Ratatouille
By Brad Bird
One of Pixar’s best creations, Ratatouille isn’t a great movie because it has amazing animation and comic one-liners. Sure, it’s got those too … but what makes this movie such a delight is the charm of its main character. Remy the rat will have you oohing and awwing and rooting for him all the way. Pixar’s mix of comedy and animation is as brilliant as ever, but the absolute crowning moment in the movie is when restaurant critic Ego samples the chef’s custom-made entrée and experiences a flashback to his childhood. Those three seconds alone are worth the price of admission. Click on the image to buy now!
 

La Vie En Rose
By Oliver Dahan
Unfortunately, this is the kind of movie few people ever want to pay to see: it’s about a little-known (in the U.S. singer), a familiar but not all that popular song, and a dramatic and tragic love story. Edith Piaf, who sang arguably one of the most beloved and nostalgic ballads in music history, is an icon in France. And her portrayal by Marion Cotillard is breathtaking. This is sublime moviemaking without the special effects and intricate plots; instead, it relies on powerful performances and real-life personalities.
 

Hairspray
By Adam Shankman
If you’d asked me if this would have been a good idea prior to its release, I would have said, “no way.” I mean, all the elements are in place for a disaster: remaking a musical into a movie is dicey at best; Travolta doing a Big Momma routine; and finally, another stab at something that’s been done before. No chance it would all come together, right? Well, go see the movie. And then tell me it didn’t put a smile on your face and make you long for the 1960s even if you weren’t even born then. I’d never have believed it.