Anyone can cook, at least according to Ratatouille, another lively and amusing Pixar movie. However, I’m not sure I agree with the film’s premise. Maybe a rodent can become a successful Parisian chef, but I have trouble even fixing a BLT without destroying half my kitchen. Obviously, this movie is pure fantasy. Good thing it’s so much fun to watch!

Unlike every other rat in the world, Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) loves gourmet food -- and not simply its taste. He almost swoons over certain textures, smells and various culinary combinations. Imagine how unhappy Remy is with the traditional rodent garbage fare.  Still, he manages to maintain a positive attitude about becoming a chef. “I’ve always believed with hard work and a little bit of luck, it’s only a matter of time before I’m discovered,” he declares.

Remy’s luck comes in the form of a down-and-out garbage boy named Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano). When these two discover a special form of inter-species communication, they become the toast of Paris because of the delicious food they create. Or rather, Linguini achieves this high status -- for who wants to eat anything prepared by a rat, for gosh sakes? Linguini also earns attention and affection from Colette (voiced by Janeane Garofalo), a spunky colleague who works with him in the famous Gusteau restaurant.             

How long can Linguini’s secret remain hidden?  Is it possible for Linguini and Remy to win over the hardest-to-please food critic in Paris (voiced with magnificent arrogance by Peter O’Toole). Will the “little chef” become jealous of his friend’s fame and discontinue their strange partnership? What can Remy do about his commitments to his large family, especially since most of them fail to understand his cooking passion? All these important questions are answered with artistry and hilarity in this delightful animated comedy.     

Remy may not be as cute as Mickey Mouse, but he grows on you -- blue fur and all. Because he faces the constant danger of being exposed, it’s impossible not to worry about him. He has to run, hide and avoid all kinds of pitfalls in comic physical activities reminiscent of those in Jackie Chan or Buster Keaton films.

According to director Brad Bird (The Incredibles), Remy is “a great and relatable hero” because in order to do the one thing he loves, he has to go into a completely hostile world. “The question is:  just how bold and clever can this little guy be in pursuing the thing that matters most to him, and what will he discover along the way?”

Ratatouille benefits from Bird’s fluid direction as well as from the rich painterly look of the film. Paris never appeared more enticing on screen than in scenes showing Remy gazing at its sparkling skyline at night. Finally, there’s the food prepared by Remy and Linguini that looks so appetizing -- even to a die-hard vegetarian like me.

Bon appétit!

(Released by Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar and rated “G” as suitable for all ages. Reviewed after the Sneak Preview held on June 16, 2007.)

Listen to Betty Jo discuss Ratatouille on "Movie Addict Headquarters" at BlogTalkRadio by clicking here.