July 6, 2007 Ratatouille
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios Rating: G
A rat who dreams of becoming a chef is not exactly the typical recipe for a summer comedy.
But in the hands of the geniuses at Pixar, "Ratatouille" is a delicious dish.
First things first with this movie...you have to get over the yuck factor. I mean, rats in a kitchen! Not the most appetizing idea, but go with it..you'll be glad you did.
In this latest entry from Pixar and Walt Disney, Remy (Patton Oswalt) is a rat with big dreams. He wants to be a chef. Obviously there are some hurdles to overcome. After an unfortunate incident at his colony's home in the country, Remy winds up in Paris at the restaurant of his hero the late chef Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett). But the restaurant is a shadow of its former self. Gusteau is gone and a scathing review by the renowned food critic Anton Ego (Peter Sellers) has dropped the eatery from five to three stars.
But Remy and his imaginary friend Chef Gusteau arrive on the scene to save the day. Remy makes the acquaintance of a garbage boy named Linguini (Lou Romano) and together they scheme to save Linguini's job and the restaurant's reputation. But the man who has taken over for Gusteau stands in the way. Chef Skinner (Ian Holm) is convinced that somehow a rat is behind Linguini's surprising culinary skill and he will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.
I generally like all of the Pixar movies and this one is no exception. Filled with passion and heart, "Ratatouille" gives you many moments that are beautiful and sincere. The lesson that "Anyone Can Cook" is stretched to the limit here with Remy and his fellow rats, but the story is so good with perfect animation and excellent voicework...that you get carried away.
Remy finds his destiny, Linguini looks for love with his fellow chef Collette (Janeane Garofolo) and the restaurant starts making it way back to the top.
As I said, it is a bit disgusting to have a rat roaming around in a kitchen. The movie addresses that topic in a couple of ways. As for Remy, he always washes his paws before he starts to work.
Both children and adults will enjoy "Ratatouille." It's a great movie.
On my rating scale, it hits a Home Run.
PRIME PICKS TWO AND A HALF MEN Tonight at 7:00 PM It Never Rains in Hooterville
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