Out of all the Pixar shorts inspired by one of their features, this one is the best thus far. Utilizing various animation styles from 2D to 3D to stop-motion, this "educational" production features RATATOUILLE's Remy and Emile informing the audience about the many great things the rat has brought to the world. Just wait till you see how they spin the Black Death.
Not that folks watch animated shorts for education, but I found myself learning while having a great time at the same time. This reminded me of the Disney educational shorts of the 1940s, only funny. We learn how rats were exulted in some cultures and were chic pets in others. The Black Death is told from a rat's point of view, while Remy chronicles the migration history of the black and brown rats. The positive spin on the rat's history with lab experiments is a bit of a whitewash from a PETA perspective, but the human benefits can't be denied.
Director Jim Capobianco came up with the idea when he began compiling all the rat facts they had gathered for the DVD. The facts aren't just presented in a stuffy way, but woven together with style and wit. If you've seen the production art for the feature, you'll get an idea of most of the 2D animation look, which has a 1950s UPA flat style. When the style does change, it's done in a humorous way, such as a nice two-bit game gag. If school was as fun as this short, kids would certainly know a lot more about the rat and Mars and history in general.
Get "Your Friend the Rat" on the "Ratatouille" DVD Here!
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
