Another Home Run For Disney/Pixar

Rating: 10/10 (5 July 2007)

Though I have thoroughly enjoyed every Disney/Pixar film released in past years, some titles stand out more than others in my mind. "The Incredibles," for instance is my personal favorite. Still, last summer, when I saw "Cars" I was not enormously "wowed" by it. I felt that Disney/Pixar might have been going downhill, and the preview for this film was no thrill. However, I am pleased to say that "Ratatouille" has brought it back.
Unlike its predecessors, "Ratatouille" does not boast big actors for its voices. Still, I found that this took away nothing from the experience. Instead of puzzling over whose voice each character had, I could sit and simply enjoy the film, which is absolutely terrific. The plot centers around Remy, an adorable rat with extreme culinary talent, who is separated from his family and winds up in Paris, at his idol's restaurant, "Le Restaurant de Chef Gusteau." He joins up with Linguini, a garbage boy with no talent in cooking. The two form a secret partnership in which Linguini provides a home and food for Remy, while Remy controls Linguini in the kitchen of the restaurant, cooking up a storm. The result of this madness? It's hilarious and I won't even attempt to describe it.
The characters in the story are surprisingly multi-dimensional. Some of my favorites were Colette- a feisty and talented feminist cook, the scheming and treacherous new chef of the restaurant, and others.
It's fantastic, and though not the best of the films in its category, it is priceless for all ages. See it!