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There is a very good chance that this review may end up sounding like a Pixar fanboy rant. Why? Because I am having a very difficult time thinking of anything negative to say about Pixar’s latest animated masterpiece — WALL•E.

It has become very clear in the last few years that Pixar is in a league of it’s own when it comes to creating animated movies that everyone can enjoy. And WALL•E clearly shows that they have once again raised the bar with their beautiful, vibrant animations. Yes, this movie is a definite “must-see” this year!

So what sets WALL•E apart from Pixar’s previous films, or any other animated movie for that matter? More after the jump.

Well, first, the quality of the animation is staggering! From beautiful textures to realistic smoke and lighting effects, WALL•E is a prime example of how far Pixar has come with their artform. This movie is a visual delight that leaves the audience aghast at the incredible detail that Pixar manages to achieve. So for starters, this movie is well worth the time and price of admission just to see what Pixar is capable of these days.

Secondly, the story is very well written, to the point that we can not help but relate to the trials and tribulations of a little robot who is the last one of his kind. Living on a deserted Earth with his pet cockroach, WALL•E spends his day doing his job (cleaning up and compacting trash) while entertaining himself with souvenirs he finds within the trash. He is a clumsy, yet very self-reliant little guy who dreams of companionship. Pixar created a very lovable character that tugs at the heartstrings as he combats his loneliness and struggles to be with his one true love — a more modern-looking probe droid named EVE (Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator).

BONUS TRIVIA: If you think EVE looks a lot like an Apple product, such as an iPod or iMac, then you have a keen eye. Apple’s lead designer Jonathan Ive was consulted during production to give EVE a high-tech yet seamless appearance.]

The robots in this movie are very human in many ways, allowing us to laugh at ourselves while we watch the numerous comic interactions between the various bots. The story is a classic love story involving a somewhat naive lead character who has to adapt to a much larger world than he is used to. But the series of unique challenges that WALL•E has to face in his pursuit of EVE makes this a story that keeps you hooked throughout the movie. Even during the earlier scenes where much of WALL•E’s character development takes place on screen, you still can’t help but look forward to his next move. Kids will love him because he is a cool little robot. Adults will love him because he struggles with some of the most basic human challenges — love, loneliness, and answering a greater call.

Thirdly, this movie provides some social commentary about man’s relationship with technology. Although the movie is a mostly light-hearted story of two robots in love, it does address some concerns about how technology can eventually spoil us as a species. All of the humans in the movie are obese, due to technology taking care of all of their needs and concerns. But on a brighter side, the movie also shows how the humans awaken from their mindless vegetative state to take control of their own future.

The movie also makes some pretty direct statements about pollution and how man tends to ignore the real world around him. This is definitely a topic of debate in our world today. And it is clear on which side of the argument the film makers stand. But again, I do not feel as if the message is so weighted as to distract from the comic elements of the film as a whole.

I have read reviews from others who have slighted this movie due to it’s political and social commentary. But I feel that it is only fitting (and pretty comical) how the human/technology relationship is portrayed in the film. In other words, don’t take the commentary too seriously! It’s meant to make you think, but also to make you laugh. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Also, as a film based on technology, there is plenty in this movie for geeks to celebrate. From WALL•E’s examination of items in the garbage, to his very familiar sound when he charges up via solar power (to avoid a spoiler, I will refrain from explaining what it is), there is plenty to entertain the geek in all of us. But you definitely don’t have to be a geek to enjoy this movie.

Lastly, be sure to check out the official website for the company Buy-N-Large here. Buy-N-Large is the company in the movie that is responsible for producing the robots and technology that has spoiled the humans to the point of becoming mindless drones. The site is a spoof site (of course) that is designed in a very convincing way to help promote the movie. Although the robots and technology that are displayed on the site do not really exist, I think the Buy-N-Large T-shirts do exist and are available for ordering. So check it out.

As a side note, it was also a pleasant surprise to see that Pixar included a short animation before the movie to get things going. It is a humorous short about a magician who attempts a magic hat trick with his hungry rabbit who only wants a carrot in the magician’s possession. It is a nice entertaining bonus and definitely helped set the tone for the upcoming feature presentation.

This movie is one of the best of the year and one of the best animated movies I have ever seen. It gets a very enthusiastic 4 kernel rating. Gather up your friends and family and GO SEE THIS MOVIE! You won’t regret it.

Kernel rating

4 Kernels