Oscar Watch 6.0

Next, a bit of a departure. Besides the great big important categories at the Oscars - picture, actor, actress, director, and the like - there are smaller races just as exciting. One such contest is Best Animated Feature. Some might argue quite effectively that great films get relegated to this subset simply because they do not star human actors. This could be the case with "Wall-E."

This is a truly unique animated film. No talking animals, no silly dance sequences, no ironic sarcasm, no green ogres. And while there are cute creatures with whom to fall in love, the entire movie does not at all feel like an extended marketing campaign.

"Wall-E" spins a fascinating yarn about a robot sometime in the future designed to pick up trash on an unliveable Earth. In this imagined time, humans have over-consumed so that our dear planet is overrun with debris. People live on a cruise-like spaceship while robots try to find signs of ecological life. The beginning of the film is almost devoid of communication, as Wall-E is entirely isolated, with only a cockroach for a friend. His joy is saving "treasures" from the piles of trash and transporting them to his lair. It is remarkable to see what he has created from the stuff left behind.

One of his obsessions is replaying a VCR copy of "Hello Dolly!" as he sings and dances to the melodies of a bygone era. He twirls and recreates routines with a deep joy familiar to anyone who has been swept away in music. It is touching, emotional, and brilliant. In my perception, this one idea elevates the film to a level I have not experienced in animated storytelling.

One day, a new type of robot arrives: EVE. The two hit it off immediately. Wall-E shows EVE his cache of loot and they fall in love. Eventually, they find themselves on the human's starship and realize they each hold an important key to Earth's success.

This film looks amazing, as do all Pixar productions. There is a strong and wise message attached. But the story and the way it is told is simply genius. I enjoyed every bit of this smart, insightful, deep little gem. For a movie aimed at kids, it is more intelligent than most so-called grown-up fare.

When I first watched this film, it struck me as "simple." I don't mean that in a derogatory way. It is a bit old-fashioned in its approach to story and message, and that is refreshing. I am sure kids found a great deal to fall in love with. Adults could benefit in an even greater way.

This one is on DVD now, so get out there and find yourselves a copy! This is a must-see for any generation. And the message could not be more timely: We need to pay attention to our planet and to each other.