From The Iron Giant to The Incredibles and Up,
Brad Bird’s animated movies have become modern classics. But of all Bird’s films, Ratatouille is my favourite.
The film has a Trumbo-like
storyline. The protagonist Remy is a masterful chef but also a rat and can
never be welcome in the kitchens of Paris. Remy befriends a janitor to act as
his front, while Remy does the actual cooking.
Add the essential ingredients of a Pixar film – excitement, humour,
romance, morals, and friendship – bake, and serve up one of the great animated
films of all time.
The animation throughout is spot-on. Paris breathes. The
characters live. Even the CGI food looks delicious. The perfect atmosphere is accentuated by a
musical score which makes the action more exciting and fun, while it really
drove home parts like Ego’s monologue.
I did find the film’s beginning slow. It could have benefitted
from an American Hustle feel, with a
smooth as fondue presentation. And the simplicity
in the opening title bugged me; it didn’t represent the film. The title should
have been superimposed over Paris, shot with the graceful atmosphere that makes
Ratatouille, Ratatouille.
But I don’t intend to puncture a beautiful soufflé of a
film. The critic in this film, Ego, has a lot to say about food critics who can
only taste what’s bad. Film critics should also remember that, even when not
every part has been baked to perfection, the overall taste may still be
delicious!
***
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William Henry is 13 years old and in grade 8. He’s a big amateur film buff and a
professional actor. His dad teaches creative writing and publishes Quick
Brown Fox. You can read more film reviews by William here and here, and read about his adventures in Hollywood at age 7 here.
See Brian Henry’s schedule here, including
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Thoughtful, fun, poetic! Great review William!
ReplyDeleteGood review William. I loved the film too, once I persuaded myself to ignore the opening titles (yawn) and see it through with my grandsons who swore it was fantastic. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteSusan McCrae
I laughed hysterically throughout the film...particularly the times when the rat conceals himself in a chef hat and rides the garbage boy like a cowboy on a bronco. Please don't miss this treat. Highly recommended.
ReplyDelete