Animated movie of the day: Ratatouille (2007)
For many, it is said the best food comes from France. Genius chef Auguste Gusteau thought so too, also holding the belief anyone could cook. Even after his tragic passing, Remy took these words to heart, and dreams of one day becoming a chef himself.
Which is kind of a problem when he's a scavenger rat.
But luck gives him a chance to achieve his dream by working at the very restaurant founded by his hero through partnering with a human… who happens to be the worst cook in France, but is now a willing, literal puppet for Remy to control. How come this Alfredo Linguini might be more connected to Gusteau than initially thought?
Directed by Brad Bird (The Iron Giant,The Incredibles), this Pixar comedy drama is one hell of an exploration about the relationship we have with creative crafts and their value in communicating with others. While specifically talking about cuisine, the movie's themes can easily be applied to music, writing or art, as it shows many views from an angle of mere business, unbridled passion, disciplined professionalism, well intended incompetence and even those who exercise primarily their criticism. This applicability doesn't change the movie does an outstanding job at representing the beauty of cuisine, however, with a delightful attention to detail to the textures and colors of food which makes most of what's on screen look quite delectable.
The interpersonal drama can hardly get more complicated when romance at the work place, ego, and the ethical problems of crediting a rat for kitchen work are involved. Plus, while conductive to conflict, the legal usurpation subplot is almost distracting from the aspects of the movie that truly shine. Makes all the more remarkable the movie doesn't feel bloated, even if it may start to get long in the tooth by the third quarter. The finale makes up for it with one of the most emotionally satisfying (and nuanced) conclusions in a Pixar film.
