Wall*E (2008)

In a world abandoned to trash, Wall*E is the last robot standing. Humankind, having mucked it up, left long ago. The Waste Allocation Lift Loader, Earth-Class was brought in to save Earth from garbage. Wall*E is essentially a trash-compactor, but after 700 years on Earth, this little robot has developed a personality and a penchant for collecting odd human things. Wall*E is curious, yet lonely and amuses himself by watching a Hello, Dolly! VHS tape--that is until Eve arrives. Eve, an Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator comes to Earth with a simple directive: find plant life to prove Earth is safe again. Fascinated by Eve, Wall*E immediately falls in love. When Eve completes her mission, love takes Wall*E to across the universe for her and ultimately, to save the humans.

The creators at Pixar are unabashed at examining society through the animated lens. Their latest, Wall*E is no different. But for a film with so little dialogue, Wall*E has a lot to say. Consumerism and commericalism top the list. Obesity, mass media, and environmental issues aren't far behind. The film is far from preachy. Smart choice. In not bashing the general audiences with that, Wall*E ultimately becomes whatever the viewer wants it to be.

The animation is, of course, flawless. Everything is top-notch in form and design. Thanks to DLP, is even more wonderfully realistic. Judging by the characters in Wall*E, Pixar animators are influenced by pop-culture. Wall*E is a E.T.-esque in looks, robotic by nature. Auto, the Axiom's pilot looks suspiciously like Hal 9000 and sleek, sexy Eve looks like a cross between an IKEA trash can and Apple's Ipod.

The feel of Wall*E is decidedly human and hopeful. The creators have managed to bring true emotion to these little robots. Afterwards, you feel silly for 'almost' losing it over certain points in the film.

Wall*E is a delightful, entertaining piece of animation. It's a a sci-fi epic that pays homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey and Charlie Chaplin. Pixar has found the perfect blend of elements to create classics for generations to come.

Also of note, the opening short rocks old school--evoking Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.