What made Finding Nemo great was its father/son bond, and what elevates WALL•E in the same respect is its male/female robot bond. The two mechanical leads of the opposite sex possess a connection that most human rom-com characters do not. Not through electrical wiring, but through electric chemistry, a spark exists between the two.
Considering the pair are restricted to a minuscule vocabulary (mostly comprised of each other’s names), both robots dictate emotion through eye movement and voice infliction. In moments of delight, WALL•E and EVE show calm eyes and coo, and in times of fear or frustration, they become wide-eyed and shriek. WALL•E’s expression goes a step further in physically shaking with trepidation or hiding like a frightened turtle in its shell, while EVE fires her weapon without remorse in the face of danger. It is apparent that WALL•E possesses more human qualities than EVE, but that is what makes audiences sympathize more with his urge to get the girl who is playing hard to get.
Against other Pixar animated features, WALL•E is different. With WALL•E, Pixar throws talking animals and fairy tale characters out the window. Furthermore, Pixar risks unsettling crowds with a “silent” production appeal. Yet, when the unlikely, tiny, and dirty protagonist and his love interest share a dance among the stars, crowds are more likely to remain captivated rather than unsettled. Even if WALL•E may be too “different,” that’s part of the reward.
WALL•E is more than bleeps and blings; it is about liberating the naive to live more than survive and think freely. It is about overcoming obstacles, finding companionship, and cherishing bonds. It’s a post apocalyptic tale, a homage to science-fiction and Apple computers, an environmentalist warning, and a genuine romance. Newspaper headlines should read: Pixar has done it again; WALL•E has everything including heart.
In terms of ranking WALL•E among other animated endeavors, it very well could be the best. Remember, Beauty and the Beast is the only animated picture ever nominated for Best Picture. This theatrical fun fact could change after the 2008 Academy Awards.
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