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Once upon a time, there were cartoons, drawings that were quickly run through to give the impression of movement, then computer graphics arrived, the genre is called "computer animation" and the protagonist is no longer the cartoon but the pixel. Personally, I have never been in favor of this excessive wave of computers present in films and "cartoons," yet observing the computerized productions of Disney, I can only admit it: Disney Pixar only churns out masterpieces! There isn't a single Pixar "cartoon" that isn't a work of art in its own right (perhaps with the exception of "Cars" which didn’t meet my expectations), these are meticulously engineered productions, rich in moral principles, righteousness, good values, great emotions, entertainment, and spectacle, for both adults and children, a recipe now dear to Disney, products that are sure hits commercially (and this can also be annoying) but at the same time of great artistic value.
"Ratatouille" is the latest Pixar endeavor that has thrilled audiences worldwide, a box office champion and mass phenomenon, but not for that reason inferior as a product, on the contrary.. probably together with "Toy Story" and "Monsters, Inc." it is the best churned out from the digital house.
The film, beyond the usual affectionate values and the usual Disney moralism, presents a technical excellence that leaves one astounded! Starting with the characterization of the characters, each animated in a very personal way, each with its own distinctive characteristics, the animation perfectly conveys the mood and personality of the different characters, one falls in love with the rat protagonist, identifies with the boy, becomes attached to the large family of rats, none of which are similar to another, but we can admire, beyond the soul of the characters, a wonderful scenography and astonishing digital landscapes that leave one speechless, among which stands out a very colorful Paris shown in its most romantic and artistic side, but also particular settings where high-adrenaline action scenes take place, such as the sewer drain or the restaurant kitchen which becomes the site of a breathtaking chase seen from the rat's perspective. The skill of the Pixar programmers is giving a soul to the digital just as once the artists gave a soul to sheets of moving paper. One cannot say that the programmers are "not artists". Not only are they artists.. but they are also Geniuses!
Beyond the grand visual technique, there is also a very original and engaging story, a little mouse eager to escape from his everyday life to venture into the world of cooking, soon becoming the top chef of a famous legendary restaurant in Paris, using a novice kitchen assistant, whom he guides as if he were a puppet. Between the two, an extraordinary story of friendship and values will arise. Between hilarious gags and dramatic moments, there is always room to reflect on themes dear to us, self-affirmation, the struggle to achieve what we want, loving one's family despite the clashes one has with it, knowing how to value friendship, etc... all told with superb visual and narrative components! There is not a single dull moment or discordant sequence. Every scene is crucial for the development of the plot, there are no drops in rhythm, there is a crescendo from beginning to end. The comedy alternates with sentimental moments with a narrative ease that charms the viewer for the duration of the film.
Top marks for this extraordinary work for the whole family.
The only flaw is perhaps, as I have already said, an excessive dose of moral and social values, which could make those who detest Disney's cheesy and forced moralism wrinkle their noses. But it does not detract from the fact that this film is a milestone in the history of digital cinema.
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