Ratatouille – My Experience (Spoilerless)

I just returned from my first viewing of the masterpiece that is Ratatouille. A big hat tip to Pixar, Brad Bird and all the other folks that worked on this stunning piece of art. But more on that later. Let me delve into some details of my experience at the screening.

L-R: Poster/Activity Book, Mouse Chocolate
French Flag, Invitation

Before I do say anything though, I would like to thank Wendy and the folks at BVI who allowed me to attend this screening.

The movie was due to commence at approx 10:15am so I arrived at 9:45am. Childrens activities were to start at 9:30am. Upon entry to the foyer of the cinema, as expected, there were lots of children running around with their parents. Among them where people with chef’s hats on and one very loud and funny crazy French chef. There was face painting to make you look like a mouse, mice tails (long skinny balloons), mice chocolates (pictured above), activity books with a poster (pictured above) and French flags (pictured above). The crazy French chef was particularly funny. He was walking around with a pot and inside was popcorn and what was supposed to be a rat, but was actually Basil Brush, who is a fox.

I was with a friend, and as the ticket was for 4, I waited for my two other friends to arrive. We were then escorted into our cinema, which is by the way, the largest cinema screen in Australia. I felt quite priveleged. It used to be an old iMax cinema. The Buena Vista International rep who I recognised from the Cars screening last year was ushering everyone inside. I found it funny how he kept pronouncing Ratatouille, “Rat-a-tooley”, especially as the pronounciation is on the logo.

Once we where all seated, he introduced the movie and said we would be seeing a few previews of some upcoming Disney movies (Underdog, Ella Enchanted, The Game Plan and WALL-E) before the traditional Pixar short before the main feature. In this case, as I am sure you are aware, it was Lifted directed by Gary Rydstrom.

Now I have been waiting about 2 months to see this very clever and entertaining short film. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very funny and I would place it up on my favourite Pixar shorts list with Geri’s Game and Boundin’.

Now to the main attraction, Ratatouille. I can clearly see why this film is number 1 on Rotten Tomatoes mid-year report. Brad Bird has done it again. Of course I must mention Jan Pinkava, co-director and creator of the original concept. There’s not a lot I shall say really, rather than this film was beautiful. The animation was devine and the CG cuisine was so delicious looking on the big screen, I probably left a wet patch on my seat where I drooled over it. The story was captivating and entertaining and I for 1, will be first in line on September 6 when it opens nationally across Australia to see it again. I only feel sorry for those in the UK among other countries who do not get the film till later. I can tell you, the wait will be worth it and this film is stunning on the big screen, so I urge you not to wait until it comes out on DVD then watch or it import in from another country when it his DVD/Blu-Ray there.

So thank you Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, everyone at Pixar, everyone else involved in the production of this film and everyone at BVI who allowed me to attend. This is a memorable day for me and I shan’t forget it and I will be urging all my friends and family to see this film once it opens. For this, Ratatouille deserves 9/10 stars from me. Have a great day everybody, and stay tuned as there will be a report from the Australian Premiere of Ratatouille coming to you soon.