The Paxton Log

Howdy, folks.  It's me, the one, the only JP Paxton back from my greatly enjoyed vacation.  I've actually been anticipating today.  As much as I liked not having to worry about producing a review each and every week, that same feeling of emptiness came over me I experienced earlier this year during the gap between my reviews for 'Grindhouse' and 'Spider-Man 3'.  A lot has happened since my last review.  Shia LaBeouf "transformed" himself from annoying twit to respectful actor in the rock 'em, sock 'em CGI delight 'Transformers', the fifth installment of the 'Harry Potter' franchise failed to work its magic on me as it turned out to be quite disappointing, & just last week the musical remake of John Water's cult classic of the late 80's 'Hairspray' burst into theaters bringing to the summer a much needed dose of fun and lightheartedness.  Wait though, who cares about those films?  Not you my readers apparently seeing as how all of them were outvoted by that movie about the oh so familiar family of yellow last month to be the one and only review I write during the month of July.

Yes, that's right, the much anticipated, the much talked about, the much Spider-Pig filled... 'The Simpsons Movie'.  Now since this review was after all chosen by you (well, most of you) I thought it would be a change of pace to further involve you in the review process.  Instead of just writing out my own analysis or that dreaded good, bad, bottom line format, earlier in the week I asked you all to send me questions via a bulletin on MySpace asking what you'd like to know about the movie.  I chose five questions out of the lot and have answered them the best I can.  So without further adieu, here are your answers.

Q: Just how funny is it really?
A: On a scale of one to ten (one being yawn inducing and ten being death from laughter hilarious) it's a solid eight.  I never did laugh uncontrollably, but there were definitely some instances of true comedy here.  The best gags much like in the television series are the spur of the moment ones that catch you off guard.  Also, for the first time in quite a while, not all of the funniest jokes are featured in the trailer.  I do however think Spider-Pig's astonishing ceiling walk should have been saved to be seen at the theater, but oh well.

Q: Is it as good as the show?
A: It's not great, but I think it's good enough to satisfy most fans.  There are a few episodes that I'd consider better than it, but overall it remains on par with the recent seasons.  Pretty much, the film is the equivalent of two great episodes and then one mediocre one.

Q: What was your favorite part?
A: My favorite part of the entire film isn't a joke or scene.  It's the fact Groening and his talented team of writers didn't try to change or reinvent the Simpsons for their big screen debut.  I was a little worried beforehand they'd make it over the top and ridiculous.  It was great to see everything was kept in tact and stayed true to the series while at the same time giving a few surprises along the way.

Q: What did you like least about it?
A: Plain and simple, the hype.  No, it didn't have anywhere near as much as 'Spider-Man 3' or 'At World's End', but it still a tremendous amount of it.  Sorry, it didn't live up to it.  I love the Simpsons and have watched them ever since I can even remember doing so.  Even so, I was just a little disappointed when the film was over.  I'm not saying I didn't like it, but as a whole it failed to reach its full potential.

Q: If you could change one thing about the movie, what would it be?
A: Two words: Sideshow Bob.  He is undeniably one of the best characters in the whole series, and he wasn't even in the movie.  Somehow, some way I would add him.  One can only hope the next time around he makes an appearance.

Outstanding, sensational, & exquisite: not words normally used by most people when describing rats.  In the case of 'Ratatouille' which stars one of the widely reviled creatures as its main character there are no words more fitting.  Together Pixar and director Brad Bird have cooked up quite the delectable piece of cinema.  Using a recipe consisting of brilliant animation, superior storytelling, & just a touch of good ole' Disney magic they've created a tale about a little rat with big dreams that's possibly one of the best animated pictures to ever appear on the silver screen.

The film introduces to us foodie Remy, voiced by Patton Oswalt.  Unlike the other members of his family he has specific tastes which he experiments with on a daily basis.  Taking to heart the title of the book 'Anyone Can Cook' written by his favorite chef Gusteau, Remy aspires to one day do just that in a five-star restaurant of his own.  Unfortunately, being a rat limits the little guy from achieving his goal.  That is until one day after being separated from his family and ending up right outside the late Gusteau's restaurant.  Once inside the magic begins and Remy starts to get a taste of his dream.

I'd actually consider Remy among the top characters to ever be created by Disney.  Not since Mickey Mouse himself has there been a more lovable rodent.  I find it a little surprising actually that Remy ended up as such seeing as how his rattyness I guess we could say wasn't really compromised.   Both cartoon looking and authentic at the same time, he's just as funny as he is charming.  Even more shocking is he carries more realistic traits that most characters seen in a lot of this summer's other releases.  Oswalt was a great choice to bring him to life with his sustainable balance of excitement and distress.

Now since this is after all a Pixar release one can only expect great animation.  Proving what I said earlier this month in my review for 'Surf's Up', the studio again shows there's no limit to just how far it can go.  If there's one thing they're able to do it's create a terrific visual experience.  When food that isn't even real looks delicious it's pretty damn amazing.  Then of course here there's the city of Paris (although not entirely made to scale) which features awe worthy detailing and remarkable backdrops.  Like I said, it's Pixar so it's no surprise they would only excel and continue to present us with high quality.

This film isn't just a showcase of superb visuals though.  Bird shows us yet again he can not only direct well, but that he can tell a great story.  Throughout he takes you on a ever turning wheel of emotions.  You'll be happy as you're caught up in the enjoyment of seeing Remy create his dishes with comedic poise one minute and sad the next when all seems hopeless for his human pal Linguini, voiced by Lou Romano.  The key to telling a great story is having the ability to not only entertain, but to also make your audience care about what they're seeing.  Bird succeeds in doing both with 'Ratatouille'.

Yes, it appears that the team of Pixar and Bird is a lethal combination in the world of animated films.  The last time they got together back in 2004 they spawned the most critically acclaimed of all the Pixar films, 'The Incredibles' and now only three years later they've brought us this tasty treat.  It's certainly refreshing to see such an original and fantastic film rise in this summer of sequels and adaptations.  Bravo Disney, bravo.