Ratatouille (2007)

Directed by: Brad Bird
Voiced by: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Janeane Garofalo, Will Arnett, Peter O’Toole, Brad Garrett, Peter Sohn

If one film was going to topple The Simpson’s as the greatest animated movie of 2007 it was only going to be one film. From Brad Bird, former creative consultant on The Simpson’s and director of The Incredible's, Ratatouille is a brain frying exercise is brilliance. It’s a film with so much imagination and creativity that the imagery almost overwhelms the audience, but not quite. This has been called Pixar’s masterpiece and their not far wrong. From the sumptuous animation to the cracking story and engrossing characters comes one of the funniest concepts of all the Pixar movies.
A rat in Paris is so in love with food, that he uses an untalented chef to make the greatest meals the restaurant has known since its illustrious owner died. Ratatouille is a triumph in the purest definition of the word. Remy, a rat, is so adorable and cuddly that a lot of parents may have to gently disappoint their children this Christmas when a pet rat isn’t included in their stocking. What makes Remy so enjoyable is that he is sure genuine. And as with Pixar he’s a character thrust into action rather than taking the option willingly. These heroes are always easier to get behind because their there by circumstance rather than desire or ambition. Not that Remy lacks any of it. He is a culinary master, having watched his idol Gusteau develop the greatest restaurant in Paris. Paired with useless Linguini the film has a double act not matched since Toy Story. Remy the perfectionist expert whilst Linguini would know linguini if he landed in his lap. Through a stroke of genius Remy, who can understand English but not speak it to humans, finds a way to control Linguini and thus turns him into the best chef in the kitchen. Meanwhile head chef Skinner is damaging the bad name of Gusteau with a series of money making schemes using the great name of Gusteau. As with all great Pixar films the story is set up exquisitely and the supporting cast including Janeane Garofalo as Linguini potential love interest Colette, Emile, Remy’s overweight typical rat and Peter O’Toole as the food critic just waiting for the opportunity to destroy Gusteau’s.
The film could easily b read as a response to the critical mauling which befell Cars, The restaurant representing Pixar studios, Anton Ego (O’Toole) as the critics which has cast the successful enterprise into doubt. Cars may have made a lot of money but was by far the weakest instalment of Pixar’s catalogue to date, The response coming from a small rodent seems only fitting considering Pixar’s history. The film itself struggled in production with Brad Bird coming on board to save the project them deciding to shake things up. In fact Brad Bird could be the best thing to happen to Pixar. Both The Incredible’s and now Ratatouille have shown a range in projects which, taking those two out of the picture doesn’t exist. All of Pixar’s previous films have the same basic structure. Bird whose pre Pixar film Iron Giant is considered a gem, has breathed life into a studio, which although on the surface may not have needed it, certainly needed to produce a classic animated film following Cars. And congratulations are in order, for Ratatouille is arguably Pixar’s greatest film. It certainly looks miles ahead of anything Pixar or any other studio has managed before. At one point toward the end the eyes can not take in all the little background bits the scenes are so dense with information.
The voice cast is surprisingly entertaining as well. This is really the first film not to have a major star in it, minus Peter O’Toole, and it actually allows you to believe and engage with these characters more than you might if you’re constantly being reminded of a celebrity voice behind the cartoon.

Pixar’s most accomplished film to date sees Brad Bird deliver another bone fide masterpiece for the studio that never failed to have a box office hit. This will appeal to both adults and children, often for the same reasons. Pixar couldn’t have hoped for a better end result.