Once More...

email this story
read comments (54)
post a comment

A friend I just spoke to was under the impression I was half-and-half on WALL*E. Not in the least, I said. I'm an unamibiguous admirer top to bottom and start to finish. It's a masterpiece of its type. It's going to win the Best Animated Feature Oscar. I understand the impulse on the part of director Andrew Stanton to call it a robot love story and leave it at that, but it's a lie, of course -- a disinforming of pig-trough moviegoers who might think twice about going to a "green" movie that satirizes their lie-around, fat-ass lifestyle.

The plan seems to be working because WALL*E is going to make a lot of money this weekend. Between $52 and $57 million, according to Fantasy Moguls' Steve Mason.

A sweet, amusing and reasonably profound save-the-earth parable, WALL*E's reliance on 85% visual, mostly dialogue-free storytelling (which makes it a kind of silent film) recalls the artistry of Charles Chaplin, Harry Langdon, Jacques Tati and other others whose style of performance art has been dormant for so many decades. It lives again.

Of course, not everyone is going to understand how good this film is. A woman who saw it with me said to a young publicist on the way out, "It's nice but I was bored." So beware -- some are going to say it's not...whatever, snappily entertaining enough according to current popcorn-munching standards. Anyone who says this, trust me, is a plebe and a moron in terms of their cinematic taste buds.

Six months into 2008 and WALL*E is one of the two or three best so far, if not the best of the year. It's a major film and an occasion for enormous pride on Pixar's part.

Face Time<< previous | next >>Hard Rain

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on June 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM

comment #1

Unison says ...

For all I know Wall-E is amazing, but there's also a new Miyazaki film coming this year, so the Oscar could possibly be lost.

Posted by Unison at June 26, 2008 12:31 PM

comment #2

aquaon23rd says ...

I think the words "sweet" and "amusing" give the impression of a pretty good--not good or great--movie

Posted by aquaon23rd at June 26, 2008 12:33 PM

comment #3

Alan Cerny says ...

"It's a masterpiece of its type."

I'm glad you said it, I've been telling people that for the past two weeks and getting funny looks. But I hold to it regardless. I loved WALL*E.

Posted by Alan Cerny at June 26, 2008 12:44 PM

comment #4

swhitty says ...

A beautiful, beautiful movie -- and I wasn't knocked out by "Ratatouille," and was really underwhelmed by "Cars." Great work, Pixar.

Except what does it say about Hollywood that the year's best movie romance is a cartoon about a guy who looks like a forklift and a gal who looks like an Ikea trashcan?

Posted by swhitty at June 26, 2008 12:56 PM

comment #5

mjn says ...

Over at Phil Villareal is currently being excoriated for posting the sole "rotten" rating for WALL-E.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wall_e/comments.php?reviewid=1737210

Posted by mjn at June 26, 2008 1:09 PM

comment #6

LauraReeling says ...

I appreciated the message of WALL*E but thought the movie began to seriously drag once WALL*E left Earth. Too many missed opportunities for Pixar's wonderful wit and visual gags. And will someone please explain how photosynthesis could occur in a refrigerator that had been shut for 700 years? And if John's hand touching Mary's was such a revelation to those two, where did all those babies on board come from?

Posted by LauraReeling at June 26, 2008 1:26 PM

comment #7

Mgmax, le Corbeau says ...

We need a drinking game based on how long Wells can write thoughtfully about Wall-E before he starts slamming fatasses again.

Posted by Mgmax, le Corbeau at June 26, 2008 1:34 PM

comment #8

Chris Willman says ...

So these two things are certain: (1) Wall-E will, like most Pixar movies, be one of the two or three best-reviewed films of the year. (2) Its chances of being nominated for a best picture Oscar will, again, be zero.

Posted by Chris Willman at June 26, 2008 1:56 PM

comment #9

Terry McCarty says ...

Chris Willman wrote:
So these two things are certain: (1) Wall-E will, like most Pixar movies, be one of the two or three best-reviewed films of the year. (2) Its chances of being nominated for a best picture Oscar will, again, be zero.

I'm going to guess otherwise on (2).

Given Disney booster Charles Solomon's recent resurfacing today in THE LOS ANGELES TIMES to condemn Ralph Bakshi, it wouldn't surprise me to see Solomon write copious priase of WALL-E between now and the announcement of Oscar nominations.

Posted by Terry McCarty at June 26, 2008 2:16 PM

comment #10

arentin says ...

Great post nice info, thank you for post it

Cerita Campur Aduk Arentin

Posted by arentin at February 1, 2010 12:26 AM

comment #11

Valentinus says ...

Given Disney booster Charles Solomon's recent resurfacing today buy generic levitra to condemn levitra bayer Ralph Bakshi

Posted by Valentinus at February 6, 2010 2:44 AM

comment #12

davehogan78 says ...

I like this sweet, amusing and reasonably profound save-the-earth parable, WALL*E's reliance on 85% visual, mostly dialogue-free storytelling .. The Data Recovery Company

Posted by davehogan78 at February 11, 2010 1:26 PM

comment #13

davehogan78 says ...

I purchased the DVD yesterday. This is already the 4th time I watched this great show.. :)
Harlan Kilstein

Posted by davehogan78 at March 15, 2010 11:32 AM

comment #14

siwali says ...

You are welcome to have a look replica watches at our large

collection of Eberhard watches and pick replica up the best

model that will satisfy all your needs.In modern

watches.html">tag heuer

automated production and computer-controlled working procedures, superb

movements of fake rolex Rolex watches

are still entirely hand assembled and built

watches.html">rolex

to remarkably high standards.

movements of fake rolex Rolex watches

are still entirely hand assembled and built

watches.html">rolex

to remarkably high standards.

Posted by siwali at July 15, 2010 8:13 PM

comment #15

saloon2233 says ...

If Paris doesn't want the film shown at TIFF for whatever reason, why hasn't it been yanked altogether? Why stick with that one Ryerson showing on Tuesday, 9.9? I sense a lack of resolve.
essay | dissertation | thesis | assignment | coursework

Posted by saloon2233 at October 3, 2010 9:56 AM

comment #16

david says ...

A sweet, agreeable and analytic abstruse save-the-earth parable, WALL*E's assurance on 85% visual, mostly dialogue-free storytelling (which makes it a affectionate of bashful film) recalls the ability of Charles Chaplin, Harry Langdon pass4sure TK0-201, Jacques Tati and added others whose appearance of achievement art has been abeyant for so abounding decades. It lives again.

Of course, not anybody is traveling to accept how acceptable this blur is. A woman who saw it with me said to a adolescent arranger on the way out, "It's nice but I was bored." So beware -- some are traveling to say it's not...whatever, snappily absorbing abundant according to accepted popcorn-munching standards. Anyone who says this, assurance me, is a plebe and a addle-pate in agreement of their accurate aftertaste buds
pass4sure 646-985|pass4sure 642-359

Posted by david at December 11, 2010 4:27 AM

comment #17

david says ...

Posted by david at December 13, 2010 10:27 PM

comment #18

david says ...

I think the words "sweet" and "amusing" give the impression of a pretty good--not good or great--movie
70-528|70-536|70-547|70-620

Posted by david at December 18, 2010 11:34 PM

comment #19

mimilei says ...

designer handbags
cheap handbags
cheap designer handbags
Gucci Handbags
Replica Gucci handbags
Fake Gucci handbags
Cheap Gucci Handbags
Gucci Handbags
Gucci Handbags
damier
louis vuitton damier
louis vuitton damier handbags
louis vuitton wallet
designer handbags
louis vuitton handbags

Posted by mimilei at January 7, 2011 12:27 AM

comment #20

jaggedtester says ...

I purchased the DVD as well... and it is terrible lol

ivf cost
hillary blinds
penny auctions

Posted by jaggedtester at January 14, 2011 12:42 PM

comment #21

bakeer says ...

very unique and useful information i have gotten from this post keep it up quran tutor

Posted by bakeer at January 20, 2011 1:54 AM

comment #22

johnjohn2278 says ...

I really enjoyed Walle and hope that we will see a second part some time soon.

Posted by johnjohn2278 at February 8, 2011 8:00 PM

comment #23

johnjohn2278 says ...

the movie was really moving and entertaining all at once. Great movie and great script!
Lacie Data Recovery

Posted by johnjohn2278 at February 8, 2011 8:02 PM

comment #24

game online says ...

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Thanks.

Posted by game online at March 8, 2011 9:37 AM

comment #25

adamaddison says ...

href=http://gigamates.com/>chat line

Posted by adamaddison at April 3, 2011 1:10 AM

comment #26

Medoloss says ...

I have watched this movies two or three times. I like it, its animations is very good actually...

lose belly fat

homemade hydroponic systems

Posted by Medoloss at April 28, 2011 1:21 PM

comment #27

huang0220 says ...

The discount juicy jewelry Internet is a huge shopping centre. wholesale coach Jewellery You can find and purchase everything you wholesale coach jewelry need online. discount links jewelry And jewellery wholesale d&g jewelry is included wholesale dior Jewellery in the list of things that are usually purchased online. A discount nfl jewelry lot of discount tiffany jewelry people opted to purchase jewellery online for certain tiffany jewelry knockoff reasons. And replica tiffany jewelry one of discount nfl jewelry the common reasons wholesale dior jewelry is wuliao that you can save discount lv jewelry as much discount pandora jewelry as fifty percent on buying wholesale cartier jewelry jewellery online. The reason behind is because e-commerce retailers have wholesale replica jewelry lower overhead costs than ypur wholesale chanel Jewellery usual store. And buying jewellery online discount links jewelry offers wholesale bvlgari Jewellery convenience to shoppers, ordering discount lv jewelry a perfect piece can be tiffany replica done in just discount juicy jewelry a wholesale d&g Jewellery few maijita.net clicks on the wholesale cartier Jewellery computer. The following are some guidlelines in getting great deals and security in buying discount pandora jewelry jewellery wholesale bvlgari jewelry online. wholesale chanel jewelry

Posted by huang0220 at May 17, 2011 6:22 PM

comment #28

kenny1968 says ...

Any time you get a movie that people can connect to at any age, you have a winner.With so many bad movies being pushed to us, i am happy to see another good one.

Posted by kenny1968 at May 18, 2011 6:37 AM

comment #29

Dr. Marika Zoll says ...

Makes me want to work in hollywood. I am an artist and heart and have so much admiration for all the special effects. What a handsome little character WALL E is. :-)Thanks for this enjoyable post.

Dr. Marika

Posted by Dr. Marika Zoll at May 18, 2011 2:45 PM

comment #30

Lazy Affiliate Riches Review says ...

A Robot Love Story? Classic....

What will Hollywood think of next?

Posted by Lazy Affiliate Riches Review at May 18, 2011 11:34 PM

comment #31

dogsbarkback says ...

I just saw WALL*E and I loved it!

Stop my dog from barking

Posted by dogsbarkback at May 19, 2011 11:35 AM

comment #32

Skill Games says ...

The film was great but the game is even more fun

Posted by Skill Games at May 19, 2011 11:48 AM

comment #33

austin tx real estate says ...

Wall*e was an enjoyable int eh year 2008. He was so playful like a little kid. Like with all movies it also had a meaning behind that just touched my heart. I enjoy action thrillers more than anything ,however, movies like wall*e are a welcomed break.

Austin Tx Real Estate
Hutto Tx Hud Home
Austin HUD Foreclosures

Posted by austin tx real estate at May 19, 2011 1:32 PM

comment #34

asim says ...

thanks for sharing with us such a nice information.
i get many new things which i do not know before.

Posted by asim at May 25, 2011 5:19 AM

comment #35

asim says ...

it is a very interesting article and i learn many new things.

Online Jobs for Students

Posted by asim at May 25, 2011 5:21 AM

comment #36

saeed says ...

wow, its a very very impressive site and i must share it with my friend

best seo software

Posted by saeed at May 25, 2011 5:27 AM

comment #37

awais_57 says ...

this is not a simple article, i see many other articles about the topic but it is among the top.

cheat roulette

i suggest all to read this if they are interested in the topic

Posted by awais_57 at May 25, 2011 5:38 AM

comment #38

kerry says ...

Si vous etes interesses par le dossier, ou desirez en savoir plus, contactez-moi par mail, et je vous mettrai en contact.
Best regards,Jane, CEO of what is storage area network

Posted by kerry at June 1, 2011 12:44 AM

comment #39

kerry says ...

Thanks for your patience and sorry for the inconvenience Best regards,Jane, CEO of storage area network solution

Posted by kerry at July 19, 2011 12:41 AM

comment #40

libra says ...

tiffany bracelets discounted

Posted by libra at August 21, 2011 8:24 PM

comment #41

shasha880715 says ...

Despite some hermes alfred handbagmen's shortcomings as a fashion maven, so kelly hermes for salethere is help mulberry walletsreadily available in the form ofkelly hermes dark grey men's fashion magazines, Web sites offeringhermes constance wallet advice and tips on the latest lookshermes zippy wallet and makeover shows on TV. Butchanel handbags replica the most importanthermes wallet black remedy for the male fashion crisis is the in-house stylist, birkin hermes camelalso known as their better half (ie: their girlfriend/wife). chanel flap bagsThat's right ladies, the editors at Men's Voguehermes bag and Esquire might not be ablelouis vuitton wallets to get through to your man butlouis vuitton knockoff handbags chances are that you can.

Posted by shasha880715 at November 18, 2011 1:05 AM

comment #42

StefanB says ...

My brother told me about this blog and said I may like it. He is completely right. This article truly made my day. rc-boot

Posted by StefanB at March 7, 2012 2:39 PM

comment #43

Marry says ...

Great site. A lot of useful information here. reisecenter

Posted by Marry at March 7, 2012 3:02 PM

comment #44

H1bee says ...

I think other websites should take this site as an model, very clean and user friendly style and design, as well as good content. WingTsun Mönchengladbach

Posted by H1bee at March 8, 2012 7:39 AM

comment #45

JimCy says ...

This movie was never boring. This is one of my kid's favorite. They even watch it during weekends like it was their first time seeing it. LG Optimus Review

Posted by JimCy at March 9, 2012 7:28 AM

comment #46

StefanB says ...

I think other websites should take this site as an model, very clean and user friendly style and design, as well as good content. apple ipod ankaufen

Posted by StefanB at March 19, 2012 3:49 PM

comment #47

Marry says ...

Thanks a lot for sharing this article. Hope you will not get tired and we will see many more posts in the future. Sägeketten

Posted by Marry at March 22, 2012 12:12 PM

comment #48

H1bee says ...

I appreciate the information provided on your site and enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such amazing articles. Buchbooks

Posted by H1bee at March 22, 2012 12:41 PM

comment #49

HaylieD says ...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this matter. I've read some excellent stuff here, great site. Bookmarks

Posted by HaylieD at March 27, 2012 6:39 AM

comment #50

wilfordcrevier says ...

Just wonderful posting! I certainly loved reading through it, you might be a great author.I'll assure to bookmark your website and definitely will return later on. If only to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a very nice day! carpet cleaning in san diego

Posted by wilfordcrevier at March 28, 2012 8:00 PM

comment #51