Pixar rules! (a.k.a. my Wall∙E experience)

Isn't he the cutest?

It’s official: Pixar can make a film about anything.

Time and time again, Pixar has always managed to prove me wrong. Years ago, when Finding Nemo was about to be released, I had this to say (I even scoured old emails just to find this):

A father-son underwater adventure featuring Nemo, a boy clownfish, stolen from his coral reef home. His timid father must then search the ocean to find him. This must be the lamest cartoon plot I’ve heard in years. Besides, wasn’t there a low-budget animated fish movie a couple of years ago?

I happily ate my words. Finding Nemo became my most favorite Pixar film of all time, I even have a Nemo plush toy in my room! When Ratatouille was released last year, I was skeptical as usual…who’d want to watch a film about rats…and food?!? Why would kids want to watch this when they can’t even pronounce the title? But in true Pixar style, Ratatouille actually made rats look cute and lovable.

I don’t even know where to start with Wall∙E. Not only did Pixar animators make a filthy robot cute, they even made me like a cockroach! For almost an hour into the film, there was hardly any dialogue, but I never got bored because the filmmakers managed to convey Wall∙E’s emotions with sound effects, the movement of his robot parts, and even the background music. I particularly loved the scenes where Wall∙E followed Eve (the sophisticated female robot, who I think looks like a sleeker Ipod), trying to make Eve notice him…set to the tune of “La Vie En Rose.” And yes, it’s embarrassing to admit this… I almost cried at the final scene (The only thing that kept my tears from falling was the presence of my officemates). I left the theater feeling warm and fuzzy inside...and wanting to immediately buy a Wall∙E toy as remembrance. Speaking of which, why aren't there any Wall∙E Happy Meal toys? Doesn't McDonald's have tie-ins for all Disney films?

Pixar will have to produce another masterpiece just to top Wall∙E, but given their track record, I trust that they will. On a scale of one to five stars, I give this film a much-deserved FIVE stars.

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Since I will probably be reviewing more films in the future, I have devised my own rating system:

Five stars - A cinematic masterpiece! Run, run, run to your nearest theater to watch it! (e.g. Wall∙E)
Four stars - Generally wonderful, and deserves to be seen in theaters, but you can wait for the second week (e.g. The Dark Knight)
Three stars - Above-average, but you can just catch it on HBO or DVD (e.g. Kung Fu Panda)
Two stars - Has some redeeming value, but overall...blah (e.g. Get Smart)
One star - Scraping the bottom of the barrel (e.g. You Don't Mess With the Zohan)
Turkey - I wouldn't watch this again even if you pay me (e.g. The Love Guru)