Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Movie Review: Ratatouille

Pixar films always portray the lives of something beyound the human world we actually know so little about. Toys, bugs, fish, and now rats. We see sympathy for these new creatures and after watching you may even think twice before poisoning them. That is part of Pixar's unique genius. Ratatouille joins this pantheon.
Remy (Patton Oswalt) is a French rat with a unique sense for food. He's forced to smell for rat poison to protect his family until one day he is seperated from the rest of them and ends up in Paris. Here, he follows his heart and ends up working in a fancy restaraunt, helping out a struggling chef. However, it's hard for Remy to become truly professional because of rat and human relationships.
Most Pixar films (excluding The Incredibles) portray humans in the background almost as caricatures. Ratatouille is the first film that solidifies a strong bond between the human and natural world. Both a rat and a human are shown deeply and interacting with each other as well. This emphsizes the two worlds misunderstandings of each other which will seem to never end.
Like all Pixar films, Ratatouille is a film that extends beyond just being a film for children. The story and characters are something a little kid would love and the humor and lessons are something only a teen or adult would truly get. Everyone should see it.
The film is the most unpredictable kids movie I've ever seen. Hell, calling it a kids movie sounds cruel. This is one of the few animated films I could truly relate to. Remy's search for meaning and identity resonates to my search (and that of ever teen's) of who they truly are and where they truly belong and who to stay loyal to. What is more important, family or breaking free. Ratatouille is a savory and moving comedy for all. Dig in and enjoy.

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