Once again, it’s Pixar FTW! I said in my Summer Preview that I like Pixar and I like robots. This movie shows you exactly why. In the right hands, robots can be so much more than mechanical automatons that do human bidding. In fact, even the ones that are intended for such menial labor can indeed have a personality and heart.
“Wall-E” is a comedy, an adventure, and yes, a love story. It’s sweet and warm and funny, and like most Pixar films, not just for kids. In fact, kids will miss a fair amount of this movie, yet still enjoy it for the funny robots and their antics.
Wall-E has been cleaning up the trash one Earth for hundreds of years while humans left with the premise that they would return when it’s all cleaned up. But it’s been longer than expected and humans got pretty comfortable in space; a little too comfortable.
There is great social commentary here on how we let ourselves get too lazy as a species. Of course, it’s done with humor, but makes no less impact on the viewer. At least at hope it doesn’t. If you’re in the audience (and over the age of twelve) and don’t get the message, then maybe you’re one of the statistically overweight tubs of goo that really ought to be listening to the message in the first place. Get your face out of those chemically processed cheese nachos and ultra sugar-fied sodas, and REALLY watch the movie instead of torturing us with your horde of screaming, milk-dud-eating piglets in the theater. In fact, to Hell with the movie! Why don’t you and your kids go rediscover mobility, like the humans in Wall-E should!
Whew. Sorry. Where was I? Oh yeah. So, there’s that message and all. But it’s not nearly as heavy-handed as I just made it sound. And the fact that there is no dialogue in the first 30 minutes is not even worth mentioning, even though I just did. The animators master the art of silent movie robot acting like the pros they are. Wall-E is as engaging a leading man as any flesh and blood actor working today. Even more than some- *cough*Keanu Reeves*cough*.
And let’s hear it for including the voice of John Ratzenberger again, Sigourney Weaver and the funny Jeff Garlin. They only add to the as-always amazing art and animation at Pixar.
And the trash-laden landscape of Earth is quite the spectacle. They really drive home the possible consequences of our being on Earth with some striking imagery. And some of the animation is so photo-realistic, I really thought, at times, that I was watching live action on film.
I must say, Pixar has indeed, done it again. Even though I liked “Cars” the least, and liked “Ratatouille” alright, I think “Wall-E” is definitely better and more in line with films like “Finding Nemo”. It’s funny, exciting, sweet, and has characters you’ll love. Everything you expect from Pixar.
Yes. Go see “Wall-E”. It’s the Green Movie of the Summer!
—Neil T. Weakley, average movie goer who actively recycles.
