Posted: 07/02/07

** Behind the Scenes **

RATATOUILLE:  A Recipe for Success

By Josh Climo, with Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher of MOVIEGUIDE(r)

DISNEY and PIXAR's new animated feature opens in theaters Friday, June 29. In a summer of sequels, remakes, and adaptations, RATATOUILLE is the most original movie of 2007.

With a resume that already boasts incredible quality, PIXAR raves that RATATOUILLE is more visually groundbreaking than any movie it has yet produced.

Executive Producer John Lasseter, best known for directing such hits as TOY STORY and CARS, says, "It's a remarkable achievement in animation."

"It's a PIXAR film. That kind of says it all," says Patton Oswalt, who voices the main character, Remy. "It's going to be at a level that's just above everything else."

But, Director Brad Bird knows that stunning visuals alone do not make a great film.

"The truth of the matter is, the technology has never been the answer," Bird says. "The same answers to making a good movie are the answers that were around 80 years ago. You've got to have characters people care about and stories that are both surprising and satisfying."

Brad Garrett, who voices the buoyant Gusteau, says, "There are heartfelt moments. . . [Brad Bird] likes to keep it in a realm of reality."

MOVIEGUIDEŽ had the chance to sit down with Mr. Bird and hear his thoughts on the movie:  "I think that if you lead with passion, you're putting your best foot forward."

Bird not only portrays this theme in the movie itself but also personifies it in his directing style.

"Brad Bird is definitely the most enthusiastic director I have ever worked with," Oswalt declares. "That enthusiasm is already there when you walk in the room."

Oswalt plays RATATOUILLE's star, Remy, a humble rat with big dreams who is key to bringing Mr. Bird's vision to the big screen.

"[Remy] is all the way committed to what he loves," Oswalt tells MOVIEGUIDEŽ.

Are the filmmakers afraid that a movie about rats will turn viewers away?

"There's a gumption that these guys are rats," Producer Brad Lewis says to MOVIEGUIDEŽ. "That's important to the story because it's authentic. . . . You almost want to sense that revile that you get when you see all these rats because when you make that leap and you start to care about Remy, it's a greater emotional journey."

Brad Garrett agrees that audiences will come to appreciate Remy, saying, "Remy is more than just a rat."

Despite his mousy complexion, Remy is a positive role model for kids.

"He believes and has faith and doesn't give up," Oswalt adds.

MOVIEGUIDEŽ commends everyone at Pixar for their brilliant movie, RATATOUILLE. Parents should help their children be media-wise about the stealing, rats in the kitchen in real life, and the violence such as throwing knifes and shooting guns. That said, audiences 7-years-old and up will not want to miss the most fun and original movie of the summer!

By Ted Baehr Click here for bio and archived articles