I know for most of you this movie is old news. Yes everyone said how good it was, yes everyone told me to go see it. I knew I was going to like it based on a number of other reviews and friends who saw it and told me how much I would like it. Everyone was right.
Wall-E is one of the most heartfelt movies I've seen in a long time. I am so thankful that Pixar has so much control over their movies otherwise the simplicity of the story would have been lost and trampled in the board meeting of executives that ruin a lot of movies today. Focus groups, polls, and advertising companies, there is so much money to be made from a kids film that most of them just plain suck. And I don't mean they're bad films, but the point of the story is lost in the commotion of fitting in what everyone "needs". Everyone wants to recreate the magic Pixar has, and Shrek came close (kinda), but Shrek was tuned for a more mature audience, which kids today actually want. And sadly recreating the kind of humor Shrek touched is easy and poorly executed. Kids films shot for more mature audiences have turned into nothing more than the plot of a Saturday morning cartoon with more pop culture references. And some might defend the 'Happily-N'Ever' afters and the Shrek the Thirds claiming that expecting anything more than what's given is a pointless endeavor. And nothing can be further from the truth. It is with kids films that we can obtain some of the most pure and good stories we can experience. To be relieved from the realities of the world and it's grit is a necessity.
To really care about the characters. To really care about two little robots in their little worlds with their little wants in life. I believe I knew I was going to like this movie because in the words I read, and in the eyes of those whom I spoke to who saw it, I saw that caring. I could see the story got through, I could see that there was going to be a bond, and understanding between the characters and myself. Some might call me a cynic when I remark on the cheesiness of certain 'good' characters. I find their 'goodness' unrealistic or so plainly prepared for the story that it makes me sick. But the reality is that most story tellers today just do it with such a heavy hand that it takes me out of the story, which I despise. Wall-E does such an amazing job, it is a seamless progression and finishes beautifully. There is nothing in the back of my mind that pricks me, that says "Hey! That didn't make any sense, why wouldn't they just...why didn't he just say... etc". I'll go ahead and say it's a perfect movie. Everything it sets out to accomplish, it accomplishes, with flying colors. The secondary story of the humans is executed well too. It's sentiment is felt secondary, and fits in nicely with the two hard working robots.
I believe in balance, and Wall-E is my new favorite balance of story telling.
Wall-E accomplishes what every movie should. I just finished watching it, and I think I'm going to put it on and fall asleep to it. I believe that means that all my rated R watching has not completely damaged me, and that I am not beyond repair (as some of you might see it heh). If you have not seen Wall-E, make it your first choice as soon as possible. I loved it.
I will gladly say I love Pixar... however, I heard they are making a Toy Story 3. Sounds like milk getting squeezed out if you ask me... but I'll hold off on that thought, Wall-E has granted them the benefit of the doubt.
-Aaron
