Review: Wall

Here’s another animation gem from Pixar, the studio that pioneered computer-generated cartoons with Toy Story in 1995., writes Rashid Irani.

Wall
Direction: Andrew Stanton
Rating: ***1/2
Here’s another animation gem from Pixar, the studio that pioneered computer-generated cartoons with Toy Story in 1995. Happily, its ninth opus, a largely dialogue-free saga set in the 28th century, is yet another digital winner. The spotlight is on a plucky robot (dubbed in burbles and bleeps by the Oscar-winning sound designer of Star Wars, Ben Burtt). The robot has been abandoned on Earth 700 years ago.

HT Image

Wall-E’s world turns topsy-turvy when he encounters EVE ( voiced by Elissa Knight), a shiny egg-shaped probe sent to search the environment for signs of life. When the feminine droid returns to her spaceship, the clunky little fella follows her into the galaxy. A poignant love story between two non-humans, WALL-E displays care and warmth in bringing the cartoon characters to life. The animation is consistently photo-realistic. For kids, the leisurely tempo could be a bit trying though.

That reservation apart, it has evidently been a labour of love for director Stanton (Finding Nemo). Of particular note is the A-list voice cast. Besidesto Ben Burtt and Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, as the commander of the spacecraft, is absolutely inspired. Here’s 90 minutes, then, of sure shot spellbinding entertainment.