Ratatouille

I have to admit that I usually don’t care much for animated films featuring anthropomorized animals. No matter how I try there is something unsettling about a furry creature singing and dancing. One film has changed my mind of the subject, Pixar’s latest collaboration with Disney, Ratatouille. This film features, of all things, a cooking rat. Now growing up in New York City there are always reports of rodents in the kitchens of restaurants and usually this is not something that is considered a good thing. This film is one of the best films of the year whether animated or live action. The new heights that Pixar has taken animation are evident here. You almost forget that you aren’t watching real people and animals. Many such films the audience is challenged with suspending belief. In this case this is not a chore, it comes naturally. Usually when a film is billed as fun for the whole family what they really mean is the kids will love it and the parents will be able to put up with it. This redefines that phrase. This film will not only entrance the children the adults will want to watch it, even of the kids are not around. Ratatouille can be the perfect choice for family movie night or date night. It takes more than state of the art animation to make a film and Ratatouille has it. With a strong story line and excellent direction the stage is set for the fabulous voice work by the cast. There is a sense of humor here that is universally human and will truly appeal to all ages. Don’t think of this as a fancy cartoon, it is a real film that deserves real praise.

Rémy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) is an average sort of rat living with his horde and family in a quaint French home in the country. Among the other rats are his father Django (voiced by Brian Dennehy) and brother Émile (voiced by Peter Sohn). Rémy possesses a unique talent for a rat; he has an extremely sophisticate nose and palette. While his peers are happy to have their meals of garbage Rémy wants more from his diet. When the human owner of the house discovers the rat colony Rémy and the others must flee to the sewers of Paris. Rémy’s talent comes in handy sniffing out rat poison but he knows he is meant for better things. Inspired by a cookbook from the famous chef Auguste Gusteau (voiced by Brad Garrett), whose catch phrase is ‘anyone can cook’, Rémy decides to see what can be done to fulfill his very un-rat like ambition. Rémy begins to try to spice up the garbage diet with some spices and even his uncultured brother is able to appreciate the change. When Rémy is separated from his family in the storm drains he takes the opportunity to track down his idol at his restaurant. The famous chef dies suddenly after a horrible review by the mean spirited food critic Anton Ego (voiced by Peter O'Toole). The late Gusteau’s sous-chef Skinner (voiced by Ian Holm) is now in charge. Although the man worked under the greatest chef in Paris he was largely devoid of any talent in the kitchen.

Rémy looks on at the humans as they work in the kitchen. One day a slight young man arrives. Alfredo Linguini (voice by Lou Romano) is the nephew of the late boss and has a letter from his late mother demanding his employment. He is given the worse job in the kitchen, the plongeur; the one who washes the dirty dishes and mobs the floor. While cleaning the floor Linguini accidentally spills the soup. He tries to cover his error by adding whatever spices are at hand into the pot. Rémy can’t take it any longer. He drops into the kitchen and attempts to correct the spices in the soup. Linguini sees the rat but before he can take action the soup is served. The concoction is a stunning hit. Skinner is just about to fire Linguini but the one female cook; Colette (voiced by Janeane Garofalo) manages to strike up a deal. If the young man can recreate the soup he will keep his job. Skinner sees Rémy and orders Linguini to dispose of the rodent. Linguini cannot bring himself to kill Rémy and the two begin to become friends. They also work out a way to make both their lives easier. Rémy will supply the expertise and control Linguini by sitting on his head under his hat and pulling his hair. Rémy has more on his mind than just cooking. He also wants to play cupid between Linguini and Colette and to make sure that Linguini gets the better of the terrible Skinner.

The first thing you will notice about this film is the realism of the animation. There is a definite three dimensional look to it. The film seems based more on sculpture than flat drawings. The movement is natural, flowing with incredible ease. The backgrounds are not the usual static mattes, they move with a life all their own. The attention to detail is better than anything I have seen in animation. The clothing moves on the body, the lights flicker, the wind move objects and shadows are true to the objects casting them. The scenes in the sewer has so many elements in it you need a super computer to track them all. Water is hard to do but the behinds the scenes physics is perfect. Aside from their ability to talk and cook the rats are also true to their real life counter parts. It’s hard to pin it down but they move like rats. Another little touch that makes the film is the portrayal of the food. You can almost smell it. There is a delicious look to it.

Animated films can now attract the best actors around. Not just professional voice actors these films have some A-List talent going on. Many such actors have mentioned in interviews that voice over work is great. You get a good paycheck and you can work in pretty much any clothing you want. With such conditions it is no wonder a cast like this one can be assembled. Few actors have achieved the legendary status that Peter O'Toole has. His voice is so distinctive that you can almost see him on the screen. The consummate professional O’Toole gives an amazing performance her. You most likely will recognize the voice of Patton Oswalt but may not remember the face. He was a regular on the CBS sit-com, ‘the King of Queens’ and a standard on many comedy central stand up shows. His wit and delivery brings even more life to this film. Lou Romano is excellent as the put upon and abused Linguini. His voice has an emotional impact that will not be lost on the discerning cinema lovers watching.

True to their tradition Disney/Buena Vista presents this film with the attention it so richly deserves. The video is in the original theatrical 2.35:1. The color palette is stunning with rich hues and great contrast. The Dolby 5.1 audio is more than robust, it is amazing. The audio spectrum is full with all the speakers working hard to bring you into the action. There are also some excellent extras to extend your enjoyment. Aside from the usual deleted scenes there is a featurette on food and film. It looks at the hard work that went into the realistic and appealing dishes presented here. There is an all new animated short called "Rémy and Emile: Your Friend the Rat". Also included is another short, ‘Lifted’. Sure you can watch this with the kids. If you don’t have any get this anyway and enjoy.

Posted 10/23/07