Ratatouille

Culinary passion may torment your reflexively reacting taste buds, but Pixar is becoming too childish, or rather Brad Bird seems to have forgotten the distinctive otherness he used to entertain even adult audiences within the world of flavors and aromas (the red menace of The Iron Giant, or the comic passion of The Incredibles). Wherever we expect a clever allusion, we come across a simple joke that amuses but fails to warm the heart. (18.10.2007)

Even a movie about rats in a posh French kitchen can be a culinary delight... Remy's story is not one of those "prefabricated" cartoons that fall off the production line of animation studios as if from a conveyor belt. It has none of the typical ingredients such as: cute animals making faces, sequences edited to a well-known pop hit, references to other films, several catch phrases, or the tendency to rush to make the next film even before the closing credits are finished. Brad Bird is too much of an artist for that. In The Iron Giant, he indicated that he is a rare genius; in The Incredibles, he (almost) confirmed it; and with Ratatouille, he definitively confirmed it. Although it is difficult to say how much the concept itself is his merit and how much it is Pinkava's. But one thing is certain: the result is worth it and although it is almost an independent act among the family animated films without a significant chance of financial success, it is definitely worth seeing. It may look a bit too polished in places, but it never slips into pathos or cheap scenes. It simply has, in the words of Anton Ego, "a little perspective". In other words, what today's CGI cartoons without a soul significantly lack... Which, fortunately, is not the case with Remy. Ratatouille is reminiscent of The Great Cheese Conspiracy, although in the end it does not reach its heights. Even so, it is by far the best animated experience of recent times. (09.02.2022)

Ratatouille, despite Pinkava's unusual storyline choice, is ultimately a surprisingly predictable spectacle. It is impressive, sufficiently entertaining, and impeccably polished in true Pixar fashion, but still clearly predetermined. It greatly benefits from the romantic atmosphere of Paris, pleasant cuisine full of diverse dishes, and Anton Ego as a dark restaurant ghost who makes each of his monologues thrilling. However, when compared to movies like Cars, which could have easily gotten lost in their schematic nature, I feel a slight disappointment in Remy's journey for flavors and aromas. 70% (30.01.2008)

Ratatouille does not have a great geyser of visual and verbal gags like Shrek, nor does it have such a well-crafted and universally understandable script as Finding Nemo. Nonetheless, it can be considered the current pinnacle in the field of feature-length animated films, mainly due to its superb animation, which represents the current technological peak and at some moments looks almost like a live-action film. It is also noteworthy for its interesting visual design, which at times resembles avant-garde art projects. This is especially evident in the scenes above Paris or in the staircase maze, where the little hero seeks refuge from pursuit, but also in the closing credits. The script itself is just above average, and the plot may be difficult to digest, particularly for young children. Overall impression considering the visual design: 90%. (16.10.2007)

The master chefs at Pixar have thrown together this delicious casserole that deserves the highest marks. A great story composed using only the best ingredients, taking a pinch of originality, a hint of good-old playfulness and this gourmet dish is ready to be served. And it is all exquisitely spiced by the brilliant music of Michael Giacchino. The animated movie of the year. (24.10.2007)

Animation with music perfect, and I ate so much food while watching the movie last time I watched Cutting it Short, but I really didn't need to see such a collection of screenwriting clichés. I guess I'm more suited to DreamWorks cartoons and their pop culture references. Otherwise, I was supremely unsympathetic to the character of Linguini and really wished the worst for him, not to mention Remy's fat brother, who would have been killed in real life even by the most fanatical PETA member. Just a total disappointment. (23.11.2009)

Studio Pixar is the movie that not only tries to set the direction, but actually creates trends in modern animated film. At least the feature-length ones for sure. Just look at the film "Ratatouille". They put a rat in the main role, but the kind that you will root for, because he is a truly great chef. The rat also appeared in the film "Ugly Duckling and Me", which I also reviewed here today, but it definitely doesn't gain as much sympathy as Remy the rat from Pixar. They simply know how to not only create an interesting story, but also characters whose fate truly interests you. I fell in love with this film, partly because it revolves around my passion, which is, of course, food, or rather international cuisine. I can have anything against the French - and they can be obnoxious snobs, and I'm being mild about it - but I can't say anything bad about their cuisine. Where would we be without it, what would we do without baguettes or even the titular ratatouille? They just know how to cook, and what's more, they know how to truly enjoy food. We can't really do that. This is what the film "Ratatouille" is about. About the love for food, because such love is truly lifelong. Even though film is a medium that cannot attack your taste, smell, or touch, you will still salivate while watching this animated - and I emphasize that - film. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/07/kacatko-woodcock-nakaza-laska-dalsi.html (22.02.2013)