Plot: Wall*E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) is a robot stuck on what is left of Earth. It's a garbage planet and has been for nearly 700 years. His life suddenly takes a shift from beyond collecting junk when Eve, another robot, makes a trip to the planet. Suddenly Wall*E finds himself trying to save Earth, humanity and the love of his life. Who’s It For? It doesn't matter who you are, Wall*E is for everyone. The one thing you have to make sure of is that you can appreciate the concept of a musical. There are no song and dance numbers performed per se, but an ongoing theme does include Hello Dolly.
Expectations: Hmm... Short Circuit and a little E.T. in outer space didn't seem like much. Plus, I wasn't sure how they would conquer the mostly silent film. But it is Pixar, and we should never doubt Pixar.
SCORECARD (1-10)
Actors: Wall*E, voiced by Ben Burtt: Every time he spoke Eve's name, my heart broke. I was dumbfounded with how much I cared for this little guy. Sure, his purpose was trash, but he was so much more. Truly, he showed everyone else how to be more human. Is it getting misty in here? Score: 10
Eve voiced by Elissa Knight: I wasn't sure what to make of Eve at first, either friend or foe and that was exactly Pixar's intention. The laser cannon for a hand is a nice touch. Score: 9
Captain voiced by Jeff Garlin: The lovable fat man (it's OK to say, Garlin knows he's fat) almost steals the show as the inept but passionate Captain. The use of 2001: A Space Odyssey complete with music and their version of HAL was genius. Score: 10
Talking: Not much. And it works to perfection. Just hearing the names Wall*E and Eve with different pitches has an intoxicating affect. Fred Williard as the CEO of Buy 'n Large telling people to "stay the course" touched on politics and this was a perfect message for children (and adults) ... trash and obesity are bad. Yet it never got too preachy. Score: 10
Sights & Sounds: No one does this better than Pixar. The opening sequence of the film, with Wall*E doing a typical day's work has a more resounding result than the remains of New York in I Am Legend. Score: 10
PLOT SPOILERS
Best Scene: It's a toss-up between the opening scene versus Wall*E and Eve dancing through space. But I am a sucker for genuine romance and this animated film showed more chemistry than any humans in recent memory.
Ending: I had to turn off my mind just a hint with the ending. Skepticism such as, they couldn't really walk, or where did they get the seeds has no place in this feel-good film. And this is also the most beautiful end credits of the year.
Questions: Why was Wall*E the only one to survive of the worker robots? Why was he building skyscrapers out of trash? Wait, you know what, I don't care. Nevermind. The only question I have is when will I see this film in the theater again?
OVERALL In February I said Definitely, Maybe was the romantic comedy of the year. This was a bit of a joke since it's only competition was the lifeless 27 Dresses. But now I have to correct that original statement. Wall*E is the best romantic comedy of the year, but it's also the best drama, best animated and best film. Saving the world became secondary to the power of holding hands. There is an amazing amount of life and humanity throughout and a quality message to boot. I can no longer say The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar film, Wall*E didn't throw it out with the trash, but it did nudge it down to number two. Score: 10 out of 10