Wonderful film

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2008)

Pixar's films hit the big time thirteen years ago with the magnificent "Toy Story" and since then they have a near flawless record in the quality of their releases. Perhaps the high point of this decade was Brad Bird's first Pixar effort, "The Incredibles", which was by no means perfect, but was witty, imaginative, gorgeous to look at and intelligent. There were, therefore, high expectations of "Ratatouille".
However, there were also worries. The project was originally assigned to Jan Pinkava, who retains several credits, but, under somewhat mysterious circumstances, Bird took over. Rumours of disaster spread like wildfire, but the film defied these concerns and was pretty spectacular in many ways.
Many see the film as a clear metaphor for Pixar itself, fighting against convention and the "rules" in order to realise artistic potential. There maybe something in that but, ultimately, it doesn't matter because this is a wonderful and joyous film, brilliantly made and thoroughly enjoyable.
Perhaps the most striking thing about the film is the sublime animation. It really is a major step forward. Environments are completely photo-real, characters are designed brilliantly and the look of the film is highly detailed, luscious and vibrant. But all of that hard work would be nothing without an entertaining and amusing narrative and Bird provides this. The film isn't perfectly structured. The plot loops on itself occasionally and the pace slacks during the third act. But, the characters are brilliantly detailed and there are more than enough amusing moments to get you by. His direction is also terrific. He gives the film such energy and movement that every shot is arresting.
The vocal cast are also superb, with the standouts being Ian Holm's villainous chef Skinner and Peter O'Toole whose breathtakingly brilliant voice is absolutely ideal for the food critic Anton Ego. The sound of the film is also supported by Michael Giacchino's electric and eclectic jazzy score, an example of the further elements that all come together to make this film what it is.
It is by no means perfect. It's slightly overlong, it's poorly structured but that doesn't matter. It is a lovely, wonderful film and if you leave this film without a smile on your face then there is something wrong with you.