Ratatouille (2007)

I love food. I love eating it, I love thinking about it, I love reading about it and, of course, I love watching movies about it. Since I woke up craving Disney Pixar and Incredibles 2 is yet to come out in my country, I decided to rewatch Ratatouille.

The film follows Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), an ambitious young rat with highly developed senses of smell and taste who, despite his family's disapproval and the obvious problem, dreams of becoming a cook. When he ends up alone in Paris, in the restaurant of his (dead) idol, Auguste Gusteau (voiced by Brad Garrett), he has the chance to make his dream come true as he starts controlling a garbage boy, Alfredo Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), who is then given credits for Remy's dishes.

If you put on your thinking cap, you'll realise that Ratatouille's isn't an entirely original story. In fact, it's kinda like the story of the ugly duckling. In addition, there are several subplots that are given too much focus. Despite this, it's a bizarre story that takes some clever twists and turns and it's engaging from start to finish. Also, it deals with themes such as friendship, teamwork, hope, creativity and dreams, and the great thing is that the messages the film delivers never feel forced. But, most important, it's a beautiful ode to the art of cooking. Kids, of course, won't get that last part, unless they are mini MasterChefs, but they are definitely going to get the other themes.

And they will love the characters as well as Ratatouille is filled with bizarre, funny, adorable and charming characters, especially the main character, Remy. He is so adorable and sweet, it's impossible not to like; he is also very inspiring as he won't settle for the life he is supposed to have but wants to make his own path in life and is determined to make his dream come true. Patton Oswalt's voice work is outstanding and really brings to life the character. Then, there's Alfredo Linguini. He is lovable and clumsy which makes pretty much everything he does hilarious. The relationship between Remy and Linguini is also very beautiful.

Buena Vista Pictures

The supporting characters, unfortunately, aren't particularly interesting. They have little characterization and development, the most uninteresting probably being the villain, Skinner, the chef at Gusteau's who is not happy with Linguini's success as he is jeopardizing his plans for the restaurant. His just doesn't have enough set-up and background story to be a compelling villain. In spite of that, Ian Holm brings a sense of menace to the role while still delivering a funny character.

As for the animation, it's nothing short of spectacular. The colours are vibrant, Paris's landscapes are stunningly realistic, and there's a manic attention to detail everywhere. The best part though is the characters. Other than being beautifully drawn, their movements and facial expressions, especially the rats', are outstanding.

Ultimately, Ratatouille isn't Disney Pixar's best film, but it's an entertaining, fun and touching film.