Here's a question for the mini-masses that might come through: is there anyone in the world making better family movies — animated or otherwise — than Pixar? I honestly don't think so.
Pixar has found a magic formula for family films, and Ratatouille continues their tradition of excellence. Pixar has figured out that movies for kids don't need to be so dumbed down that adults don't enjoy the show. They understand that "for kids" doesn't mean automatic potty humor. Most important, they understand that there has to be a sense of wonder and magic that is only brought out with exquisite art direction, superb storytelling, and characters that, while perhaps not quite complex, have enough depth to be compelling.
The most natural comparisons for Ratatouille are to other Pixar movies, so here is the quick rundown before talking specifics. Ratatouille isn't as funny as Finding Nemo or as action packed as The Incredibles, but it is as heartwarming as Toy Story and more satisfying than Monsters, Inc. Last year's Cars was a solid entry in the catalog, but Ratatouille is something closer to to a classic.
The story, about a rat who wants to be a cook, is far better developed and more involving than I had expected. Forgive me for doubting director Brad Bird of The Incredibles and The Iron Giant — the man has a wonderful touch with light drama and a sense of comedy that most Hollywood directors could only wish for. His consistency is astonishing.
Another thing that Pixar does is cast great voice talent. From Ellen DeGeneres' hilariously loopy turn as an absent-minded fish in Finding Nemo to Dave Foley's ant with grand plans in A Bug's Life, Pixar chooses the right voices to fill their casts. Patton Oswalt, as our hero Remy, strikes the right tone of an eager young man (ahem, "rat") without ever becoming irritatingly earnest. The casting coup, though, is putting Peter O'Toole's voice to the character of critic Anton Ego. Not only is Ego rendered perfectly, but O'Toole's voice gives him a brooding presence and flavor that makes him one of the more memorable characters in any recent animated feature.
Article comments
1 - Gray Hunter
Everything I read about this film is positive. I may actually have to watch it. I haven't seen one of these Pixar things since Toy Story.
Oh, that's a lie. I watched The Incredibles.
Nice review.
2 - zombyboy
Thanks.
Out of curiosity, did you like The Incredibles? I should probably admit to the fact that I'm a pretty big Pixar fan. They've done a few things that I wasn't crazy about, but most of their movies have made me stupidly happy.
Just to put my bias out there for all to see...