Lord Taylor of Warwick

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Disney and Pixar’s latest film, Ratatouille seems to be the latest craze in animation films. I was curious why so many people would see a movie about a rat. I decided to see for myself. Upon entering the theatre, I noticed almost every seat was filled. I sat down with my popcorn and waited to be impressed. The central theme of the film revolves around a rat, Remy, with a passion for cooking. He lives above the chandelier of an old woman’s home with the rest of his family and fellow rats. The character often sneaks into the kitchen to cook and it is this devious behaviour that ultimately gets him caught. Overhearing that his favourite chef Gusteau has passed away, he runs to the television to listen further. Remy is then discovered and chased by the old woman, becoming left behind as the other rats escape. This scene is somewhat reminiscent of Finding Nemo, when Nemo fails to listen to the elder fish and is separated from his father. Gusteau serves as his “ghostly friend” and conscience throughout the film.

Surprise, surprise, Remy is led straight to Gusteau’s restaurant. Here he meets the clumsy but loveable Linguini. Together they discover Remy can control Linguini’s movements by tugging on his hair and hiding beneath his hat. This concept is a bit contrived but creative all the same. An interesting twist is unveiled when Linguini turns out to be Gusteau’s son. There are some minor setbacks and misunderstandings between Remy and Linguini but they end up forming one of those lasting friendships most Disney movies portray. Unexpectedly, Linguini develops a romantic relationship with Collette, noticeably the only other female character in the film. She emits a tough-girl exterior to compete with the men in the kitchen but we quickly see she has a soft spot for Linguini. Their awkward connection brings some humour to the screen. Skinner, the latest Disney villain we love to hate, seems to be more annoying than evil. However, the character is portrayed well. Not once did anyone root for him during the film. The pompous chef does have quite a few entertaining scenes. There was yet another villain, Ego, who was the fearsome food critic. Lanky and mysterious, the character sought to bring down Gusteau and his restaurant from the very start of the movie. Ego’s reaction after discovering the rat as the real chef is unrealistic. Are we supposed to believe he is a changed man who writes rave reviews for the restaurant? There are other minor but enjoyable characters throughout the film such as Emile, Remy’s round, joyous brother. There is also Horst, the chef with a mysterious past. The animation is impressive. There are some scenes that appear realistic enough to have been actual footage from Paris. Even the rats’ actions seem quite lifelike. Linguini’s clumsiness is cute in the beginning, but overdone. Towards the end he somehow becomes a professional waiter on roller skates. There are a couple of scenes where hundreds of rats raid the kitchen. It made me feel sick! After the initial feeling of nausea subsides, the scenes do give that uplifting feeling of camaraderie. If you want a film to relive the wonder and excitement of childhood, Ratatouille is a splendid choice. Parents- don’t be surprised if ‘rat’ appears on your child’s wish list this year.

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