Movie Review: Wall-e

Considering all the glowing reviews, considering my natural favorable leanings toward sci-fi, animation, the unusual and innovative in general, considering that my friend Theresa e-mailed me to be sure I didn't miss this gem, I sat back in my comfy $5 (senior and first-showing rate at my local Kent Triplex) theater seat fully expecting an experience of perfection in cinema.

I was not disappointed. And then I was. And then I wasn't. Testament to the power of "Wall-e" I noted that not a single patron in my line of sight got up to leave once the credits started rolling. Personally, I always stay through the credits, if only out of respect for all the unsung folks who make our movie experiences possible, but most people rush out the moment the first one starts a-rolling. (And even here most folks left about halfway through them.)

The film is a work of art. Unequivocally. It has its innovations, most notably the lack of dialogue for much of the film. Nevertheless ... I thought the plot was sorely lacking with the portrayal of our future selves pitifully pandering (to the political left) and simplistic. Actually it's that unremitting reduction to an absurdly blissfully unaware future brought on by a blissfully unaware present -- and an overbearing big, bad megacorporate consumerist culture -- that really gnaws at me. Such treatment brings to mind WWII-era films in which the hero glares at the enemy and snarls "You dirty Jap" or some such, as if that explains all Evil in every guise everywhere. Well, what is a cartoon but caricature anyway. Sure. But it doesn't have to rule out all nuance, does it? Couldn't the heavy hand be lightened a bit? Can we have some innovation in outlook as well as artwork please?

Still, the larger story ... of heart and hope over comfort and complacency and even in the face of unremitting hard work ahead ... draws me in. The true experience of this movie is, I suppose, visceral. It will speak to your core. And it's gorgeous.

Perfect? No. But mighty mighty close.