Ratatouille

My favorite scene from "The Little Mermaid" has a large French chef trying to catch and cook Sebastian the crustacean. Remember? Do you also remember the other Disney series featuring a group of animals called "The Rescuers"? Well, take the best elements of those two and toss in a completely annoying cartoon version of Chef Gordon Ramsay, and you have "Ratatouille". Forgive me, I liked this movie.

And, speaking of Peter O'Toole, (we were weren't we?) he is the voice of my favorite character, Anton Ego, the restaurant critic. How could you not love a critic?

Disney writers have put together a fun comedic rags to riches love story that foodies can appreciate. Boy meets girl. Girl helps boy. Rat helps boy. They get caught by the health department, but live happily ever after. It's pure formula. BUT, it's a rat in the kitchen. On the counters, in the utensils, and in the pantry. Cooks and diners agree on this. Vermin in the soup is a bad thing.

However, Disney makes it all palatable with multiple sub-plots and characters aplenty to love. Is it any wonder there is a surge in Paris, of children wanting pet rats? There is something in this movie for everyone. Kids will love the action. Grown-ups will love the intrigue and double entendre. Foodies will love the individual ingredients.

This movie is just plain fun. It does not make you think too much. It's more like a ride on a Ferris Wheel. You know exactly where you are going with the ups and downs, but you don't care. It's just nice to sit next to someone and enjoy the show.