Ratatouille
Pixar have built up a world renowned reputation with a filmography including Toy Story, Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo, but their last couple of offerings haven’t quite been up to the same mark. Ratatouille is a complete return to form.
Following the life of aspiring young chef Remy, he has talent, passion and a thirst for knowledge, the one thing stopping him from success in the kitchen, he’s a rat. However, after chancing upon the famous, yet struggling, Gusteau restaurant, he teams up with garbage boy-come-wannabe chef Linguini. The pair start to form a formidable relationship but must fight against great adversity if they are to restore Gusteau’s to its former glory.
As expected the computer animation is exemplary, with peerless cooking animations, sumptuous food and the cute Remy on a stunning Parisian backdrop. The plot is charming with a heartfelt message, and there are enough laughs for both older and younger viewers. Despite not quite capturing the raw delight of their first few features, Ratatouille is a film that will stand tall on Pixar’s mantle.
An exposé on how Pixar recreated Paris gives a great insight to the immense time and effort put into their films, while fantastic short Lifted and new exclusive 10 minute feature ‘Your Friend the Rat’ make the 2 disc edition well worth the money.
Film 4/5 Extras 4/5
Control
Charting the painfully short life of tormented, yet brilliant, Ian Curtis, frontman to one of Manchester’s most iconic bands, Joy Division. From Curtis’ days as a rebellious schoolboy, through the development of the band until his tragic death after he commits suicide at just 23. Despite knowing ending before the film has even begun, it is hugely compelling, expertly portraying the troubles of depression, a problematic marriage and Curtis being diagnosed with epilepsy.
While these strong topics can make Control hard to watch at times, you won’t want to look away. The man behind Ian Curtis, Sam Riley, gives a superb, moving performance. Tackling such a difficult role deserves huge amounts of credit, with Riley also performing the gig scenes live, rather than miming with vocals added later. Stunning shots and black and white production perfectly accompany the somber tone, creating a magnificent British picture, doing justice to a wonderful man, you can only wish spent more time in our company.
Bonus features-wise, Control boasts an excellent, and surprisingly lengthy ‘making of’, some extended scenes and one of Joy Division’s breathtaking music videos from their heyday.
Film 4/5 Extras 3/5