Ratatouille

*Ratatouille (2007). Pixar/Disney.*

I wanted to see this movie when it first came out, but I never got around to it. Reviewing items for tweens inspired me to finally rent (and watch!) Ratatouille.

Basically, a rat named Remy falls in love with food. He can't understand why his family and friends are okay with eating garbage. Because he can read, he learns about food through the book, Everyone Can Cook. When his colony is destroyed, Remy ends up at a restaurant in Paris. He's happy to watch through the skylight as the chefs create amazing dishes. But when he sees the new garbage boy trying to fix a soup--and realizes he's destroying it--Remy enters the kitchen and puts his skills to the test.

This begins a partnership between the boy, Linguine, and Remy. The rat has the skill, and Linguine has the ability to "appear human." Remy's talent puts Linguine in the spotlight, leading to all kinds of crazy situations. The garbage boy and the rat suddenly become highly important in the Paris food scene.

Chris and I watched this movie with tweens in mind (although we were truly watching it for ourselves). We decided that it's definitely appropriate for tweens, since it's rated G. It's also amusing, smart, and well-animated. While Ratatouille may be marketed as a kids' movie, it's plenty entertaining for people of all ages. Chris thought tweens might be embarrassed to openly enjoy Ratatouille, because it's a kids' movie and tweens are trying to get away from younger media. But when I think of myself in the 6th grade, loving Little Women, I can't help thinking I would have enjoyed Ratatouille and said so. Perhaps it's more suited for younger tweens, though tweens on any end of the spectrum should enjoy this Pixar flick.