Ratatouille

I went into Ratatouille with high expectations, having read many positive reviews. After the opening 10 minutes I was unsure with how I felt. It wasn't very funny at this point, and nothing seemed very special about it. Even after the movie picks up I was still uncertain. It wasn't until Remy (the main character) looks outside the window of an apartment to reveal a beautiful view of Paris that my heart was captured. The view of the city may be the most grand achievement in animated film history. As someone who prefers classic drawn and painted animation to today's CGI, this is a big statement. Easily the best looking animated film made with CGI to date. Ratatouille is visually stunning, pleasing and breathtaking. Director Brad Bird is the best American out there making animated movies right now, his previous two are The Iron Giant and The Incredibles. One of which is one of the best ever made while the other is possibly the funniest. Bird may be the only American willing to tackle animated films with new ideas while completely avoiding proven formulas. This film has more authentic heart than the last 10 animated releases put together, maybe more. The voice acting is flawless, the story is excellent and the writing is superb. With many metaphors abound, older viewers will surprisingly enjoy a rich movie-going experience, more so than many adult films already out this year. I think it's obvious by my review that I was blown away, and for good reason. Ratatouille is on pace to be the best this year easily while also being the superior American made animation of the 21st century so far. In fact, this movie should start showing up on lists of the best of all time. Incredibly unique and awe inspiringly beautiful, Ratatouille is simply one of the best. Many people and critics say animation is in another golden age but I strongly disagree. Animated films are in a big rut, with each release just entertaining and funny enough to get by with good reviews, meanwhile no real advancements or improvements are made in storytelling. So lets hope Disney, Pixar and every animated filmmaker take notice of Ratatouille because if it starts a trend, it will be ushering in another golden age of animation. Actually, if animation does maintain the quality seen here, it will be the greatest age in it's long history.