OK for kids 5+
Brainy, charming, eco-friendly animated adventure.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this winning Pixar adventure is thoroughly charming and, yes, romantic, the youngest viewers may get a little restless during the atmospheric, virtually dialogue-free first half-hour. They'll still enjoy it, but -- unlike older kids and grown-ups -- they won't be that impressed by how much is said with so few words. But the action (which includes some robot fights, weapons being fired, explosions, and chase scenes) picks up soon enough. Underlying the whole thing are strong environmental messages: Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about what you're doing to the planet (and yourself).
- Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about the media's effect on people? Do you think the future humans in the movie were exaggerated to be funny, or could that really happen? Are they happy? What are they missing? Also, why is WALL-E so fascinated by Hello, Dolly? What does he learn from the movie? Why is he so eager to make a connection with EVE? How does he win her over? How is this movie different from other animated features, even previous Pixar films?
The good stuff
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Messages: Lead characters WALL-E and EVE are extremely sympathetic. They're sweet, conscientious, loyal truth-seekers who are able to transcend technology and develop the capacity for love. EVE is dismissive of WALL-E at first, but she comes to appreciate his dedication. The human characters are a bit more flawed; they got into their predicament because of their own bad habits (particularly laziness, selfishness, and greed) -- which the movie is clearly taking a stand against. But in the end -- thanks in no small part to WALL-E -- they come around and appear to have the best intentions of making things right. Underlying the whole movie are messages about the dangers of over consumption and excessive waste; the vision of Earth as a garbage-strewn wasteland (and humans as hoverchair-bound lumps who can barely walk) speaks volumes.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A human does battle against a robot, which pokes him in the eye and tosses him around, but it's not too aggressive. Robot EVE has a powerful gun in one of her arms, which she doesn't hesitate to fire at possible threats (including, early on, WALL-E). At one point, in frustration, she sets off a series of vivid explosions in old oil tankers that could scare some very little kids. A gang of rogue robots faces off against similarly mechanical peacekeepers; their conflict is more funny than scary. Human characters are briefly in peril.
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Sexy stuff: Gentle, sweet, understated romance blooms for two robots, as well as for a human couple.
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Language: One use of the word "heck."
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Consumerism: Excessive consumerism is one of the movie's themes. It's personified by the Buy N Large mega-corporation, which seems to own and operate everything in WALL-E's world. It's fictional, but its brand is everywhere.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Best Pixar Movie Yet! by The Dixon
I never write reviews, but this film is just great. Its a simple concept, two robots in a love story, which sounds odd, but its funny, clever, well done, and you genuinely feel like the robots feel for each other, even though its animated. The movie is a must see, and its all heart, I left the theatre smiling because it was just a wonderful movie, and I can't recall seeing a moving in a longtime that left me with such a warm feeling and smile on my face. I will be seeing this again soon. Don't let the animation fool you, this is one of the finest movies of the year, and an instant classic.
1
Run as fast as you can in the opposite direction! by shachomike
The most boring movie I've seen in years. I feel especially bad because it consumed over 1.5 hours of my life that I can never get back. I am at least 20% stupider for having seen it. Wish I had saved the $8 & stayed home & punched myself in the face for 1.5 hours. I would have payed an additional $8 to make it stop.
4
Wall-e by conradwsba1
This was a pretty good movie. It started off slow but got better. You should see this movie.
5
WALL-E, my 4 year-old's new bestest friend by chriska
First, let me say that this is only the second time that I have braved the theater with my small child. People who bring infants and toddlers who cannot keep still and quiet should be permanently banned from any movie shown after 4pm in my opinion. Having survived Kung Fu Panda, we moved on to WALL-E, the movie that she has been waiting for "for soo, sooooo long Mommy, are we going on this day?".
WALL-E delivers. He is the little engine that could of robots that were left behind to clean up our very big mess. He has been alone for a very long time, only a seemingly indestructable cockroach for company when EVE arrives. From there out it is pure magic. This is a PIxar film, so keep an ear out for John Ratzenberger, of course. But go see this movie. Rent a kid if you feel out of place going without one. My little one has already convinced her godparents to take her to see it again and is working on other relatives as well. Go see WALL-E, discover that robots have feelings too
5
my wally review by lord-o-movies
this is easily the best animated movie of the year
a great storyline
and some of the best animation in the industrie
go out and see it
your kids will love and you will too
5
Best Animated Film of the year or maybe just best film of the year! by sodapop1
Wall-e is my favorite movie ever! Pixar has done it again! This movie was hilarious. It also has a message that everybody matters. The characters did a fine job. Director Andrew Staton made the best Pixar film in the history of Pixar and other animated films. Not will only kids fall in love with this animated classic adults will too! So Goo see it. It will be the best animated film you'll ever see in your life! GO NOW!
4
Wall-E by Owens117
I thought this movie was good. The plot didn't do a lot for me but the graphics were stunning. Pixar usually makes great films and this is definitely something I would watch again. My girlfriend absolutely loved it and thought wall-e was the cutest thing ever. I think it's great for kids because the underlying message was basically to save the planet and not be lazy, so definitely a thumbs up for that. I give wall-e an 8 out of 10.
5
Thought-provoking, heart-warming entertainment by ambadale
We tend to think that any machines we build are artificial intelligence and that only we humans can be the arbiters for how life on earth will unfold, be governed. But if you step back a moment, anything produced on this planet of ours is the earth, by definition. If we animate it, it can indeed be real. Wall E is a wonderful reminder of the humanity of our machines and how they can reconnect us to the earth, rather than just continued our 10,000 year alienation from it. Pixar has once again crafted a soulful, thoughtful, beautiful and highly entertaining work of art with WALL-E. For me at least, it's a must see film, and I'm glad to have finally seen it.
5
The Cutest Date Move Ever! by JediJosh76
Great date movie that ya can take the family to. All will enjoy!
5
How do they keep doing it? by ballyhoo246
Once again the Pixar crew has delivered not one but TWO great works.
The cartoon before the feature starts from a very simple premise and in the best tradition of Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd, Roadrunner/Wyllie Cyottie etc. makes its' madcap way to a very satisfying ending.
Wall-E once again is a technical masterpiece that stretches the definition of what Pixar is and does by including (very limited) LIVE ACTION SHOTS.
Whatever opinion you may have formed about this movie from the trailers it is first and foremost a love story. The environmental message is background and setting for the principal characters (the robots) to act out their drama. The human characters provide important subplot but are all in supporting roles for Wall-E, Eve, and the rest of the crew. There is lots of fast humor, incredible pathos, and Wall-E himself is a mirror of the human spirit.
There is something in this movie for every age. Take the whole family.