WALL·E - One Week Later

On Twitter I gave this movie a solid ‘B’ which translates roughly to 3 of 4 stars or 4 of 5 stars. A week later I’m raising my rating by a half point.

Simple reason really; Sweets won’t shut up about it. This is important because she’s  HATED everything animated since the age of 11 when she, by her family’s account, turned 45.

We met shortly after Toy Story and right before A Bugs Life. We romanced and dated each other during Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc and were married in the year of Finding Nemo. The Incredibles came and went during our “honeymoon” years. She passed on them all. We both passed on Cars as she quit her career as a hard-mouthed news woman to go back to school. Then Pixar released Ratatouille. 

Sweets had a pet rat named Barney who she loved. She grieved for Barney after he passed and still has a soft spot for the vermin. Even when they chewed through the vents of our house and her husband was forced to eradicate them using the most inhumane tactics*. 

Back to Ratatouille. Using the rat-love angle I coaxed her into going to the movie with me. She agreed and just liked it.

It was OK. Good. But OK.

It stuck with her, though. It resonated that way that Pixar films resonate. Over the next few months she made Ratatouille analogies and references and often discussed the themes of independence and aspirations.

But passed on renting or buying the DVD or iTunes release. “I already saw it. I get it.”

(Another) BUT it lubed the chassis to get her to WALL·E. In fact it was her suggestion we check it out.

I was surprised at how giddy she was during the movie.

• Clutching my hand during the romantic or silly moments.
  
• Pointing at the screen at MO the little cleaning robot, “That’s me!”
  
• Gripping my arm during the scene where EVE watches the replay of WALL·E while she waited for the return ship, “That’s you.” She whispered.

So here it is one week later and when I ask Sweets anything about WALL·E she first warbles “WALL·E” before answering.

While I write this I find myself choking up a little. Not necessarily about the movie but about the little ways we show each other affection. And the little things she does that I find so endearing. And the subtle ways we say “I love you.”

And WALL·E nailed those details.

It’s that good.

4.5/5

*I’m not proud but I’d do it again if I had to.