Jim Hill should just stick to writing stories about the parks, the stories about the stuff they never built and may build are always the best things on that site.
I’m tired of his apparent vendetta against Pixar and support of Dreamworks and how he seems to take his readers for granted by using the term Disney dweebs to refer to much of the hardcore fanbase concerned about the parks.
My whole life revovles completly around cars right up until now… sorry back on topic
I think ratatouille will do just fine even if it’s not on opening weekend that it does it’s best. Even though there was a lack of marketing the quality of the film will still make it popular,even though it might take a while to catch on. Be patient guys!
My initial thoughts are: yep, Ratatouille is going to do well in itself but no, it isn’t going to do well in comparison to a lot of the other films being released this summer, and that it will probably continue the so-called ‘downward trend’ that Cars started.
Nowadays, it’s not about the quality of the film anymore. It’s about other factors that don’t really affect the end product, but that DO bring in big audiences.
At the end of the day, the movie business is just that- a business. But I believe that no matter how much Ratatouille may underachieve in its expectations money-wise, Pixar will fight back and get the point out that quality is what’s important.
Anyway, if films are now being judged by the amount of famous actors they contain, or how many stupid references are used, or how many songs are used that are in the charts right now (a feature that Dreamworks always overplays) then I’d rather Pixar stick to their guns than change what their entire ethos is. If a good quality film can’t do well nowadays, then what’s the point?
But as long as there’s always someone out there who appreciates what lengths the people at Pixar go to, to create something truly amazing and original, then they’ll still keep their heads high, and maybe one day the trend will change, and the majority of the human population will realise that the tosh they’re going to see at the cinema IS rubbish, and that stuff created by studios such as Pixar and other studios that are like-minded in terms of quality is worth your hard-earned money.
Granted, I went to a matinee, but there were not alot of people at my theater…I think it’s for sure Ratatouille isn’t going to be a giant hit, or something. 
Gasduude - Just because they’re aren’t many people at a matinee screening doesn’t mean that Ratatouille won’t be a big success. 
Yeh, I’ve been hearing other theatre viewings being sold out… so you can’t make a definite statement based on only your theatre.
Lizardgirl-Very well said!
I never listen to movie reviews anymore. I did it in the past, and all that came of it was that I lost the chance to see a great film in the theatre. I’ve been giving films a chance, films that normally flopped, and I found it depends on the individual on whether or not the movie’s great. I’ve fallen in love with a lot of underrated ‘floppers’. 
When it comes to Ratatouille, well … I’m just sure people will see live-action over animation, though the theatre was pretty darn crowded the both times I’ve seen it- never had to sit elbow to elbow with a complete stranger. xD
Pixar has good history, and I think that’ll drag in the crowds, not to mention the good reputation that’s been spreading around here about the film.
Boxofficemojo.com has the weekend estimates up. Ratatouille is sitting at #1 this weekend, but only with an estimated $47 million. That’s already $13 million short of what I had predicted (and I thought I was setting the bar low). If this movie reaches $150 million during it’s theatrical run in the U.S., I’ll be very surprised.
FONY- Same here cars is supposibly pixars “worst” movie and it’s my favorite movie of all time!!!
even if ratatouille doesn’t do well to the rest of the world to my point of view it’s the year’s best film and my second favorite movie ever, I don’t care if it’s the worst boxoffice hit of the summer ratatouille absolutly ROCKED!
I went to the late showing on Friday, and there were only 6 people there…Granted, the earlier showing had some kids, but I saw 10x that many at Shrek 3…And that’s sad. (Cuz the movie was blah…)
Exactly. It was one theater and, although a late matinee, we can still keep our hopes up! But We really shouldn’ t care if Ratatouille doesn’t do to well. As long as Pixar is making enough dough to continue making quality films, that’s fine with me!
Yes, very true! It’s the greatest movie I’ve ever seen, so I’m happy…In fact, I’m gonna go see it again tomorrow night!
Wow, it’s seriously been empty where you guys are? O_o Both times it was jam-packed once the film had started. But then again there are only two theatres on the island.
Lots of kids last night, and lots of laughs ^^ I like it when people laugh at a Pixar showing. I love seeing that they’re appreciated.
Ha! Yeah, me too!
I just got back from my second viewing, and I have to admit that the audience reaction wasn’t as great as I’d expected either time, although it was certainly well-received both times. First time there were a lot more laughs, but the few laughs that there were the second time were a lot bigger. The crowd tonight seemed a lot older than the first time, too, I was sitting next to two guys who looked to be in their 20s, and sitting in the row in front of me were a few teenage girls, so at any rate I think it’s safe to say that it’s attracting a diverse crowd. 
Keep in mind folks - this is a long movie…
long movie = less showwings per day = less dollars per day.
This movie may have short legs but it will have great stamina. No worries there - I stand by my prediction of finishing just ahead of Toy Story 2 and Cars.
I am hoping that Ratatouille does indeed become one of those movies that earns a steady amount over time, due to word of mouth. And it’s interesting to note that Toy Story made less than Ratatouille over its opening weekend, yet that movie is still considered a Pixar classic, and one of the best animated films of all time.
However, it would be nice if Ratatouille’s quality and critical acclaim was translated and represented by excellent ticket sales, but if it’s not meant to be, then it’s not meant to be.
Again, it doesn’t really matter how much Ratatouille makes, only how well it is received. And by the looks of it, it is going to win the Oscar next year so that’s all that matters. I just hope Ratatouille earns a respectable amount over its run, despite this big box office season.
Exactly. I’ve come to the realization that this film really doesn’t necessarily require a big box office gross to have a deep impact upon…anyone in general. Truth be told, I just love viewing the film itself for the pure, imaginative story and charming characters. Who cares how much it makes? I go to see it for the quality…
On a relative note, I saw the film again this evening – that makes five vewings in total for me. People who ask me how many times I’ve seen the thing don’t believe me… 
– Mitch
Yeah I guess. It’s just a bummer when a movie so good as this (or so I’m told ) doesn’t get the financial rewards it deserves. It’s as if the general public likes to reward stupid animation like Shrek 3, and ignore films of actual quality and substance.
Heh. How many times do you plan on seeing it in the cinema, in total?