Contender Profile: Wall-E

Wall-E
Directed by Andrew Stanton


Broad Appeal: 96
Perceived Quality: 93


Mini Review: This will probably be my favorite movie of the year. Dazzling visually, it is also hilarious, deeply touching, and able to deliver a message without making it sound like a “message.” A film about what it means to be human.

Awards Chances: While I’m over the moon about it and the critical reaction is extraordinarily positive, we have seen this dance almost every year: Pixar releases a film that is one of the best of the year and it has to settle for a best Animated Feature award. Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille have all had strong Best Picture support, so why should Wall-E be any different? Perhaps a growing sense that the studio deserves an award will do the trick. If so, this is the year.

Verdict: Dark horse for Best Picture, sure to get nods for sound, score, song and a lock to win best Animated feature.