Official RATATOUILLE Review Thread - SPOILERS

[Zarles]

The sequence with Remy and his brother outrunning the granny with the shotgun and gas mask reminded me a LOT of some old Tex Avery-style cartoons from when I was a kid.

Throw in a little Looney Tunes, some Sylvester and Tweety, and there you go. It's probably one of my favorite scenes of the whole thing. They could've done just that as a short and I would've been equally satisfied.

Also - could somebody please edit the title so that all these SPOILERS are mentioned? Now that it's out and all. Thanks.

[Nordling]

I want Anton Ego's monologue about criticism put on a plaque. Brilliant stuff.

[DinoDeLaurentiis]

I want Anton Ego's monologue about criticism put on a plaque. Brilliant stuff.

Hehehe... yes, a little bit of a the mud inna the eyes of a the critics, no?

[Zarles]

Anton's bit at the end of it really shocked me. It was just so human and sensitive. I expected the usual 'Let's get rid of the bad guy!' sequence that is always present in animated movies, and instead, I got said bad guy coming to grips with himself and finally getting to remember what it is he really loves about food. It really caught me off guard, but thinking back, I can't even imagine any other way they could've successfully ended it.

[Cha-Ka Khan]

Anton's bit at the end of it really shocked me. It was just so human and sensitive.

Good point. His "flashback" sequence was wonderful.

I also liked all of the little touches in the film, such as his "spit-take" where he almost spits out the wine, quickly looks at the label on the bottle, holds the wine back in and manages to swallow it down. :lol

Or the part where Linguini is describing to Colette about his "Little Chef" and he holds his thumb and forefinger an inch apart and stammers "I uh, umm, I uh, have a little..." and she cringes in horror. I literally LOL'd in the theater at the look on her face.

[Zarles]

I'd forgotten about that! Great stuff. I also enjoyed when Collette pulls the pepper spray on him, and suddenly the scene turns into their first kiss. So very sweet and disturbing at the same time.

[Ribbons]

The sequence with Remy and his brother outrunning the granny with the shotgun and gas mask reminded me a LOT of some old Tex Avery-style cartoons from when I was a kid.

Throw in a little Looney Tunes, some Sylvester and Tweety, and there you go. It's probably one of my favorite scenes of the whole thing. They could've done just that as a short and I would've been equally satisfied.

I can't wait for the spin-off, Granny with a Shotgun...

[Zarles]

It's already been penciled in for Grindhouse 2.

[DinoDeLaurentiis]

By the way, for alla you putzes who like a the "Lifted" short, eh? She's available onna the iTunes...

[minstrel]

By the way, for alla you putzes who like a the "Lifted" short, eh? She's available onna the iTunes...

Is it? I just checked, and I can't find it.

[Zarles]

Me either. Hitting the grappa already, Dino?

[Chairman Kaga]

By the way, for alla you putzes who like a the "Lifted" short, eh? She's available onna the iTunes...

Is it? I just checked, and I can't find it.

It should be on the front page of the store. $1.99

[Zarles]

Nevermind, there it is. I still think Dino's hitting the grappa, though.

[DinoDeLaurentiis]

Alla you blind goddamn putzes...

[Evil Hobbit]

It's not coming out here till August 1st but I just listened the soundtrack and that is already one of the finest scores of the year. Michael Giacchino did it again, what a delightfull orchestrations and playfull instrumentations of highly complex cues and themes. Brilliant stuff. I wish all scores for animated films where this good.

[Nordling]

My favorite piece of dialogue this year.

In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize that only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau's, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau's soon, hungry for more.

[Maui]

My favorite piece of dialogue this year.

In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize that only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau's, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau's soon, hungry for more.

I went to see this just last night. Brilliant piece of animation. By far one of Pixar's greatest works. The above dialogue is stunning - the entire theatre went competely still as this was spoken by the food critic. I think out of all the movies Pixar has done, this one in particular was geared for an older audience, sure there is stuff for the kidlets, but definitely some words of wisdom for the adults. If nothing else, it still gives me hope for myself, in the kitchen. Anyone can cook, right?

[burlivesleftnut]

Not you.

[Maui]

Not you.

pfffffffttt.....

Sure I can, I just need a rat and a big chef hat.

[Zarles]

I mentioned this out on the TBs, but I also think that this was Pixar's first step towards a more mature, adult film. Taking into account that they're following it up with Wall-E and a movie about old people and all.

Hey, Maui's back!

[Ribbons]

I loved this movie, probably more than any I've seen all year (though I haven't seen many). It's by far the most consistently hilarious Pixar film to date, and the action scenes are elaborate and inventive in ways that wouldn't even be possible to realize in live action. I enjoyed the story as well; it was similar to Incredibles in the sense that it was about cherishing and cultivating special talents, but the execution worked better for me this time around, I guess.

Voice work was great. I'd read a couple of reviews saying that Patton Oswalt was miscast, but he seemed right at home as Remy, save for one scene in the rain where he gives his father a speech about forward progress that I thought could have used a little more punky power. Incidentally, I listened for John Ratzenberger's voice in the film, but I must have missed his cameo; IMDb has him down as someone named Mustafa, but I don't know who that is.

The story sags a bit near the end; a couple of beats transpire in order to threaten the success of Gusteau's and drive Remi and Linguini apart that feel a tad forced, although it pulls everything off fairly nicely by the end of the film. Speaking of running out of steam, uh... I guess that's all I have to say.

Oh! P.S.: WALL•E teaser in DLP = *drooool*

[minstrel]

Ratzenberger was Mustafa, who was the head waiter. He put on a French accent, and somehow, now nobody can pick him out! But he had a bigger part than the Underminer, so watch (and listen!) closely.

[Ribbons]

Ratzenberger was... the head waiter. He put on a French accent, and somehow, now nobody can pick him out! But he had a bigger part than the Underminer, so watch (and listen!) closely.

Ah, that was the dude who said he killed a man with his thumb, right?

[Nordling]

No, that was Horst, as voiced by Will Arnett.

[Maui]

What's interesting is that French Chefs do take their ranking quite seriously. My Mom and I saw this flick the other night. We were talking about the movie this morning. In the movie Gusteau dies after he loses his 5 star ranking and moves to 3 stars. I believe they mention he dies suddenly of a heart attack. About 2 years ago, a famous french chef lost his 5 star ranking from a burning critique and commited suicide as a result. I wonder if Gusteau's story was inspired from this.

I just can't say enough good things about this movie. Just a stunning piece of work. I also thoroughly enjoyed the short, "Lifted". The alien nervously trying to maneouver the beam and the human. Funny stuff!

[DinoDeLaurentiis]

About 2 years ago, a famous french chef lost his 5 star ranking from a burning critique and commited suicide as a result.

Bernard Loiseau, no? He was a the good friend of a the Dino, eh? I'm a never gonna to rest unna'til his a death, she is a the AVENGED!!!

Goddamn critics...

[Maui]

Bernard Loiseau, no?
Goddamn critics...

Oui, Monsieur Loiseau

[Ribbons]

Bernard Loiseau, no?

Oui, Monsieur Loiseau

Man, that's rough. Do restaurants really lose a star if their chef dies too?

[minstrel]

Bernard Loiseau, no?

Oui, Monsieur Loiseau

Man, that's rough. Do restaurants really lose a star if their chef dies too?

Well, yeah, if he was their star chef.

[Ribbons]

I was watching The Incredibles on DVD a couple weeks back and one of the extras mentioned something about "the universal man" -- basically most of the supporting and background characters from the movie were the same man, with a couple of features stretched out or exaggerated here and there, because they didn't have time to design every single one of them. The animators seemed to have a lot of anxiety on this particular point, but I hadn't noticed the recurring faces, really, until I heard them talking about it; I just chalked it up as the "aesthetic" of the film, I guess. But I kept thinking of that "universal man" template during Ratatouille, because I honestly think I saw the same woman about 10 times.

[burlivesleftnut]

I seemed to see the same beady eyed gray rat alot. Maybe it's the same thing?

[Ribbons]

Sheeit, I think you're onto something there

[Maui]

the action scenes are elaborate and inventive in ways that wouldn't even be possible to realize in live action.

The action scenes were incredible. The fixing soup scene was amazing but even before that when Remy plunges into the soapy water then runs through a kitchen full of fiery ovens. The panoramic views of Paris were stunning, they truly captured Paris at night. I especially liked when Remy would smell the food and wave his hand up to his nose to take in the aroma.

[Zarles]

One of my favorites was when Remy got washed down the drain into the sewer. It just felt so REAL - like what it would actually feel like and look like for a rat in that situation. Usually when you see a small animal getting battered around in a stream or river or the like in an animated film, it's very sanitized and safe, but Pixar didn't take that route at all.

[Maui]

One of my favorites was when Remy got washed down the drain into the sewer. It just felt so REAL - like what it would actually feel like and look like for a rat in that situation. Usually when you see a small animal getting battered around in a stream or river or the like in an animated film, it's very sanitized and safe, but Pixar didn't take that route at all.

Yeah, that was very clever. I think I held my breath through that entire scene.

[Ribbons]

I loved the whole scene where Remy's sneaking through the nooks and crannies of the apartment looking for something to eat -- especially the stereotypical French fight he witnesses where the guy dares his girlfriend his shoot him and then they start making out.

[Zarles]

Hehe. I liked all the token French movie scenes scattered throughout, as well. I swear that some of them were scenes from actual movies. The commentary on the DVD will be interesting to hear, if Brad can manage to NOT YELL AT US in it.

[Evil Hobbit]

Finally saw it (released this week in the netherlands) and I am blown away! Easily the best film of the year so far. What a brilliant experience. Don't realy know what to say atm, film is still to fresh in my mind but I loved it sooooo much. It ranks high on that list with Pinocchio and the other classics. I rate it a solid 10 on first impression.

[Maui]

Finally saw it (released this week in the netherlands) and I am blown away! Easily the best film of the year so far. What a brilliant experience. Don't realy know what to say atm, film is still to fresh in my mind but I loved it sooooo much. It ranks high on that list with Pinocchio and the other classics. I rate it a solid 10 on first impression.

Glad you enjoyed Remy. I felt the same way about this movie. It was outstanding!!!

[Zarles]

I was considering the fact that there is a band in this movie composed entirely of rats. Not only that, but their musical instruments are things like pepper shakers and old silverware. What's cooler than that?

[Pacino86845]

I guess I'm in the same camp as Keepcool, burl, and Cha-Ka... a technically brilliant film with ingenious moments, if not a little *too* straightforward in the story.

Another technical marvel from Pixar, steeped with draw dropping, mouth watering set-pieces de resistance, if there’s any justice in the film world (and there isn’t) Brad Bird will receive a Best Director nomination for his dazzling camera etiquette (pay particular attention to angles and perspective), the sheer kinetic inventiveness of the multiple chase scenes, scrum-diddly-umptious chop suey editing choices (two brilliant scenes will stand out for years to come in editing classes), and remarkable ability to garnish this colorful ganache of cinema with images you won’t soon forget. Prettiest picture I’ve peeped all year, that’s for damn certain.

Seconded, thirded, etc. I love it when we feel the same about a film, makes writing about it so much easier for me (all I have to do is quote you, LOL. Nicely done.)

I’ve been reading some of the online comments about the inherent implausibility and ick factor involving a flick with a rat handling human food

Bah, if the rat washes its hands I'd eat the food it prepares. People are r-tards when it comes to germs.

a rat in the kitchen as savior rather than a pestilence, that makes the enterprise so amusing, no?

Amusing, bittersweet irony, don't judge a book by its cover, appearances can be deceiving, etc. Harkens back a little to Iron Giant in that regard.

My one gripe would be that the plotting never crystallized for me, simply too simplistic for my refined palate

I feel the same way about the story, but I don't penalize it so much 'cause of Bird's clear mastery in taking the time to build the story over the film's running length. As simple as it was, the story wasn't dull. I personally had trouble hooking on to Linguini, but despite this things always move along at a nice pace. Bird wrote a heck of a silent film here, with sparse dialogue, placing heavy emphasis on the visual storytelling.

The flow of the story is akin to enjoying a fine meal at a restaurant rather than the fastfood that's shoved down our throats of other animated features.

somewhat controversial worldview stated so succinctly by Dash in THE INCREDIBLES)

Refresh my memory? What are you referring to?

The Five-Star ending came close to making this a near classic, but my innate finicky-ness prevents me from giving it that delectable distinction.

Anton Ego was the runaway star of the film. I hadn't known it was O'Toole behind the "mask," I smiled when I saw his name in the credits.

Whether fleeing a surprisingly well armed French granny, rollickingly sloshing into the sewer system, avoiding all manner of man made obstacles, scurrying to and fro, the film is at its best when Bird just cuts loose, cramming a good 75+ years of perilous animated high jinks into eye-popping wonders of escaping entertainment.

You get five stars for that alone.

It's been a hell of a year in animation, Ratatouille being the third awesome animated film I've seen.

I rate the film 8/10 (very good-excellent)

[Ribbons]

Bah, if the rat washes its hands I'd eat the food it prepares. People are r-tards when it comes to germs.

I would probably eat the food it prepares even if it didn't.

[Ribbons]

...somewhat controversial worldview stated so succinctly by Dash in THE INCREDIBLES

Refresh my memory? What are you referring to?

I think Dash's philosophy was that everyone is not special as opposed to Chef Gusteau, whose famous book declared "Anyone Can Cook!"...

Helen Parr: Everyone is special, Dash.
Dash: Which is just another way of saying no one is.

...in fact, because of the world of The Incredibles being what it is, people are either born into auspice or they're not, which is almost the opposite of The Iron Giant, where a machine programmed to kill can become a selfless hero, and Ratatouille, where a rat can become the greatest chef in Paris, and the son of Gusteau can't even cook a Hot Pocket.

[Pacino86845]

Bah, if the rat washes its hands I'd eat the food it prepares. People are r-tards when it comes to germs.

I would probably eat the food it prepares even if it didn't.

Me too...

...somewhat controversial worldview stated so succinctly by Dash in THE INCREDIBLES

Refresh my memory? What are you referring to?

I think Dash's philosophy was that everyone is not special as opposed to Chef Gusteau, whose famous book declared "Anyone Can Cook!"...

Helen Parr: Everyone is special, Dash.
Dash: Which is just another way of saying no one is.

...in fact, because of the world of The Incredibles being what it is, people are either born special or they're not, which is almost the opposite of The Iron Giant and Ratatouille, where a rat can become the greatest chef in Paris, and the son of Gusteau can't even cook a Hot Pocket.

That's interesting, 'cause getting back to The Incredibles... you just reminded me of what Syndrome said about the supers... that he planned on making his inventions available to everyone, so everyone could be special, "and then no one would be." Wiping away a sniffle from his nose.

[Ribbons]

Yeah, definitely an echo of what Dash says early on in the movie there

[Maui]

Ah....VOTE FOR KCBC - Ratatouille Review!!!!

[TonyWilson]

What an utterly enchanting movie. Beautiful in the way it looks, Paris is all subtle hues and european animation, the Kitchen was so real, at times I could have sworn they filmed real interiors and added the characters in afterwards.
Interestingly enough I saw this last night after rewatching Perfume: Story Of A Murderer at a mate's, they make a wonderfully complimentary two course film feast. Both are about beings with an extraordinary sense that makes them outsiders to everyone yet it gives them a gift that can change people's hearts.
I prefer Ratatouille though, the sheer kineticism of the film pulls you along with nary stumble.
Ego's speech is a truly great speech but it pulled me out of the movie - a little too knowing in my opinion (what can you expect from a Simpsons alumni though?)

[Maui]

Ego's speech is a truly great speech but it pulled me out of the movie - a little too knowing in my opinion (what can you expect from a Simpsons alumni though?)

Well, all the little kidlets in the theatre starting to fidget during this speech.

I enjoyed it though, the big kid that I am.

Wow, Grenouille to Remy in one night!! That must have heightened your senses!

[tapehead]

An attitude of benevolence and care pervades the entire film
- it's the most sophisticated story, and possibly the most beautiful yet of
all the Pixar movies but definitely by far the most kinetic and
dynamic in terms of moving p.o.v shots utilised, movements of
characters through different environments, backgrounds and
atmospheres in the same sequence (the only previous works that come
close are 'The Incredibles' and 'Finding Nemo').

It would be impossible to name check or catalogue the way in which
this movie seems to be the distillation of the fluid motion, inventiveness,
goofyness, playful joy and wonderment of all the 'toons I've watched since
I can remember - but most especially the best of Loony Toons and Disney.

'Sophisticated' for such a large scale and admittedly commercial
piece, it's a film that manages to value acquiring good taste and
having a 'palate' as much as it does the Disney staples of family
and wholesomeness.

Apart from Garafolo's dodgy French accent, all the voice characters
are superb, but especially Peter O'Toole. However it happens to be
that his voice meshes so perfectly with the image of Ego on-screen,
from his voice over as Ego clatters away at his typewriter, to his
Proustian reminiscence (at the taste of Remy's where he is
transported back to a moment in childhood with his mother) and
change of heart after Ego tastes Ratatouille, Ego has become one of
my favourite of Pixar's / Brad Bird's creations.

[MonkeyM666]

An attitude of benevolence and care pervades the entire film
- it's the most sophisticated story, and possibly the most beautiful yet of
all the Pixar movies but definitely by far the most kinetic and
dynamic in terms of moving p.o.v shots utilised, movements of
characters through different environments, backgrounds and
atmospheres in the same sequence (the only previous works that come
close are 'The Incredibles' and 'Finding Nemo').

It would be impossible to name check or catalogue the way in which
this movie seems to be the distillation of the fluid motion, inventiveness,
goofyness, playful joy and wonderment of all the 'toons I've watched since
I can remember - but most especially the best of Loony Toons and Disney.

'Sophisticated' for such a large scale and admittedly commercial
piece, it's a film that manages to value acquiring good taste and
having a 'palate' as much as it does the Disney staples of family
and wholesomeness.

Apart from Garafolo's dodgy French accent, all the voice characters
are superb, but especially Peter O'Toole. However it happens to be
that his voice meshes so perfectly with the image of Ego on-screen,
from his voice over as Ego clatters away at his typewriter, to his
Proustian reminiscence (at the taste of Remy's where he is
transported back to a moment in childhood with his mother) and
change of heart after Ego tastes Ratatouille, Ego has become one of
my favourite of Pixar's / Brad Bird's creations.

Very nicely said Tape...

I look forward to seeing it soon. I'm glad that it is worth the time, as Cars was a fierce disappointment for me.