RATATOUILLE DVD Review

RATATOUILLE
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED G

Remy (the voice of Patton Oswalt), a young rat living in a Paris bistro, dreams of becoming a chef in a five-star restaurant. Fate intervenes in the form of a restaurant garbage boy named Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano). Together, the unlikely pair cook up a scheme to attain their goals. “Ratatouille” is a delightful concoction for all ages. This latest creation from Pixar is among the studio’s finest. Rich in detail, the visually stunning animation is the most advanced CGI work to date. Even the cartoon food dishes are tantalizing. Presenting an inventive story , filled with unforgettable characters, director Brad Bird nearly surpasses his work on “The Incredibles”. The talented voice cast makes you focus on the characters rather than the star personalities. Janeane Garofalo is chef Colette, who has eyes for Linguini. Cruel head chef Skinner is brought to life by Ian Holm. Peter O’Toole is the hard-to-please restaurant critic Anton Ego - the animators chance to skewer critics everywhere. Pixar favorites Brad Garrett, as the spirit of legendary chef Auguste Gusteau, and John Ratzenberger, as the panicky waiter Mustafa, add to the delight. In the grand tradition of Walt Disney, values of family, friends and life’s goals are woven throughout this fabulous entertainment. Before the feature, another amazing Pixar short, “Lifted” (an alien abduction tale), is screened. But the real reason to attend is the main event. “Ratatouille” is a gourmet feast.
DVD Extras: A delightful new animated short "Your Friend The Rat", the animated theatrical short "Lifted", behind-the-scenes featurette and deleted scenes.

EVAN ALMIGHTY Review

EVAN ALMIGHTY
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG

Elected to Congress, former news anchor Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) must now make good on his campaign to change the world. During a lengthy drought, God (Morgan Freeman) appears to Evan and asks him to build an ark for an impending flood. Animals start following the distraught politician and the people, including his family, have their suspicions. “Evan Almighty” is a likeable and inspirational delight for the entire family, with only a couple of dog and bird poop jokes to offend. While not as manic and creative as “Bruce Almighty”, this pleasant sequel succeeds - thanks to the antics of Steve Carell and a boatload of critters. This time around, director Tom Shadyac expands on an interesting premise without the talents of Jim Carrey. But acting god Morgan Freeman returns as God in one of his more endearing roles and Wanda Sykes is at her wisecracking best as the Congressman’s secretary. Lauren Graham has a few shining moments as Evan’s wife Joan. Those animals in action will hold you in awe and the ark and flood effects are spectacular. As a harmless movie with a message, “Evan Almighty” is divine comedy.

DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, featurettes, games and more.