Ratatouille – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Ratatouille

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2007

91%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A rat with refined taste and big dreams infiltrates a Paris kitchen—it's as delightful and surprisingly profound as it sounds.

8.1/10

96%

7.8

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Ratatouille

movie

G, 2007

91%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A rat with refined taste and big dreams infiltrates a Paris kitchen—it's as delightful and surprisingly profound as it sounds.

8.1

96%

7.8

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8.1/10

96%

7.8

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Screenwise Verdict

Ratatouille is Pixar firing on all cylinders—a genuinely original premise executed with heart, humor, and surprising depth. Yes, it's about a rat who cooks, and yes, that might gross out some viewers, but stick with it.

The film's central message—that greatness can come from anywhere—is delivered without condescension, and the animation still looks stunning nearly two decades later. Unlike some Pixar films that lean heavily on pop culture references or frenetic pacing, Ratatouille trusts its story and characters, giving scenes room to breathe.

It's also one of the few kids' movies that takes food, art, and criticism seriously. Anton Ego's final monologue is legitimately moving and offers a masterclass in how to deliver a moral without being preachy. Kids will love the adventure and friendship; adults will appreciate the craft and thematic richness. A genuine family film that rewards rewatching.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 5-12, though the sophisticated themes and slower pacing might lose very young kids. Teenagers can still appreciate the artistry and deeper messages, but it's clearly a family film.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Pixar's Ratatouille models perseverance, following your dreams despite obstacles, and collaboration across unlikely friendships. The relationship between Remy and Linguini demonstrates trust, mutual respect, and working together toward shared goals. The film's emotional tone is warm and encouraging, celebrating passion, hard work, and believing in yourself. Family dynamics are complex but ultimately loving (Remy's father is protective, not cruel). Pacing is well-balanced for a children's film, mixing quieter character moments with action sequences. The only minor deduction: some family tension and the high-stress restaurant environment, but these are handled maturely.

Imaginative

Brilliantly original premise: a rat who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. The film invites curiosity about food, cooking, creativity, and pursuing unconventional paths. Remy's perspective literally reimagines how we see the world—the sensory sequences where he experiences flavor combinations are gorgeously inventive. The story celebrates artistic expression through cooking and challenges assumptions about who can create. Kids are inspired to think about their own talents and dreams, regardless of what others expect. The Parisian setting is beautifully rendered and sparks interest in French culture and cuisine.

Safe

Ratatouille is a G-rated Pixar film with minimal content concerns. There's some mild peril (rats in sewers, chase sequences, a character nearly drowning, kitchen accidents) but nothing graphic or traumatizing. The villain (food critic Anton Ego) is initially intimidating but ultimately redeemed. Some slapstick violence (characters getting hit, falling) typical of animated comedy. The only notable concern: rats in a restaurant kitchen might genuinely gross out some viewers, and there's a scene where Linguini appears to be drunk (he's actually just exhausted/delirious). One character fires a gun at rats (off-screen, played for comedy). No inappropriate language, sexuality, or genuinely scary content. Very safe overall for family viewing.

Enriching

One of Pixar's most thematically rich films. Central message: 'Anyone can cook'—not that anyone can become great, but that greatness can come from anywhere, regardless of background or expectations. Teaches about pursuing passion, overcoming prejudice, the value of honest criticism, and artistic integrity. Anton Ego's final monologue about the role of critics and the courage required to create is genuinely profound. Kids learn about perseverance, collaboration, mentorship, and standing up for what's right even when it's hard. The film also subtly teaches about food, cooking techniques, and French culture. Highly entertaining with gorgeous animation, humor, and heart.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely original storytelling that celebrates creativity, passion, and the idea that talent can come from unexpected places
Gorgeous animation that holds up beautifully—the food looks incredible and Paris is rendered with love and detail
Teaches perseverance and collaboration without being preachy; the friendship between Remy and Linguini is genuinely touching
Anton Ego's climactic speech about criticism and creation is one of Pixar's finest moments—meaningful for kids and adults alike
Introduces kids to French culture, cooking, and the idea that food can be art

⚠

What to Watch For

The premise (rats in a kitchen) might genuinely gross out some kids or adults—there are lots of rats, in sewers and around food
Some mild peril: chase scenes, a near-drowning, characters in danger, and one scene where a character shoots at rats (off-screen)
Linguini appears drunk in one scene (he's actually just exhausted and stressed), which might prompt questions
Anton Ego is intentionally intimidating and could scare very young viewers initially

Conversation Starters

"Remy had to hide who he was to follow his dream. Have you ever felt like you had to hide something about yourself?"
"What do you think 'anyone can cook' really means? Does it mean everyone can be great at everything?"
"Why do you think Anton Ego changed his mind about Remy's food? What made it so special to him?"
"If you could be amazing at something unexpected (like Remy with cooking), what would it be?"
"How did Remy and Linguini learn to work together even though they're so different?"

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