Ratatouille finally did it. Yup, my first five star movie review of the year. I really don't know what other movie can top this in the coming months, but this one deserves a 'best picture' nomination. Far fetched? For a supposedly 'kid' movie? Not in my opinion. The Oscars are usually given to dramas, but hey, Lord of the Rings: ROTK got the well-deserved nod a couple years ago, and that was a fantasy epic. Really, I can't find ANYTHING wrong with this movie. If I did it would be so nit-picky and wouldn't even matter. I won't even try. Hence I challenge anyone out there to post what didn't work in the movie. Without further adieu, the veRdict:

the wRong:
Nada!
Yup, like I said... for the first time I couldn't find any glaring flaw in this flick. You could argue that rats are gross no matter how cute they are... or some things in the film are just plain silly like Remy being able to read or control Linguini through his hair, but those things are part of the light-hearted fun this flick serves to the table (no pun intended... well, maybe a little, haha). Besides, when Simba speaks do people go 'he's an animal, that's stupid'! See, I really can't find anything wrong here! Maybe the humor wasn't as prevalent as other films? But I guess after watching Simpsons the other day, my appetite for comedy was already satisfied!

the Right:
Peter O'Toole
His deliciously evil performance as food critic Anton Ego and surprising twist in the end made him my absolute favorite character in the movie. Yup, more than our pal Remy. With so few scenes, each one counted in terms of developing his character. He only appeared midway through the movie, but was an immensely important presence from that point on, and even gave a beautifully written speech to close out the film.

Remy
One of the most likeable lead characters Pixar has produced in a while... our 'Little Chef' is definitely up there with Buzz, Woody, Sully... He's just like us, dreams big and always doubts himself if he can reach them cuz' of how effed up the world is... If only we all had our own Jiminy-Gustau to rally us on eh? This small mouse with a big heart trumps Disney's 'other' famous mouse for sheer character depth alone.

Animation
This is easily the prettiest Pixar film to date. I've never scene CGI environments with such detail and beauty... Even the rats themselves showcase a perfected 'fur' effect which was prominent with Monsters, Inc.'s Sully. The stylized humans, the appetizing food, the amazing chase scenes (or any scene that follows Remy around the town)... Hands down the most beautiful CG 'toon around. It strikes the perfect balance of Final Fantasy's realism and Shrek's wacky cartooniness.

Brad Bird
I was so surprised Ratatouille even HAPPENED. Usually, I see they make movies that would sell a lot of merchandise, be it Finding Nemo dolls, Cars toys, Toy Story video games... In a sense, this movie isn't all that 'extendable' to the usual cash-cow of extending to an absurd number of mediums. I even found that story a bit mature for the usual kid fare. One of the villains is a food critic, and Remy dreams of becoming a chef, there was even a horrific scene with a gallery of deceased rodents... I dunno, for me it wasn't exactly a kid movie. But that's what's great about Brad Bird... From Iron Giant, to the Incredibles... he makes films people of any age can relate to and enjoy... and that is so, so difficult. Bird deserves another Academy-Award for this one... hopefully a nomination for best film will pave the way for the future.

the veRdict:
Pixar continues to make not only some of the best animated films, but some of the best films PERIOD. Ratatouille is smart for kids, but not too kiddie enough for adults to be offended. It's a throwback to old Disney classics which Disney themselves haven't been able to produce and are constantly reliant on Pixar to bring the goods (which they always do). I'm still torn if I’m willing to give 'Best Pixar Film' to date to this, but I'm gunna play it safe for the moment that it equals Toy Story 2 for that honor. It does however, win the crown of 'Best Movie' of the year (so far... damn Homer, I’m always using that line now!) and the very first film to get 5 stars from the veRdict. The beautiful CGI, heartwarming story, the lovable Remy, and the awesome Anton Ego of O'Toole makes Ratatouille the most satisfying dish this critic has tasted all year... and hungry for more Pixar goodness to come (Wal-E looks promising next year)!

On a side note, the traditional opening short 'Lifted' is one of my favorite animated shorts and ranks with last year's 'One Man Band' as funniest EVER! It was funnier than anything in Ratatouille, but not enough to detract a most precious star!