Best "cartoon" movie so far this year

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2007)

Maybe later, after the initial euphoria from last night's sneak-peak viewing has faded, I might change my vote to an 8 or 9, but for now I'm giving it a ten and calling it the best "cartoon" movie so far this year.
I'm no CGI snob - the animation look great to me. The music was unobtrusive, noticeable only when it was supposed to be notice. Other pluses to me was an absence of song and dance scenes and cutesy sidekicks. The story (thankfully) took a couple of turns that bypassed the paths usually ambled upon in animated stories that have animals presenting human traits. And although it did have a happy ending, it didn't have the expected "everyone's dreams came true and they all lived happily ever after" ending, which was a nice change.
What I liked most of all, was how the movie was able to express the concept that preparing food should be more than a necessary chore, that eating food is more than just fueling your body, that eating should be an enjoyable experience. I am now on a quest myself to find a recipe for ratatouille!!!