Review of Ratatouille (2007) by Damian S — 05 Nov 2018

A warm feast for the eyes.

Ratatouille (2007) reminds you of your childhood and the simple pleasure of enjoying a good meal. Brad Bird wrote and directed Ratatouille with his usual eye for usual shots and perspectives. His track record for excellent direction is inarguable now as The Iron Giant, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, The Incredibles, and now Ratatouille are all wonderful and unique. Ratatouille is a breath of fresh air.

The setting in Paris is so romantic and lovely. The romance and the adventure of cooking both work plot-wise. The animation is so fluid and colorful with more detail than you usually see in Pixar's repertoire. In fact, I think Ratatouille is the finest film Pixar has ever produced. It is funny and cute. Families will surely enjoy Ratatouille. The kids will love Remy the rat, while the adults will appreciate the more mature themes of family, love, and dreams.

I must mention Camille's musical theme for Ratatouille, "Le Festin" is such a beautiful tribute to French Jazz and Chanson genres. It's a light and airy accompaniment to truly caring Parisian attitude and luxury. Le Festin is like a comfort food all on its own. Michael Giacchino's score is just as thrilling and romantic as Ratatouille's atmosphere and environment.

Lastly, the vocal talents are so fitting and mesmerizing in Ratatouille. Bird really cast apt voice actors for each role. Patton Oswalt just carries the film as Remy. He is thoughtful and sympathetic even though he plays a rat. His existential ruminations are quite charming. Ian Holm is genius as the greedy French Chef Skinner. His mad ravings and hectic delivery with his seedy French accent are captivating. Peter O'Toole's deep soothing voice as Anton Ego exemplify the harsh nature of critics as well as their deep reverence and joy for their chosen area of critique. Brad Garrett pulls of a very different charming and bubbly voice as the late Chef Gusteau.

Many of the other supporting roles are very fun voices such as Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo, and Will Arnett. But, I have to give respect to Brian Dennehy as Remy's rat father Django. Dennehy gives Django a serious weight and adds much appreciated grounded quality to Ratatouille.

Just watch Ratatouille and have a good time during this animated feast!