When I heard the idea for Ratatouille I also was a little disappointed about Pixar. I even started to think (especially since Cars) that this amazing studio was starting to lose its "touch". Incredible tough since the very few minutes you know this is going to be Pixar's best.

Brad Bird as usual delivers a fast-paced experience of action and comedy; but this times its a lot different. The movie has great moments mostly by his unusual characters and acid humor, so much in fact that kids may not get much of the comedy. Also the final message it's more complex that it may seems and it the end it delivers a really original twist in the story that may surprise you.

In the animation department there’s no complaint. Pixar reaches levels or realism and elegance in the CGI animation that can’t be compared, and in this movie it seems that the animators mixed all the knowledge gathered in all the previous movies: water effects, light and shadows, hair and textures. A breath - less experience and a movie that even grown ups would enjoy.

One word that sums up Pixar characters for me is "endearing." When I first heard about Pixar's new prject involving a french rat, I was a tad disappointed. It didn't sound like a good way to follow up the great Incredibles or Cars. After all these films, I guess part of me just keeps expecting one of them to stink. How many film companies can boast 8 great films in a row, or a flawless track record. Even their weakest film, A Bug's Life, has some great moments and is still a good movie. I figured that Ratatouille would be Pixar's first big misstep. But man, was I wrong. This was a fantastic film.

By the time I learned that Brad Bird, director of The Iron Giant and The Incredibles, was directing Rats, I started to have hopes, but I admit I was most excited to see this movie simply because it was Pixar. Hopefully their reputation earns Ratatouille its deserved audience because this is another Brad Bird masterpiece. While it may not be Pixar's biggest money maker, it will surely always be a bright spot in Pixar's fine catalog.

Enough of all that, onto the movie.

Remy is a rat that loves to cook and idolizes the late chef Auguste Gusteau who was humiliated by a villainous food critic, and then died. Remy finds himself one day in Paris and sees Gusteau's restaurant and the chance to bring it back its lost glory. Fortunately he finds a boy that needs to cook but can't and the two work out a system to create magnificent food. I really can't say more without giving away a lot of plot, but there is a lot of character development for "tiny chef" Remy and his rat friends as well as the boy chef Linguini. Along with the food critic on the prowl there is another chef that has a grudge against Linguini and wants to "spoil his soup."

The brilliance of this film is that while the rats can talk to each other, they can't actually talk to humans. They can just nod etc. The idea of a rat in the kitchen is as repulsive to the characters as it is to you or me as they are crusty little garbage eaters both off screen and on. But Remy is different. He washes his hands, tries to walk only on his hind legs to keep the front paws clean, and stays out of the garbage. Much of the film offers a rat's eye view of the world with wide angle shots and running through little tunnels. And as it turns out the Parisian setting makes a new and distinct Pixar world.

After Flushed Away, I wondered if Ratatouille would really stand out. Its usually the first to the screens that gets the glory as was the case of Madagascar vs The Wild. But no fears, even though Remy himself gets "flushed away" at one point, in the battle of the rats, Remy is a clear winner earning Pixar and Disney another A.

Wow.

This was the most visually amazing Pixar film to date. Even in Cars, I could point out little goofs and glitches in the animation. In this I found none-and I was nitpicking! My favorite model was the critic. He was wonderfully made. I didn't like the rats very well though.

The story was top notch. Family is a prominent element, and it is presented well. And I love the entire cooking theme.

Go see it. Worth it.

I saw this with a group of friends opening night. We went in with high expectations... and I'm GLAD to say that ALL of those expectations were met. We all absolutely loved it.

It was excellent all around. I'd even say it's Pixar's best... maybe tied with The Incredibles.

The voice acting is excellent, the animation is excellent, the story is excellent. Pixar is definitely one of the best animation studios in the world. They have produced outstanding works of art.

Brad Bird is a great director and was PERFECT for this movie.

Compared to other animated fare this year, this film beats the crap out of the shoddy Shrek 3 and is even better then the magnificent Surf's Up (which is also worth seeing) and the decent Meet the Robinsons.

A must see. 10 out of 10.