June 27, 2008

My New Favorite Movie - Review of WALL•E

    My desktop is adorned with WALL•E wallpaper and icons. My mailbox announces a charming "Waaahhhlleeee" at the arrival of a new message. I had my ticket to the midnight showing the very day they became available. I counted down the hours. I was warned by my peers that my investment may have been a little extreme toward a movie that I had yet to view. I knew my Pixar wouldn't let me down. Best $9 I ever spent.
    "Presto" the short film warm-up act was worth the price of the ticket alone. A hilarious and clever play on a magician's "hat trick" and a hungry bunny. I won't be a poor sport and spoil the fun. You're definitely in for a treat . . . or a carrot.

    No one has as much class as Pixar does. The previews trying to pitch the upcoming non-Pixar Disney films only served to re-emphasize the fact. Lame animation with same-old same-old jokes had me rolling my eyes. But with the elegance of pure simplicity and clever observation, from the get go, WALL•E is a riot. You'll chuckle at this little robot's naive perspective and clever adaptation to a world with which he is not fully familiar. You'll notice a few jabs at pop-culture products and branding - they take a few light stabs at Apple. Tattered meets sleek when Eve brings her futuristic sight into WALL•E's world, and the world's most beautiful, and innocent love story unfolds. When WALL•E joins Eve and travels to her world, a whole new satire is unlocked. It borders on a political statement against monopolies, über-convenience, and conservation but still brings a laugh (and perhaps a slight awakening). The irresistible robotic personality wins the hearts of viewers and characters alike, as he brings them to recognize what they've been missing behind their social seclusion and lack of affection. No doubt you'll leave with a cheek-straining grin and a certain resolve to simplify and enjoy.
    WALL•E is a Pixar gem, perhaps THE Pixar gem. One of the best films I've ever seen period. It reaches for your heart, then fills it with awe-inspiring possibilities, and love for a thing. I'm already scheduling in my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th viewings and many more to come.

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