I agree that Wall-E is absolutely amazing. Saw it last night. I have friends who work for Pixar and I've been following the "behind-the-scenes" progress as the project has developed. Part of the strength of the movie is its incredibly strong political message about consumerism, ecology, even unhealthy eating and a lack of exercise. This mixed with beautiful imagery and fully realized robot characters truly puts the movie over-the-top and is unlike anything I've seen before in a kids film. I loved it. Kids film or not, it's the best movie I've seen in some time.
There was talk about Disney being concerned about sending a mixed message with this film during development with Pixar, especially considering the film is critical of mass merchandising and a giant corporation. I'm glad Disney decided to embrace the project whole-heartedly and continues to work on balancing the realities of their company with some sense of social responsibility.
Wall-E does send a strong message, but really- it's about time. We're in a mess of a situation and I only wish I was taught these sorts of lessons at a younger age.
And finally, the film reminded me a great deal of E.T. for some reason. I even felt like Wall-E looked like E.T. When E.T. came out, it was actually banned from being screened in certain parts of the world because it "taught children to fear government". I was OBSESSED with E.T. (like every other kid my age at the time it came out) and I think that kids appreciate these brave points-of-view. They may not be able to articulate it, but I think they definitely feel it, sense it, and absorb it.
Bravo Pixar! Bravo Disney!
We have a winner.
I'll pass.
