WALL-E

WALL-E

The first time I read about this film, it was at the Ain't it Cool site. PIXAR had screened footage from the film for the Austin Drafthouse crowd and they all mentioned how great the footage was. After I read this, I went to YouTube and seeked the teaser trailer for this film. Off the bat, I was head-over-heels in love with the character of WALL-E. I have somewhat of a fetish for futuristic robots (not sexual, pervs). I love automated machines. I find their emulation of our humanity interesting and adorable. I fell in love with the character. He was so damned cute just from the 30 seconds in the teaser. How often do you fall in love with a movie character just from the preview? That's right. Never. From there, I was hooked. I couldn't WAIT to see this movie. To be honest, my personal "most anticipated films of 2008" were THE DARK KNIGHT and WALL-E.

Being a die-hard fan of subversive, intellectually-stimulating science fiction film, I must say that this is amongst the very best of the genre. This is first and foremost, a very moving, affectionate love story but there is a sense of sociopolitical commentary that is undeniably pacing through the narrative. And it isn't preachy or self-righteous...frankly, I have no doubt that in 700 years (assuming we're still around by then) that this is what will become of the human race.

The planet is trashed. Literally. Garbage, garbage, garbage. All that remains is the last WALL-E robot. He creates little lego blocks of the filth that overruns the cities of the derelict planet, many of which overshadow the skyscrapers humans once constructed. The surviving humans, now reside in a ship called the AXIOM and send out a probe with a vegetation evaluating 'bot (EVE) to discover plant life. EVE discovers WALL-E and a heartwarming bond is established between the two. She finds plant life and returns to the ship with WALL-E in tow. Narratively, WALL-E becomes a bit perfunctory after the beginning, but the visuals and message of the film are as revolutionary as the narrative approach of the opening act.

Now, I know audiences and critics alike are calling this THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS on film, but it really isn't that spectacular. It is great, however. Not good. Not mediocre. GREAT. It loses a bit of steam once WALL-E and EVE reach the AXIOM. But goddamn. The first thirty minutes are pitch perfect. Pitch perfect. The visuals in this film are...breathtaking. In WALL-E, there are visuals that rival the finest moments of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST and THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. This is not hyperbole. People are absolutely right in this aspect and I agree with them. PIXAR has created a film for the ages. Don't be surprised to see WALL-E on the updated list of AFI's 100 YEARS, 100 MOVIES. And as far as I'm concerned, it belongs fairly high up on that list. It really is that good.

WALL-E combines elements from the cinematic universes of 2001 and IDIOCRACY without being derivative of any of the aforementioned titles. I think it's fair to say that the beginning of this film has never been approached this way narratively before, at least from my perspective on the genre. But then it switches gears to focus on rogue robots, world-controlling corporations and a Christ metaphor...blah, blah, blah. It's been done before. But normally, I wouldn't be nearly this invested in the characters and that goes a long way for a journey as epic, thought-provoking and gorgeous as this one. It is surprising to see these themes poke out of a kid's movie without being condescending or abrasive. And for me, it works.

By the way, WALL-E is climbing the ranks on the top 250 list on the IMDb. I mean climbing. Yesterday and Saturday, it had already entered the ranks at 116, I believe. Earlier today when I checked it, it was at number 8. Right now, it's at number six...right behind PULP FICTION.

It will hit 1 momentarily and dethrone THE GODFATHER as highest rated movie of all time eventually. I have no doubt of that. It won't stay on top, but it will reach it. I have only seen one film accomplish this since I began visiting the site: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. This movie is as good as that one and not as flawed.

To me, every great movie contains a moment so grandiose that you come to the realization subconsciously (you're wrapped up in it to not think of it at the time) that looking back, you realized it was a great movie. For THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, that was the Arwen/Nazgul chase to Rivendell. WALL-E has one of these great scenes as well. It occurs in the second part and I won't spoil it for you. You'll know it when you see it. And it's beautiful, touching and hilarious.

Shit, this film made my day. I've had a shit-eating grin on my face since I saw it a few hours ago. I feel rejuvenated. I feel like a little kid again; running around kicking the shit out of other kids for entertainment. You know how often that happens? Fuck off. It doesn't happen. But it did today.

WALL-E gets the RFB SEAL OF FUCKIN' APPROVAL...the highest merit I can bestow upon a film. Critics are predicting this film will get an Oscar nom for Best Picture. I say, let's circumvent that bullshit by cancelling the awards and just give it the Oscar for everything. Let's have an honorary WALL-E awards night. Fuck those other movies. They ain't got shit.

It really is that good.




--Don't die in a fire.--

RFB