I saw Ratatouille on Saturday. As soon as it was finished, I wanted to see it again. As with every new Pixar film I see, I was tempted to call this one my favorite of all time, but because I truly like it, I’m going to resist.

Instead, I’m going to envision how I will feel about it a year from now, and I believe when Time has had a chance to shake Ratatouille through the filter of perspective, it will be my second favorite Pixar film of all time.

• The Incredibles
• Ratatouille
• Finding Nemo
• Toy Story 2
• Cars
• Monsters, Inc.
• Toy Story
• A Bug’s Life

Ratatouille is another step forward for the studio. The artistry, animation, attention to detail, and storytelling are all levels above any previous efforts. Despite the fact that the movie is about a talking rat who dreams of being a chef in Paris, it felt more "real" than any film I've seen in recent memory.

The world the animators created felt so complete. In every scene, in every corner, there was a treat for the eyes. Gusteau’s kitchen was full of shelves, stoves, spices, pots, pans, utensils, and dirty dishes. The pantry was filled to the ceiling. When dinner service arrived, the kitchen was busy with a full complement of chefs preparing dishes that made my mouth water.

One of my favorite scenes was when Remy, the main character (and a rat), reaches the rooftop and discovers he’s in Paris. It's near sunset and the skyline is breathtaking. As the camera pans, one realizes and appreciates just how much time and effort the animators spent researching and studying their subject.

Finally, one of the reasons I loved the movie was the orchestral score that accompanied the film. Michael Giacchino, who wrote the music for The Incredibles (and Lost), created a musical feast for the ears. In parts, it felt as though the music came first and the action on the screen was a physical representation of the sound. It made the film feel dynamic and alive and it topped off what was a wonderful movie experience.