WALL*E

Directed by Andrew Stanton. Written by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter. Voices by Ben Burdett, Jeff Garlin. Disney/Pixar, 2008. ASIN: B0013FSL3E

Plot Summary: Humans have finally filled the planet earth to capacity with garbage. Human kind has left the planet until it is cleaned up - a duty which falls to WALL-E, a small robot. WALL-E is alone on earth until a female robot, EVE, seeking plant life lands, and steals WALL-E's heart. Meanwhile, humans circle endlessly in space on huge chips getting fatter and fatter and losing touch with where they came from. In an attempt to impress EVE, WALL-E ends up getting involved with a scheme to bring humans back to earth.

Critical Evaluation: This is a great movie for the whole family. Even thought the main characters are robots, the film is filled with human emotions and is very touching. Pixar has managed to animate the inanimate in such a way as it creates empathy and though into the human condition. The animation is spectacular, especially the views from space and the expressions in WALL-E's face.

Annotation: WALL-E has been left on earth alone, except for his little cockroach friend. He is supposed to be cleaning up the earth to allow humans to come back, but do they have any intention of returning?

Genre: Science Fiction/Comedy
Interest Level: 8-18
Curriculum Ties: It may be a good choice for classes focusing on the environment.
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on what has happened to the Earth's environment.
Discuss relationship between WALL-E and EVE.
Will humans ever leave Earth?
Challenge Issues: None. If any familiarize self with the film. Research Pixar, and reviews of the film.
Selection Process: Recommended at the video store.