never really there
Tonight, over dinner, I came upon two realizations – First, Chili’s Frosty Chocolate Shake is far sweeter than I remembered it to be thus I shall probably never order one again (especially if the restaurant has run out of sprinkles! The disappointment of this tragic discovery surpassed that of the over-sweetness of the dessert.), and second, I’m a horrible critic of films. But I also know this to be true: digital animation behemoth Pixar knows what it’s doing. But poor Pixar – they’ve come with solid film after film, and expectations just keep building. The pressure must be unbelievable. Yet, they tackle the most unexpected of plots and somehow manage to make the most of them. I admire them immensely for having kept up their reputation and telling such engaging stories, but will not deny that I have approached just about every single Pixar film with skepticism. That is until tonight.
Yes, I did go see Ratatouille tonight. I walked into the theater knowing I’d see something amazing, and now that I have, I’d see it all over again at the slightest urging. Movie magic like that is rare today. Nowadays, people are seemingly all too willing to spend the cost of a full day’s worth of food to view anorexic films filled with pretty faces glossed by big-budget effects, and companies are all too happy to cater to such cash cows. Initially, sure, we can excuse such productions and call them “fun”, but the experience is a novelty which fades as quickly as the plating on a dollar store ring. (Pirates of the Carribean trilogy, I’m looking straight at you.) When films like those Pixar has produced thus far are presented to the world, I – as only a lowly viewer and critic of nothing but the impression that the film leaves on me – treasure such examples of what movies can really be and do to us “just watching” people.
So bear with me for a brief moment as I give into the demeaning expectations of a blogsphere wherein everyone expects everyone else to force opinions on each other and say that Ratatouille is a really darn good film. It’s fun, gorgeous, truly entertaining, witty without having to revert to a single joke about bodily gases, and an excellent way to spend time. To top it all off, Michael Giacchino’s score is amazing. I fall more and more in love with that man every time he scores a movie (or short film – see One Man Band – or video game…). Too bad the soundtrack hasn’t been released yet. I guess I’ll just have to watch the movie again. (I almost wish I could say that with some exasperation haha.)
[EDIT] Sorry, the soundtrack IS out. I was just apparently inept at finding it last night at 3am. heh. *waits in anticipation*
July 01 2007 08:52 am | films and food and music