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| Movie Review: Ratatouille Alternate Title: Follow Your Bliss
Story: I am not a big foodie
nor am I a fan of animation (too manic for me) or computer generated
films. However, I did enjoy this latest work from director and writer
Brad Bird. Anyone can cook was the mantra of the
recently deceased five star French chef, Auguste Gusteau. Little Remy,
a rat, follows his bliss (and the 'anyone can cook' mantra), as he defies
his father and ends up in Paris befriending a young janitor in the famous
five star Gusteau restaurant. In a Cyrano like script, Little Remy pulls
the strings as the young janitor becomes the tour de force in the kitchen
following the lead of Remy. The film is filled with some wonderful and creative
kitchen scenes (if you can get over the fact that Remy is a rat), fascinating
detail and luscious views of Paris. The characters are somewhat one
dimensional since it is a family film. The film is about potential, racism, tolerance
and just plain fun. Take away with you whatever you get but applaud
the talent of Brad Bird. Acting: The voices of Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm,
Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Peter O'Toole, Brad Garrett,
and Janeane Garofalo round out the cast of
this film.
Predilection: None Critters: RATS!
Food: Most of the film takes place in a kitchen so
we get lots and lots of food.
Blatant Product Placement: None
Soundtrack: Fun
Opening Titles: The credits were all at the end and
I was surprised to see that they resorted to animation for this.
Theater Audience: It was a nice crowd of Saturday
morning theater goers and I actually recognized a father daughter team
from the Evan Almighty show the previous week. Guess I have been going
to too many PG films, eh?
Squirm Scale: There are a few scenes of way too many
rats for me.
Drift Factor: I started to look at my watch after
90 minutes.
Predictability Level: High (even for a kid).
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: I have not a clue.
Big Screen or Rental: If you are a Brad Bird
fan (The Incredibles and The Iron Giant) than the big screen
is the way to go.
Length: Just under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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