Friday, April 15, 2016

Anyone Can Cook (Disney's Ratatouille, 2007)

Remy, a resident of Paris, appreciates good food and has quite a sophisticated palate. He would love to become a chef so he can create and enjoy culinary masterpieces to his heart's delight. The only problem is, Remy is a rat. When he winds up in the sewer beneath one of Paris' finest restaurants, the rodent gourmet finds himself ideally placed to realize his dream. - Google

Story

     This movie goes far beyond the cute, amusing tale of a rat who longs to be in the kitchen.   Remy, the protagonist, struggles between loyalty and his passion for food.   His strong emotions often cause him to do things we know he shouldn't, which is what makes a movie so exciting and real.   Linguini, Remy's human, also has issues keeping secrets, lying, and concealing his love for Colette.   I loved getting to know the characters and feeling their struggles with them.

Visuals

     This film takes notes from Fantasia and Fantasia 2000, except that instead of interpreting music through visuals, it interprets taste.  I thought it was a creative and interesting thing to portray.   There were also several stunning views of Paris, detailed foods, and realistic animal and human animation.   (The fur technology at Pixar never ceases to impress me.)   A few impressive crowd scenes were featured as well.

Acting


     Patton Oswalt (Minecraft Story Mode, Wordgirl, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) was a great Remy.   His voice was just right for the character.   It was a happy medium between average and distinctive, so he still sounded just like a regular Joe but just different enough that you knew he was important. I also love Lou Romano's performance as Linguini. His voice is what made him such a lovable dork whom I wanted to see succeed. Other great actors in this film are Janeane Garofalo (Colette), Brad Garrett (Gusteau), and Peter O'Toole (Anton Ego).

Final Rating

     Pixar produces mostly 5 star films (in my opinion), and this is no exception.   It is often overlooked when naming great Pixar films, but it deserves recognition as an excellent film.   Now, pardon me while I go make some ratatouille.

Bonus gif:

4 comments:

  1. This is so cute. (I especially love the bonus gif!)

    Ratatouille is often looked over, but it's still one of the best Pixar movies! I love that they brought visuals to tastes. Now I'm hungry...

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    1. Same. I think I gained about 10 pounds when watching and reviewing this movie. XD (I also laughed for about 5 minutes at the bonus gif and knew I had to put it in my post somewhere. XD )

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  2. I have to agree, this is an awesome movie. Actually, when it first came out my dad and I went to go see in in the theater and he loved it so much that he took my whole family to see it the next day! Especially because of the scene where he is tasting food... You're right, the visuals do help make this movie.

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    1. It's truly stunning! I'm glad your family enjoyed it! ☺

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