I went to one of the sneak previews of Ratatouille this past Saturday, and I was not disappointed-- which is saying something, since Pixar + Brad Bird + Rats = Most-anticipated Movie of the Summer for me.

Now I realize that I'm a bit of an oddball, and the "Rats" part of that equation might be a minus rather than a plus for a lot of people. The filmmakers are well aware of it, though, and I think they manage to balance it well. There were "ewwws" from the audience at times, of course-- but there were just as many "awwws". And even the "ewwws" are accompanied by laughs. The bathroom humor that fills so many animated movies is blessedly absent.

So are the pop culture references. The world of the film is its own-- and its a world that's a mesmerizing blend of the fantastic and cartoonish and the familiar and realistic, both in story and in style. If you are a weirdo like me who loves rats you'll be amazed by how rat-like Remy is-- the way his chest moves when he's panicked, the way he sniffs the air, the way he moves, the way his fur looks. And the humans are amazing to look at, too. Humans seem to have always been the biggest challenge for 3D animators. Pixar took a big leap forward with The Incredibles, and they've gotten even better here. They look great, they move great, and you never have trouble relating to them. The story is as much theirs as it is Remy's. You care as much about Linguini and Colette as you do Remy, even when their goals are in conflict. You just want them all to be happy.

And, of course, the story was great, which is what really makes Pixar great-- it's not the animation, it's the storytelling, and thankfully they know it. This movie is a comedy, a romance, a buddy film, an inspirational film, an action film (with great creative rats-eye view camera work-- really the most creative stuff Pixar has ever done, I think)-- basically any kind of movie you're looking for, this movie is it. And I defy anyone to figure out ahead of time just how it's going to end, because there's just nothing predictable about it, and yet when you do finally reach the ending, it does feel just right. And as fantastic as the plot is, I love that, as I said before, it is balanced with realism in that sometimes there are consequences for characters even, and especially, when they do the right thing-- and that doesn't stop it from being the right thing.

So, bottom line: see this movie. It deserves to do well, and no matter who you are, you will almost certainly enjoy it. I know I'm already looking forward to seeing it again... and again... and again.

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So, bottom line: see this movie.

Oh, my kids want to see this movie - and, so do I! I'm so glad to hear a good report... I hate to spend the big bucks to go see a movie and have it be a dud (Flushed Away??)

Thanks!
~SHH :-)

Well, I have to say, I enjoyed Flushed Away too (just rented it and saw it for the first time the other day). I found it cute and funny. I also enjoyed Meet the Robinsons. But Ratatouille, like most Pixar, is just on a whole different level.

(I was disappointed with Shrek the Third.)

Tivo had a 9 minute preview of this movie. I watched it and I thought it looked really funny, so I'm glad someone who has seen the whole thing thinks so too. Of course, I haven't ever really disliked anything that Pixar has done - Disney was smart to acquire them.

TG

I've been looking forward to this movie for about two years now, when I first heard about the basic storyline it would have. It sounded like the most interesting and fun Pixar movie since Monsters, Inc. Despite all the dazzling animation, Find Nemo is just a typical rescue story, and Cars--I'm kind of surprised that movie did as well as it did. It was my least favorite of all Pixar movies, but probably because it feels more like a "coming of age" movie that I care for. ;o) Ratatouille, however, seems like a wonderfully unique and interesting story. Actually, I was pretty happy with The Incredibles. Almost forgot about that one! Retired, out-of-shape superheros?! Brilliant! =)

What can I say? I like unusual stories. I'll pass on the more mundane and simple rescue missions or coming of age movies. =)

Anyhow, I definitely want to see this movie. =) This was supposed to be the first 100% funded movie, a pure Pixar movie movie without sharing the credits with Disney. I kind of wish they did at least one movie on their own before selling out to Disney. Especially given how successful this one is likely to be.

-- Ryan