Ratatouille - Rat-Ta-Too-Ee (Everyone can cook)

"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 was really moved by these words used by the food critic Anton Ego in the movie. And the geniuses at Pixar, in this critic's opinion, are nothing less than the finest animation producers in the world. I'd definitely be waiting for the DVD version of this movie, squeaking with excitment...

Storyboard (10 out of 10)
Very entertaining story which develops at the right pace to introduce each of the characters well. The rats, albeit lovable, are still protrayed as pesky rodents and even though ended up being one man's best friend, was not acceptable by humans at large. So it's highly educational and highly entertaining. However, I would think the subliminal moral of the story, i.e. "live your dreams", and "everyone can do anything if they set their mind to it", can only be grasped by older kids. Younger kids should be able to grasp the simple yet often reiterated message which is, "Don't STEAL!"

And I think the director and writer, Brad Bird, have done a good job in introducing France, the French and of course the art of fine French cuisine. Adults, like me, stand to be "inspired" to cook even though I have not cooked a proper meal in my life.

Overall, it's an extremely exciting and fun-filled movie and I hardly felt the 110 minutes of the movie. And very good for educating/inspiring children/chefs wannabes. Can't say the same for Bryan (5 years old) though. He was quite afraid of all the violent attempts at killing the lovable rat.

Special effects/Graphics/Cinematography (9 out of 10)
Pixar never fails to impress me with their near-to-reality animation but yet preserving the "cartoonish" elements in their characters. A extremely creative production, which introduces to us a different perspective to this world;a mouse-eye-view so to squeak, err.. speak.

Lessons/Issues (9 out of 10)

1) Dont steal, no matter what, not even if you are hungry. Even if you are hungry or there'll be devastating consequences i.e. losing your job and losing the trust of others.

2) You can be whoever you aspire to be, despite your size or your origin or what everyone else is doing or says you should be doing..... Follow your dreams and you are what your heart and soul wants you to be.

3) Change is nature. You can change the future or how things are working naturally now, if you set your heart and soul to it. If you believe you can do it, you can. (In conjunction with hte upcoming Independence or Merdeka Day, Malaysia Boleh!)

4) There are certain forces of nature which are difficult to change, i.e. relationships between human and rats. As such, in order to implement the change, a forceful massive implementation, which disregard the forces of nature, often does not work (as seen in the closure of Gusteau Restaurant after rats infestation). A more subtle change tactic; a slow introduction and convincing the right people (the critic perhaps), should be employed.

5) Rat killing can be quite brutal, and humans are quite capable of such brutality. However, not all humans subject to such brutality and we can even try to trust our worse enemies and perhaps strike a harmonius and fruitful joint venture, by tapping on each other's strength.

6) Everyone can cook. (But that doesn't mean, everyone should).

7) It's difficult for women to earn a place in the "real" kitchen due to sex discrimination, and we should respect the women chefs.

8) Do not be a villian and try to cheat others. Villians never wins. Heroes and hard work prevails.

9) You can never stay on top for very long by taking other's credit. Sooner or later, people will find out and you'd be happier if you come clean and tell the truth. (Courage shown by Linguini in owning up that it was the Rat who possess the cooking talent and not him.)

Casting (NA)
Understandably, it's a cartoon and I can't rate the casts based on their animated representatives. So this category is not applicable this time. But I must say, the voices brings a lot of live to the ever lovable characters. Very good soundtrack too. I just love French songs, they sound very romantic.

Overall grading = B+ (28 out of 40)
A very fun and entertaining movie for all ages. Catch it on the big screen to enjoy the rich colour, sights and sounds. Be inspired by all the fine foods and art of fine culinary... Excuse me now, I am popping over to my French friend's house to satisfy my hunger for some Ratatouille...

Scoring Guide:
31-40 A
21-30 B
11-20 C
1-10 D

Note: all pictures are sourced from http://www.imdb.com