Starring: Patton Oswalt, Peter O' Toole, Lou Romano & John Ratzenburger
Directed by: Brad Bird
Review Written By: Joey D
Opening the door to childhood fantasy proved profitable to both Pixar Animation Studios and Disney when Toy Story entertained young and old moviegoers alike. Several computer-based animated films followed but none quite as revolutionary as their slick debut. Then came Finding Nemo that once again set a new benchmark in animation with it’s pristine look and realistic water scenery, it was clear that Pixar were onto a winning formula. Then the competition stepped up the game with Oscar nominated penguin epic Happy Feet, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
It had become apparent that Pixar were going to have to re-revolutionise the market that was once so firmly in their grasp, which is when they created two of their most advanced movies to date. The first came in 2006 with the fantastic Cars, the next has taken the dismal 2007 sequel-packed summer by storm.
Ratatouille is the story of a rat named Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt – King of Queens, Reno 911) who is tired of living the supposed vermin lifestyle. After secretly stealing fine cheeses and spices from an old ladies house, he develops a liking for finer cuisine and prefers to cook than indulge in the literal garbage that his colony are used to devouring. A chance encounter followed by a hilarious shoot-out scene with the old lady causes him to be separated from his family. On his travels to re-join the colony, he ends up in Paris where he meets Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano – Cars, The Incredibles), an unlucky kitchen ‘bin boy’ that could potentially make all of Remy’s dreams come true. By devising a way of making Linguini a human puppet, the two face a crooked head chef, a cruel food critic (excellently voiced by Peter ‘O’ Toole) and an unlikely romantic interest.
To say that Pixar have made a film worthy of the competitor’s standards would be the
understatement of the year as this truly is a masterpiece, not just in animation but in all aspects of modern cinema. Not only is it a perfect example of universal family appeal as adults can enjoy this as much – if not more- than the kids but it is also Disney/Pixar’s most beautifully animated feature film since Finding Nemo. It is often easy to forget that you are in fact watching a glamorized cartoon as the computer imagery is perfectly drawn. The scene in which Remy is making his unintentional journey to Paris sets a new standard for state-of-the-art aesthetics as the camera follows his speedy adventure in which he quickly dashes through sewers, building pipe works and wall cavities, all done in such detail that your only possible reaction is to gaze in complete awe.
Once again, Brad Bird’s direction is without fault and makes a point of focussing on the relationships of the central characters by providing key scenes consisting entirely of persona building dialogue. Where Disney Pixar rely on Andrew Stanton (Director – Finding Nemo, A Bugs Life) to provide a consistent flow of dialogue and action in almost equal measure, Bird is expected to show the dynamics between the story’s main bubble faced characters in a way that only he can.
Ratatouille is an absolute gem with some hilarious moments as well as some real heart felt scenes which shows without mercy that Brad Bird and Pixar are not forces to be reckoned with. Until the release of the next Stanton project Wall-E (which judging by the trailer, could be a potential Oscar winner), Remy the rat’s delicious concoction of fragrant humour and tasty animation will leave no patron unfulfilled.
Bon Appétit!
MOVIE MAESTRO RATING:
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