State of the art animation firm Pixar once again comes through with a winner in WALL*E, an insightful enjoyable movie that harkens back to the days of ET. Classic films are hard to come by and don’t happen to often. After years in the making finally the creative masterminds at undoubtedly the leading edge animation firm have pulled off again a timeless tale that will surely bode well for Walt Disney Pictures, the lucky company distributing this 98 minute wonder that’s transfixing audiences globally and locally at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Oakridge Cinemas, Fifth Avenue Cinemas, Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12 and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.
Like so many other Pixar movies WALL*E works on two distinct levels: story line and charm. Here the story likely trumps the fun element as our tale revolves around one of two living things remaining on Earth: a robot. Going by the name of WALL*E this stranded spectacle was once upon a time an employee of a clean-up firm charged with getting rid of clutter. Early on we see this robot scurry around a now barren landscape picking up elements. Fun spots here involve WALL*E coming across scores of human products that are tinged with nostalgia. Great touches of consumerism is played for laughs which fans of earlier classics like Toy Story are bound to appreciate.
Oh, yes, the only other “living” thing on the planet is a pesky cricket who sort of tags along when WALL*E goes on his daily jaunts. High tech and golden oldies also come into play here as believe it or not this robot has “latched” onto Broadway show tunes and this theme runs throughout the story. Where the movie really kicks into high gear is when another android descends on what was a pretty barren and bleak planet. Enter Eve, a female of sorts who this lonely boy ultimately falls for hard.
What follows is truly a monumental love story as it looks like this sad single finally has met the love of his life. Hard to believe this idea could work but it masterfully is set forth. From this young love stage onward we are whisked away to a flight of fancy that revolves around a mother ship, interplanetary travel and the ultimate robot to the rescue.
No critic should give away major parts to any movie. Here we are treated to just a joyous story of redemption that will be hard pressed not to win a score of Oscars. Like all true classic tales you have that theme of good versus evil, setbacks versus triumphs and unprecedented struggle. About the only “knock” on this film is that the message really “trumps” the action as it does take a bit of time before things click into high gear which may cause some yawns in small children looking for more early eye-popping heart-pounding moments. Once the movie really kicks in after an effective, though touch long/uneventful set up you are whisked on an adventure romantic romp second to none.
Voice work from the likes of Fred Willard (Best In Show) as the only “live” actor, Ben Burtt and Elissa Knight all breathe life into this chance encounter of two androids looking for love in all the wrong places. Hats go off to director Andrew Stanton who gives global audiences a true new classic.
Also, this Pixar treat is preceded by a short called Presto that is even more joyous than the main feature. It’s all about a magician and rabbit with a “slight” change of roles that will leave audiences in stitches.
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WALL*E (G) * * * *
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