OK for kids 5+
Cute rat tale is kid-friendly but adults may like it more!
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Disney has spared no expense to market its latest Pixar film to kids. Even preschoolers who can't pronounce the title will know about the movie with the cooking rat. Like all of Pixar's other films, this movie includes nuanced humor (about the French, haute cuisine, food critics, etc.) and references aimed directly at adults. Not surprisingly for an animated kids' movie, the main protagonist, Linguini, is an orphan -- although at least he's a young adult and not a child. There's some light peril involving the rats and weapon-wielding humans, but it's harmless and comical.
- Families can talk about what made kids want to see this movie -- the story or all of the advertising? Does it matter that the title is hard to spell/pronounce or that the main characters are rats?
- Do kids know the Pixar brand name? Does that make them more likely to want to see something?
- Families can also discuss the film's theme -- pretending to be something you're not. Linguini takes credit for Remy's cooking ideas in order to look like a chef, and Remy turns away from his rat family to be with his human friends and eat good food. How does pretending catch up to each of them?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids can't help but pick up a few pointers on cooking and food, but the movie's primary intent is to entertain, not educate.
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Messages: Linguini learns to give credit to his rat pal, and Remy realizes that his family connections are more important than his human ones. On the down side, two chefs in the kitchen are very hostile to Linguini, which could make some kids uncomfortable.
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Role models: Remy doesn't let the fact that he's an unconventional chef prevent him from following his dreams, and Linguini learns to stand up for what he believes in. They both make mistakes, but they learn from them. There are several jokes at the expense of the French ("Sorry to be rude, but we're French," etc.).
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Remy is hunted by an angry, gun-toting grandma and knife-throwing chefs. One chef is rumored to be an ex-con and looks menacingly at the rest of the kitchen staff. The sewer sequence early in the movie is somewhat scary.
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Sexy stuff: Linguini and Colette flirt, embrace, and kiss.
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Language: A few mild insults: "stupid," "loser," etc.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: It's France, and no French meal is served without a good bottle of wine.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
There's A Rat in the Kitchen! by Aurone
This movie has a dash of humor, combined with a savory plot, with a pinch or two of good animation. Ratatouille is an interesting computer animated film with a good message of be yourself and follow your dreams no matter impossible they might seem. It has a solid plot, great voicing and good animation. Remy is a rat unlike any other; he has a delicate nose that can sense any smell. He also has a secret wish to become a chief. When circumstances bring him to Paris and the restaurant of the chief he so admires all he needs is a chance. That chance comes in the form of the new garbage boy, Linguini, at the restaurant. Linguini gets mistaken for a cook when he messes up a soup and Remy fixes it and makes it better than before. Linguini and Remy come to an understanding and decide to work together and hilarity ensues. The voicing is nicely done, as is the animation. This is a great family film. Don?t miss it.
5
Ratatouille by Movie Freak10
This Is A Very GoodMovie!! It Kept Me Laughing. Trust Me It Is Great For The Kids Or The Date.All Ages Can Enjoy My Mother Is 43 And She Told Me She Loved It So If You Love A Cool Anitmed Movie For All Ages Go See Ratatouille In Theatres!!
5
MUST SEE by Moviedude360
This was a BRILLIANT movie, obviously one of Pixar's greatest films! Though it isn't as great as "Finding Nemo" it is still a must see, two thumbs up movie. The animation was great, the story was perfect... though it doesn't have the outrageously funny fart jokes that most children were hoping for. The little short before the movie starts called "Lifted" was crazy funny and fires you up for Ratatioulle... and it might actually cover up for the no fart jokes. Once again MUST SEE MOVIE.
5
Great movie for the whole famliy by sacredjourney
As with all the Pixar movies Ratatouille is outstanding. It's the best movie of the summer and we've seen them all! I found the movie to be entertaining for adults as well as kids. The food network is huge right now and Pixar hit a home run with the idea and execution of this film. It's one that will stand the test of time and I'm sure will be in everyone
5
This is not your Kiddie's Pixar Anymore... by TheArchitect
Pixar's latest film has all you can want for adults and kids. Naturally, kids like the rats and their funny interactions. The adults will appreciate the intertwining and somewhat complex interplay of desires, prejudices, and ideals. There certainly is no lack of action and plenty of character depth - the sort of depth appropriate for cartoon characters.
5
An enjoyable movie. by LiloThePaintbrush
Once again Pixar has cooked up and served a fantastic animation that is worth seeing. Fun for children and adults, this animated movie is sure to delight and humor all. The story line was nice and full of heart.
5
Pixar Serves Up Another Tasty Entree by cwalton
Hands down, Pixar is the gold standard of computer animation, and masterful story-telling. This is an orignal tale about a rat in the kitchen, who dreams of actually running that kitchen and becoming a first-class chef. It's also the story of a boy who befriends him and tries to find his own place in the world, and there are also interesting subplots revolving around the rat's other furry family members, and the role of critics and their inspiration. Brad Bird, the guy behind "The Incredibles," has crafted this with a lot of love and care. His recipe for success, and the history of this animation studio, is unparalleled. In the Pixar canon, how's it rank? Well, everyone will most likely love it. But I would put it right behind "Toy Story," "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo," just ahead of "The Incredibles" and "Cars," and better than "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." Not bad. In fact, very, very good.
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
Actually not that bad a-movie.
5
A delightful movie by AlHost61
My husband and I took our 1 year old grandson to Ratatouille. Would you believe he sat and watched the whole movie! He loved it. So did we. Just about the time I thought it was over, it kept going and got even better. Great Movie. We love all of the characters.
5
I don't get much out of most movies.... by ohheathersays
But this movie was definitely cute and kept me entertained. I LOVED it. It kept me laughing and I fell head over heals in love with the main character Remy. One of Disney's greatest movies ever made! Great for children yet sophisticated enough for adults.