"Ratatouille" - A

Relatively new to DVD, the Disney/Pixar adventure "Ratatouille" is the best outing yet for the all-digital animators. I've always enjoyed the Pixar pictures, and I own a fistful of them on DVD. You know your going to get crisp and imaginative visuals with a good story. These guys have not disappointed me so far.

But hands down, "Ratatouille" is one of the best (if not the best) examples of mass-market, family friendly animated entertainment I can think of for the modern era.

Cheesy plot overview: Remy, a silly mouse from the country, has ambitions of being more than your average vermin. His biggest wish is show his friends and family a different way to enjoy their lives with the magic of professionally prepared food — his own culinary creations. Remy ends up in Paris at the world's most famous restaurant, and he quickly discovers an outlet for his chef-ish desires.

This one is good from start to finish. The voice acting intertwines seamlessly with the flawless animation. The action sequences are vivid, entertaining and original. All the little subplots of self-discovery, family, love and living the dream are fresh enough to keep this from being just another Pixar toon.

There is so much subtle humor in the action and scenery to keep savvy viewers laughing throughout. And the super-talented Peter O'Toole delivers a knockout performance as the "Grim Eater, Anton Ego." Oh .... and pretty much everybody else is good, too.

Grade: A (I doubt you'll find another comparable flick delivering as much fun ....)