Ratatouille (2007) - User Reviews

Outstanding, sensational, & exquisite: not words normally used by most people when describing rats. In the case of 'Ratatouille' which stars one of the widely reviled creatures as its main character there are no words more fitting. Together Pixar and director Brad Bird have cooked up quite the delectable piece of cinema. Using a recipe consisting of brilliant animation, superior storytelling, & just a touch of good ole' Disney magic they've created a tale about a little rat with big dreams that's possibly one of the best animated pictures to ever appear on the silver screen.

The film introduces to us foodie Remy, voiced by Patton Oswalt. Unlike the other members of his family he has specific tastes which he experiments with on a daily basis. Taking to heart the title of the book 'Anyone Can Cook' written by his favorite chef Gusteau, Remy aspires to one day do just that in a five-star restaurant of his own. Unfortunately, being a rat limits the little guy from achieving his goal. That is until one day after being separated from his family and ending up right outside the late Gusteau's restaurant. Once inside the magic begins and Remy starts to get a taste of his dream.

I'd actually consider Remy among the top characters to ever be created by Disney. Not since Mickey Mouse himself has there been a more lovable rodent. I find it a little surprising actually that Remy ended up as such seeing as how his rattyness I guess we could say wasn't really compromised. Both cartoon looking and authentic at the same time, he's just as funny as he is charming. Even more shocking is he carries more realistic traits that most characters seen in a lot of this summer's other releases. Oswalt was a great choice to bring him to life with his sustainable balance of excitement and distress.

Now since this is after all a Pixar release one can only expect great animation. Proving what I said earlier this month in my review for 'Surf's Up', the studio again shows there's no limit to just how far it can go. If there's one thing they're able to do it's create a terrific visual experience. When food that isn't even real looks delicious it's pretty damn amazing. Then of course here there's the city of Paris (although not entirely made to scale) which features awe worthy detailing and remarkable backdrops. Like I said, it's Pixar so it's no surprise they would only excel and continue to present us with high quality.

This film isn't just a showcase of superb visuals though. Bird shows us yet again he can not only direct well, but that he can tell a great story. Throughout he takes you on a ever turning wheel of emotions. You'll be happy as you're caught up in the enjoyment of seeing Remy create his dishes with comedic poise one minute and sad the next when all seems hopeless for his human pal Linguini, voiced by Lou Romano. The key to telling a great story is having the ability to not only entertain, but to also make your audience care about what they're seeing. Bird succeeds in doing both with 'Ratatouille'.

Yes, it appears that the team of Pixar and Bird is a lethal combination in the world of animated films. The last time they got together back in 2004 they spawned the most critically acclaimed of all the Pixar films, 'The Incredibles' and now only three years later they've brought us this tasty treat. It's certainly refreshing to see such an original and fantastic film rise in this summer of sequels and adaptations. Bravo Disney, bravo.

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