Popcorn, Soda, and Goobers - Movie and DVD Reviews and Film Commentary

Ratatouille (imdb)

Does Pixar ever screw up? Seriously, this company continues to surpass expectations and it’s a bit frightening. Not only does Pixar have the state of the art computer animation and special effects, the company can also make a serious good flick. They’ve got both the looks and the smarts.

Ratatouille follows the track record and stands tall among all of Pixar’s past films. It has the looks, the brains, and it’s got heart. The film is very cute and very sweet - a complete package for a work of animation. It has the “life lessons” of a children’s movie embedded naturally without seeming didactic or tacky.

Ratatouille’s technical achievements are unmatched, and the film is gorgeous. Fruit looks like fruit, cheese looks like cheese. While rats and humans are stylistically unnatural, everything else is borderline photorealistic, including water effects. Director Brad Bird’s use of visuals to denote the sense of delicious tasting food is picture perfect. When the food critic tastes the ratatouille for the first time, Bird’s talent blew me away.

All in all, Ratatouille is an engrossing experience that is light, fun, and seriously well done. For me personally, the movie lacks the laugh-out-loud moments of other Pixar flicks. That said, the movie is still a strong achievement for Pixar; Ratatouille stands as one of their best, alongside the original Toy Story.

4 grapes in a rat out of 5