Ratatouille review

Considering the Disney empire was founded on a mouse, it would be rash to dismiss Ratatouille simply on the basis that it's about a rat as even the most ardent rodent-phobe will be enamored by this charming dish.

This is only Pixar's second collaboration with Disney, but it's clearly business as usual for the animation company whose streak of winners continues with Ratatouille. Much of the credit lays at the feet of its writer and director Brad Bird, whose past credits include The Iron Giant and The Incredibles. And while Ratatouille may lack the pioneering invention and sardonic wit of some of Pixar's previous films, there is plenty to enjoy for the kid in everyone.

As the title indicates, Ratatouille has a culinary flavour as it regales the unlikely story of Remy (Patton Oswalt), a Parisian rat with a passion for cooking. Much of the film is set in the bustling kitchen of Gusteau's, an upscale restaurant so realistically rendered it's possible to almost smell the mouthwatering aromas wafting around. There is a softer, warmer feel to Ratatouille, something CGI is not generally noted for. It captures beautifully the feel of Paris with its cobbled streets and glimmering skyline.

Remy is possessed of a more sophisticated palette than his brother Emile (Peter Sohn) and the rest of his rat colony and is not content with a life rummaging through rubbish. He is visited by the ghost of his cooking hero, Gusteau (Brad Garrett), whose motto is 'Anyone can cook'. Gusteau, following in death the credo he made famous in life, encourages Remy to use his catering skills to rescue his restaurant whose reputation has floundered since his passing.

Once there, Remy befriends Linguini (Lou Romano), the bumbling garbage boy. Residing under Linguini's chef's hat, Remy instructs the talentless boy how to create fabulous dishes, quickly raising both Linguini's and the restaurant's reputation. Ratatouille cleverly explores the restaurant world with its ferocious rivalries and turbulent kitchen politics. Its rich cast of supporting characters is led by villainous sous-chef Skinner (Ian Holm) and the scathing cadaverous restaurant critic Anton Ego, voiced with a wicked glee by Peter O'Toole.

Only very occasionally does the sight of swarming rats trigger repellant instincts, but for the most part you're caught up in the appetizing smells and story of the delicious Ratatouille.

Kevin Murphy