in "Shrek the Third," we couldn't even call King ArthurArthur. We had to call him Artie to be hip or something.Third, I'm really glad that this movie wasn't set in America. I mean,food-wise. America is a wonderful place and I am very blessed and proudto be an American, but for a movie about food, I'm glad we got to go toParis, a city known for its culinary arts, then to see Remy the ratwork at McDonald's or something.Foruth, "Ratatouille" wasn't a musical. Thank God! Because if it was,it would be compared to the great Walt Disney musicals of the 1930'sthrough 1990's. And I don't think a "Ratatouille" musical would becompared positively over about 70 years of Walt Disney's greatestachievements. By creating "Ratatouille" as a regular movie, and not beinterrupted by a musical number every five minutes, it was morecomforting and relaxed.Fifth, I'm glad that this movie didn't do something predictable liketry to teach kids to eat their green vegetables or something like that.We have Nick, Jr. and Playhouse Disney for that. Instead, "Ratatouille"is an inspired piece of art that inspires you to be a great artist atwhatever you do, whether it's cooking or something else.Altogether, "Ratatouille" is magnificent. Its French setting remindedme of great Disney classics like "Beauty and the Beast" (despite notbeing a musical like I said above). It can be very funny at points. Notas funny as "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles," but still prettyfunny. Also, this movie is very inspirational, beautiful, and overallincredible. In a world where the biggest thing in movies for kids iswhich celebrity voices Blade of Grass #346 in "Shrek the Seventh,""Ratatouille" provides a much-needed alternative."Ratatouille" is the best movie of 2007, one of the best animatedmovies I've ever seen, and you do not want to miss it! Bpnix12 rating: 5/5 Stars (10/10) and EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED!

Seventyeightyearoldguy 2012-05-05 19:49:51

A superb movie, animated or otherwise

First, I want to say that I was at first greatly disappointed to seethe upcoming JOHN CARTER OF MARS pass through several possibledirectors into the hands of Pixar. But after seeing RATATOUILLE I findmyself thinking that they may indeed do justice to the Edgar RiceBurroughs story.RATATOUILLE naturally is going to entertain young kids, but more thanany previous Pixar movie, this has a decidedly adult appeal,culminating in the Peter O'Toole (voicing food critic Anton Ego) speechat the end. The script, the music, the voice acting along with thewonderfully detailed animation make this a movie which entertainsadults possibly even more than it does kids. I certainly feel no shamein enjoying this film even without any youngsters to give me an excusefor seeing it.In a year of downbeat movies, this is a breath of fresh air and is mostenthusiastically recommended by yours truly.

Astralan 2012-05-05 08:15:39

Phenomenal

This is an interesting film for a subject. First off, its a Brad Birdfilm, which is hard to compete with. Secondly, it's a Pixar flick.Third, it's rated G! How many films this year so far have this ratingthat all genres actually can find positive comments about? The crewthat produced this is enormous. The money that went into this wouldprobably is phenomenal (but I can't find a price on the total yet).Disney and Pixar know a cash cow when they see one.However, something strange happened to me during my first viewing ofthis film: I found myself detached from it in some strange way. Thecolor work was excellent, the texture and feel was superior, thecharacterization impeccable. So what was it? The movie works on alllevels, but there is a subjective aspect that I think interferres withthe total immersion in this instance: 1. Not many people have anaffinity for wild rats (except Willard), and 2. A geek (with anAmerican dialect) that ends up being a totally incompetent heir of afamous French chef. Sometimes it felt like Brad was attempting to fit asquare peg into a round hole.Not that its a bad thing, this is definitely a treat for all ages. Theplot is simple: Sewer rat with his higher olfactory abilities appliesit to garnishing food to achieve top honors with local critics. Thepace doesn't leave you wanting; the continuity doesn't leave youwondering; the beauty of the animation doesn't leave you skeptical.Really, I can't recommend this enough for anyone with or without afamily. I just can't put my finger on it though... it just leaves mecurious.Another thing... I alway like to comment on the audience reaction to itin the viewing audience: Even with all the kids, they were engaged anddidn't squawk throughout the movie, but also there was a lack ofgenuine surprise or laughter at the more poignant comic events, whichmakes me feel I'm not alone in my thinking here. Rats. Food.Restaurants. Somehow, that just doesn't mix for me.

lizziebeth-1 2012-05-05 07:42:10

Anton Ego voices the best critique of a critic on record in this most adult-friendly Pixar Trek.(10/10)

Ratatouille was forced to give a "Quality Assurance guarantee" thatthis is "100% genuine animation-–No motion capture or any otherperformance shortcuts were used" when its rat-scurrying, soup-sloshing,and nose-twitching detail was found to be so terrific that some previewaudiences thought it was done with motion capture.2008 saw Ratatouille(2007) rightfully win the Best Animated FeatureOscar (with noms for another 4) not only for its realisticmotion/cartoonish character 3D animation, but because its modernfairytale storytelling prowess is of the caliber of Hans ChristianAndersen. It's an instant classic.Unlike other Pixar instant classics, this one isn't really forlittlies. Almost completely devoid of hyperbole or of overusedconventions, Ratatouille's realism is a welcome gift for its patientadults. The double-hitter plot is about a talented rat discovering thathis multiple roles make him robust, not a victim, and how mankind couldaccommodate other forms of life on a different scale/lifespan ofexistence--if we chose to.Ratatouille(2007) betters its direct competition--DreamWorks' heavilymarketed Bee Movie(2007)--by combining a straight story about thehuman/animal contract with deeper pathos and allegory for humanrelationships. In Ratatouille we find human analogues to our mostvexing relationships with our egos and authority figures.The "better father" theme was previously explored in Finding Nemo(2003)and the (storytelling-wise) slightly clumsier Happy Feet(2006)--sorryGeorge Miller--but those were aimed mostly at children.Ratatouille(2007) is squarely aimed at their parents, who may have beenguilty of voicing opinions like the father rat's: "We look after ourown kind (because) the world belongs to our enemy", as they willinglycreated the insular communities that their unfortunate children wouldhave to grow up in. This is the main reason for depicting theupward-looking, ready-to-move-out-of-home Remy as blue and cuter thanhis brutish, much uglier brown rat father. But let's not deconstructtoo far.The question at the core of their cross-generational argument(s) hasnow been answered. In countries where women and minorities got the voteand access to good jobs, it's getting very difficult to sound mentallycompetent insisting that "you can't change nature". When endemicpolitical advantage is cemented as "nature" by both the culture andreligion of the society in question, it is the job of the young toquestion that, because they have to inherit it. Ratatouille isbrilliant at reminding such insular fathers that when they uphold this"nature", they do it against their own children, keeping the parents'failure to get a better deal unchallenged.There is another powerful thread in Ratatouille, that of our socialreconsideration for animal companions we'd normally revile for theirsurprising competitive success. In this, Ratatouille resemblesBabe(1995), its most worthy filmic companion.The story ennobles all those who join the level of debate (compete) intheir chosen profession by signifying that even if our world isn't setup to treat the truths of the politically unequal as real, eventuallythey will be heard. Eventually everyone has to accept change, because,as Ratatouille's wisdom is voiced by little Remy, "change IS nature,dad, the part we can influence--and it starts as soon as we decide".Humanity went to the moon only because we set ourselves the goal; 3Dfeatures happened only because Pixar "reinvented the universe"(requisite technologies).The delicately withheld character of Anton Ego is a welcome instantarchetype, perfectly named for being the quintessential self-satisfiedpompous loner who needs his ego pricked. And so, in the most balancedcomeuppance that any film can/has shown, Peter O'Toole's perfectlyinflected critic is eventually reformed: "In many ways, the work of acritic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over thosewho offer up their work and their selves to our judgement. We thrive onnegative criticism which is fun...." (generally a male-specific crueltyGermans call schadenfreude; not all of us are like this) "....to bothwrite and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that inthe grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is moremeaningful than our criticism designating it so." (The Brady Bunchwasn't TV's finest hour, yet millions grew up pining for their parentsto be that cheesy.)It cannot go unobserved that "Skinner" is a very UN-FRENCH name forRatatouille's rampant but diminutive Frenchie. This is due to thefilm's dimorphous central caricature: while Ego is a goth-likeemaciated tall guy more resembling the actual--veryAmerican--BF.Skinner (cf "operant conditioning chamber"--Wikipaedia),the caricature's other half is a sight-gag on the so-called Skinner Boxitself.Burrhus.F Skinner was probably behaviourism's most-reviledpsychologist. His heyday accounts for the slightly 1950s look ofRatatouille's Paris. Prof Skinner's arguably overzealous positivism forempirical evidence was borne of his own "Skinner Box" RAT EXPERIMENTSwhich made for his purely robot-like explanations of people. The filmtherefore pokes subtle fun at the scientist by having an ultra-shortnamesake stand ON the proverbial Skinner Box--downgraded to astep-ladder--to see. Interestingly, Skinner is further caricatured as asellout chef.Ratatouille's cartoony humans are balanced out by their realisticmotion, and by the breathtakingly detailed backdrops of Paris at itsmost beautiful.However the true beauty of Ratatouille is its ability to weave togetherso many threads into ostensibly just one story. This is the meat ofstorytelling, and in this instance, the high art of original writing.Both Remy's prologue with the violent little-old-lady (establishing hisrat respect as a poison-checker), and Anton Ego's comeuppance in theepilogue add to the overall message of due respect for little Remy asThe Best Chef in France.Ratatouille(2007) therefore deserves the highest popular and industryrespect aside the original Babe(1995). The rug-puller truth for itscritic was the same as for all of us: we're all human, even if some ofus are less human than others.(10/10)

mm-39 2012-05-04 12:08:09

Good animated film!

My wife loves animated films. She thought the rat looked cute. Thestory's theme of the rat rising above his station of life ismotivating. Reme, the rat, like foods and wants to create instead ofstealing food. Linguini is controlled by Reme and the fun beginningwith Linguini being comic relief. The French atmosphere is nice. Onewill notice many big name voices in the movie. Brian Dennehey and JamesRemar are heard. Peter O'toole is the voice of the food critic. Theunderdog theme of many children tales is well done. One cannot help butcheer for Reme and Linguini, who play the 2 lost characters. 8 out of10. Buy the DVD, I know my wife will.

jdkraus 2012-04-27 05:45:40

A new look at animation

Since "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles", I haven't' seen a highlydynamic 3-D animated film. I entered the theater with an open-mind for"Ratatouille", and I have to say that this animated film has redeemedthe name of animation.The quality of the animation was absolutely awe-inspiring! The detailsof the characters were very creative and authentic; the fur on the ratslooked like fur rather than computer-animated figures and the humanswere in a very retro-styled fashion, matching Brad Bird's past "TheIncredibles". But the thing that fascinated me the most with theanimation was how well the action sequences were choreographed and howamazing they were to watch, especially with the scooter chase withSkinner and the rat Remy.The voices were distinctive and talented; having no feel of acelebrity's voice being attached to them like Shrek. The story is onthe childish side of the irony of a rat having a sudden, but beautifulpassion of being cook of fine food, but like all other Pixar films, ithas a good moral to it. The approximate time of the film maybe almosttwo hours, which is long for an animated film, but it, does not drag.But the thing that bothered me with this was that it had twounnecessary scenes of guns. Personally, for a G-rated film, that's abit over the top. And there were also some minor scenes of unpleasantdeath threats that some of the character's made to each other, as wellas some inappropriate innuendos. It should have gotten a PG rating inmy mind.Otherwise, great fun and "wow" to Pixar animators. 9/10 -I'd be alittle suggestive for your younger kids parents.

bobbins494 2012-04-26 11:04:21

/Lays out rat poison

Disney did a great job capturing the feel of Paris, the animation isbeautiful, and I loved the music. That being said...Disney has been beating us over the head with "self realization/beingtrue to oneself" movies for years. The formula for this one is nodifferent. The difference is many of Ratatouille's predecessor's haveactually been entertaining. This wasn't.The protagonist in this movie is a rat named Remy. He's a gifted cookwho grapples over following his cooking aspirations and being true tohis little rat roots. He's likable enough, but neither interesting norhumorous. The human protagonist of the movie is named Linguini. He is,in a word, a moron. I disliked him in the beginning of the movie. Idisliked him at the end of the movie. The physical comedy they try topull-off in the kitchen sequences (when Remy first tries to controlLinguini's movements), pay a nod to a physical comedy genius: Goofy.Unfortunately, Goofy is lovable. Linguini is not. The comedy fell flat.Before the middle of the movie I'm completely bored (and so are mykids). There's legality and DNA conversation, too much Linguini, notenough characters who are interesting.The middle of the movie is choppy and it's hard to follow the action. Ilost all sense of time, with more than one time-passing sequenceoccurring. It seems the first 45 minutes of the movie is just filler,building up to something happening. -And believe me, after 45 minutesyou're ready for something (ANYTHING) to happen.***There is one transcendent moment in this movie; the reason for thethree stars I gave it. It's a wonderful scene that is poignant and fullof truth: the scene where Ego (who is the most interesting character inthis movie) first tastes the ratatouille. I laughed out loud, as didmost of the adults in the audience. The irony was that none of thechildren in the audience got it...because they are children! They arecurrently IN CHILDHOOD! Odd that the only moment of humor in thisdismal little movie was directed at the adults.*** In conclusion, the major themes of this movie are be true to yourself,even an incompetent loser can still succeed if he rides the coattailsof those around him, and don't steal. Deception, using those you lovefor your own purposes, kidnapping, taking credit for otherswork...these things are OK; but DON'T STEAL.Disney needs to get it's marketing and creative department in order andon the same page. It is unclear what audience this movie was intendedfor: children or adults. It was way too uninteresting for children andway too childish for adults.

2012-04-26 11:52:05

Good.... But not a great film.

I have seen this movie today afternoon. I had so much of expectationsbefore watching this flick. I thought it would be the best film evermade by Disney - Pixar. But it is not. I am not saying that it is a badfilm. It is a good movie. I gave 8/10 for this movie. Though there isnothing much to complain about this film, I felt little bit boredcouple of times. For me, recent films like Monster's House, Over theHedge, Cars are better than this in the story & screenplay aspects. Butthis movie proves that we are living in a golden age of animationmovies. Anyways .. this is my opinion. Sorry if I had hurt any of yourfeelings.

Khemaluck Deeprawat 2012-04-25 20:44:08

It makes me want to cook!

I give this film an 8.5 It's a delightful and enjoyable animation film.It's fun to watch. It's harmless and good for children. It'sheart-warming. It has imagination and creativity. The idea of a rat whowants to be a cook is quite unique and the scenes where there arethousands of rat cooking in the kitchen is quite something to watch.However, there's nothing else to it. The story somehow goes on thecliché theme of "Believe in yourself. You can be different.". SomethingHollywood films say again and again and again,sometimes successfully,but most not. (Like in "Happy Feet", an animation that didn't impressme).Nevertheless, this film manages to inspire me a little. The first halfof the story makes me want to cook! That quote "Anyone can cook" soundsso good for someone who doesn't really know how to cook, but admire theart of cooking so much, like me. I like the way little Remy enjoyscooking. It makes me feel that eating good food is truly a pleasure onearth and cooking is something fun.Overall, a good animation that you can enjoy watching and have a goodtime.

VIPMafia 2012-04-25 02:05:49

Ratatouille Is One Of A Kind

Pixar again produces a wonderful, fictional, bright fairy-tale, withit's unique and over-the-top characters and realistic, spot-on detailedanimation. The first second when I watched this, I knew it was going tobe something very special; they again use a very basic and normal plotand mix it up, with some out of the ordinary; this time they used arat. There are beloved characters, an accurate detail on what Paris isactually like, some hilarious dialog, top-offed with a feel goodending. For those who enjoyed famous animations like; Cars, Toy Story(1&2) and The Incredibles, you'll get hanged (in a good way), withRatatouille. A One Of A Kind animation.

William C. Uchtman 2012-04-24 19:12:39

It's A Mouse Life...

I really loved this film. Like all the Pixar films, it has that ratherslick Disney feel where ten to fifteen minutes in you get so used tothe computer generation that you forget its computer-generated andstart trying to identify the celebrity voices; John Ratzenberger isalways a given. The movie is about a rat who goes to Paris toexperience fine dining after getting tired of scraps and then trying toextend his culinary knowledge to an inept and skill-less innocent. Thehumor, especially where it involves the rat world to the human world ishilarious, particularly where they take the health inspector hostage.Overall, it's a great children's movie with all the niceties to attractit to adults as well.