Objectionable items in (and around) Ratatouille **possible spoilers**

[iltb]

I would love to see children's movies not have some of these type things in them, especially violence and "ugly" words and phrases-that bothers me, although I still let my children see the movies because the message is almost always a good one......however, I didn't see anything worse in this particular movie than any of the other classic Disney or Pixar movies that I can think of. I would think if this movie was inappropriate for a child, wouldn't the majority of the rest of them be as well?

I also know, however, that each parent judges appropriateness in her own way. An ugly word here or there doesn't bother some, whereas another group finds it abolutely offensive. Such is life.

 

[MeetMrsMasters]

The scene with the couple, the gun and the kiss is a reference to an obscure film noire movie series, the three colors of white, the three colors of red and the three colors of blue.

I appreciate that Pixar is trying to entertain everyone. I love the obscure references and the outright hysterical charaterizations of things in their movies. It takes me several watches of a movie to get all the references and I still find some in older movies that I missed before.

Both my husband and I thought the movie was hysterical, my husband is a european and I lived overseas, and we both think the references are all spot on. The small apartment that Linguini lives in had my husband laughing since he swears he rented that place. The Ego character references several characters and the shape of his room is also another refeence to another character (the room is shaped like a coffin.)

I also loved the movie since I used to want to be a chef and I had worked in the restaurant business for years. The "Welcome to H" is right on in the restaurant trade and Collette's reference to being an "old boys club" is so right on. Skinner's Napolionic disorder is hysterical and between he and Gusteau they reference just about every chef on the planet.

I can understand the point of view of everyone having different levels of comfort with their children. We all have to do what we think is right.

That is so awesome that it is a film noire reference! I always love finding out little bits of trivia like that!
We plan on taking our daughters to see the movie, most of it will go over their heads. I remember watching an episode of the Flintstones as an adult and being surprised at the adult references and sexual humor. I guess when you are a kid you notice more slapstick comedy.

 

[gower525]

Have you seen "Surf's Up"? Not Disney, but I was shocked at some of the references! My kids didn't get them, but it still bothers me.

 

[sskem96]

I haven't seen Surf's Up, but I saw the preview, and that was enough for me! One penguin called another a peck** face, and the chicken said, "I can feel it in my nuggets." I don't even want to know what's in the rest of the movie! I'm surprised it even got a PG rating. I could definitely tell THAT wasn't Disney!

The things mentioned about Ratatouille I don't think would bother me, other than the fact that I can't stand guns. If Disney didn't put some adult things in their movies, not too many parents would take kids to see them. They might buy the DVD later, but they need to draw people in for ticket sales. I do think the current movies are much less violent than the cartoons were 25 years ago.

 

[mugsy]

A few offensive things from "classic" Disney movies that haven't been mentioned:

1. Drinking, smoking and vandalism displayed on Pleasure Island (albeit with consequences) in Pinocchio.

2. The now-offensive use of Amos-n-Andy black sterotypes for the crows in Dumbo.

3. Lustful alligators, Mickey using sorcery (celebrating witchcraft like Harry Potter!), and the debauchery of naked demons in Fantasia.

4. Mind-altering substances (cakes, potions in bottles, mushrooms and tea) in Alice in Wonderland.

5. Brer Rabbit (displayed as the top poster's character), Brer Bear, Uncle Remus, and other racial stereotypes in Song of the South (so offensive that Disney won't release it on DVD, despite it being a multiple Academy Award winner).

6. The allusions to Tramp's randiness with multiple female partners in Lady and the Tramp.

7. Captain Hook's cigar smoking and offensive Indian stereotypes (with kids trying tobacco and smoking from the peace pipe -- Peter Pan looks very experienced) in Peter Pan.

8. Cruella De Ville's chain smoking in 101 Dalmations.

As other posters have said, it's all about what you're comfortable with for your kids, and different parents have different bugaboos. Frankly, I loved Ratatouille and most of what the top poster talks about did not bother me or my 6 year old son. If he asks me a question about something he saw in a movie, or imitates something offensive, I address it.

BTW -- the most shocking thing about Ratatouille is that it is set in Paris, France, and not a single character is shown with a cigarette or smoking. To me, that is more incredible than the idea that a rat can be a master chef.

 

[angipoo]

A few offensive things from "classic" Disney movies that haven't been mentioned:

1. Drinking, smoking and vandalism displayed on Pleasure Island (albeit with consequences) in Pinocchio.

2. The now-offensive use of Amos-n-Andy black sterotypes for the crows in Dumbo.

3. Lustful alligators, Mickey using sorcery (celebrating witchcraft like Harry Potter!), and the debauchery of naked demons in Fantasia.

4. Mind-altering substances (cakes, potions in bottles, mushrooms and tea) in Alice in Wonderland.

5. Brer Rabbit (displayed as the top poster's character), Brer Bear, Uncle Remus, and other racial stereotypes in Song of the South (so offensive that Disney won't release it on DVD, despite it being a multiple Academy Award winner).

6. The allusions to Tramp's randiness with multiple female partners in Lady and the Tramp.

7. Captain Hook's cigar smoking and offensive Indian stereotypes (with kids trying tobacco and smoking from the peace pipe -- Peter Pan looks very experienced) in Peter Pan.

8. Cruella De Ville's chain smoking in 101 Dalmations.

As other posters have said, it's all about what you're comfortable with for your kids, and different parents have different bugaboos. Frankly, I loved Ratatouille and most of what the top poster talks about did not bother me or my 6 year old son. If he asks me a question about something he saw in a movie, or imitates something offensive, I address it.

BTW -- the most shocking thing about Ratatouille is that it is set in Paris, France, and not a single character is shown with a cigarette or smoking. To me, that is more incredible than the idea that a rat can be a master chef.

Good points you bring up - it does depend on what bothers you as a parent and that was my stated intent - to inform. As for #5 on your list, Song of the South, well, we could start a whole new thread on differences of opinion on that one, now couldn't we? - however, I would like to stick to the original intent of the post!

 

[disney_family_1247]

My opinion, both as a mom and an elementary school teacher, is that kids learn negative behaviours at home. My husband and I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, or swear. We don't lie to the kids and we treat them and each other with respect. I am quite sure that seeing a children's movie (with their parents by their side) will not turn them into drunks, drug addicts, or foul-mouthed terrors.

We really enjoyed the movie and so did the kids. We all like to cook together, so it was neat to see such an emphasis on cooking and good food instead of fame and fortune.

The OP's mention of seeing a bit of a cartoon man's behind was funny to me. My kids have seen me naked, each other naked, and definitely their baby sister naked many, many times. I'm not even sure what the OP is afraid will happen if children see behinds? We watch travel and nature shows on TV, so the kids have seen more than that on people living in natural environments. On a recent show, we discovered that the parks in Germany (at least in Munich) are "clothing optional." My kids both claim that they would love to play in the park naked They both know that we all wear clothes because we have to, but that there is nothing wrong with the human body.

Since we don't drink, we've already had informal talks with the kids about alcohol and what it does to your brain and behaviour. They understood that when Linguini drank that stuff, it made him act crazy. I'd rather they know the effects instead of thinking it's some special, forbidden stuff that they want to find out about.

Walt Disney said that he didn't make movies for children; he made movies for families. Someone mentioned Curious George, which was a beautiful children's film. It was soft, from the colors to the story, and my son adores it. It was also pretty boring for Mom and Dad. It was not a family film, it was for small kids.

 

[Whosemom]

So, what I'm reading here makes me ask this...since they give most of these movies a pg rating, why did this one get a G? If I go to a pg movie, I'm expecting to whisper, "don't think YOU can use that word" or "see how that person is making bad choices?" but at a G movie, I'm expecting to be home free.

Also, totally laughing at the short conversation on the art needing to be true to life. WHAAA? I guess I didn't realize this was ART.

And finally, Bugs dressed in drag to fool people and stuff, not because he liked how it made him feel. Motive makes all the difference. But more to the point, the adult references in the old cartoons were SUBTLE! The stuff they stick in now is blatent.

 

[DisneyPhD]

BTW -- the most shocking thing about Ratatouille is that it is set in Paris, France, and not a single character is shown with a cigarette or smoking. To me, that is more incredible than the idea that a rat can be a master chef.

Too funny.

Thanks for the heads up OP. I don't think any of the things listed are going to keep me from letting my 6 year old see it (if she wants to, she isn't that big into rats.) She won't have anything to do with flushed away.

I agree with most everyone that the non Disney kids movies are much worse. I don't normally let DD see those unless on DVD and then we can skip some parts (and it doesn't seem as intense on small screen.) Normally we might rent them and once is enough for DD so they don't pick up on words we don't like so much. The only exception is "I like to move it, move it." That was the ONLY thing about that movie my DD liked. I can't even remember the name of it now.

I am pretty picky about what I will let them watch too. We don't even let them watch Rug Rats. I just don't want them repeating Angelica.


I don't plan to bring the 2 year old anyway if we see it in a theater. I want to be able to enjoy the show.

 

[dfarner]

I am going to write Disney and let them know how disappointed we were in this film.

Perhaps you should write to the Office of Film and Broadcasting as well, as it is the entity responsible for rating films.

 

[clombardi]

I was uncomfortable with the beginning of Happy Feet- good music but THANK GOD my children didn't know what the music was really about

This will drive me crazy...I can't remember the music you are talking about. Help!

 

[tink1969]

Hmmmm, Bambi's mother was killed by a hunter.
And didn't the evil queen want her soldier to take Snow White into the forest and kill her? Then she wanted to give her a poisoned apple?
Scar killed his own brother, Mufasa, in the Lion King?
Didn't Dumbo and the mouse get drunk?
99% of the people I know grew up watching the Coyote try to kill the Roadrunner using various techniques. Then we had Elmer Fudd shooting the heads off Daffy and Bugs Bunny.
My point? Come on, lighten up. I just my two DD's to see the movie and they enjoyed it. They don't pick up on the same things adults do. Should they ask a question, answer it. Don't tippytoe around it. Explain it in a way a child would understand. Jeeesh!

 

[dfarner]

This will drive me crazy...I can't remember the music you are talking about. Help!

I had to look it up, it was driving me crazy too. It was one of the songs by Prince or Stevie Wonder I think. Wasn't "Kiss" by Prince the opening song?

 

[Grendalynn]

My opinion, both as a mom and an elementary school teacher, is that kids learn negative behaviours at home. My husband and I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, or swear. We don't lie to the kids and we treat them and each other with respect. I am quite sure that seeing a children's movie (with their parents by their side) will not turn them into drunks, drug addicts, or foul-mouthed terrors.

We really enjoyed the movie and so did the kids. We all like to cook together, so it was neat to see such an emphasis on cooking and good food instead of fame and fortune.

The OP's mention of seeing a bit of a cartoon man's behind was funny to me. My kids have seen me naked, each other naked, and definitely their baby sister naked many, many times. I'm not even sure what the OP is afraid will happen if children see behinds? We watch travel and nature shows on TV, so the kids have seen more than that on people living in natural environments. On a recent show, we discovered that the parks in Germany (at least in Munich) are "clothing optional." My kids both claim that they would love to play in the park naked They both know that we all wear clothes because we have to, but that there is nothing wrong with the human body.

Since we don't drink, we've already had informal talks with the kids about alcohol and what it does to your brain and behaviour. They understood that when Linguini drank that stuff, it made him act crazy. I'd rather they know the effects instead of thinking it's some special, forbidden stuff that they want to find out about.

Walt Disney said that he didn't make movies for children; he made movies for families. Someone mentioned Curious George, which was a beautiful children's film. It was soft, from the colors to the story, and my son adores it. It was also pretty boring for Mom and Dad. It was not a family film, it was for small kids.

Well said! I very much agree with your post. I read the first page and thought how silly all of it was. As Dis Fam 1247 said the knowing right from wrong starts at home. It is our jobs as parents to teach our chidren right from worng and explianings that come up. i am so sick of everything being so politically correct - its redicioulus!! We are raising a generation of overly sensitve and almost woosey like behaviour in our children!! please dont flame me, but its true - think about it - all of the cartoons and "classic" disney movies that we were raised on were so not PC! I wont rehash all of the very valid points the PP's mentioned... And our parents or granparents for that matter is known at the greatest generation ever!! What does that say about them?

If my child picks up something that is not ok with me for them to repeat, i quickly call them on and tell that i dont like it and its not appropriate!! They dont do it again and its all good.

I would far rather let my child watch the classic cartoon on Boomerang for example than most of the cartoons on Nickelodian, WB, Cartoon Network and whatever else. As would I let them watch anything Disney for that matter, Dream Works as well. Mind you, I am right here to answer any questions, bring things to their attentions about making good choices or what not... I do feel that its a great addition to DIsney/pixar films to add the adult humor. 75% of the time it goes right over the kids heads and they have no idea what they missed... unless an adult points it out or explains it - its a non issue. I enjoy the adult humor and it makes it enjoyable for everyone. Besides, its those extra tickets bought for parents that makes the Disney/Pixar ticket sales what they are. That helps makes the whole Disney World experience what it is... Why shouldnt they cater to us as well?

 

[Grendalynn]

Here's how my husband and I have always handled it - our children are getting a bit older now (17 & 10).

First of all we have always told them that just because you see something on TV or in a movie, it doesn't give you permission or an excuse to behave badly - and they have known since they were toddlers what mommy and daddy would and would not put up with. It just goes back to the old saying that my parents always said - "if your friends jumped off a bridge . . ." Just because a character says/does it, doesn't mean you should.

Second (and maybe this is 'cause I'm an English teacher) we've always emphasized the difference between fact and fiction. Children (even at a very young age) quickly understand the fundamental differences between the two.

We've never had a problem with either of them acting out or repeating inappropriate parts of a show or movie. Why? Maybe cause we are fantastic parents??? Okay, no actually - but we are very assertive about what's right and wrong to us and what we will and will not tolerate.

You are soo right - just like Disney-family 1247 said in thsi thread, these are such valid points... its our jobs as parents to raise our children, not leave it up to the film meakers (or teachers). From one educator to another, Well Said, I totally agree and you read my mind!! Thanks for stating it so well and staright to the point!! My mom is an english teacher (of 38 years) as well, so I know the bridge saying pretty well myself - i flashed back to my childhood when i read that!

 

[nettii]

I do have to agree with the original poster all the references and swearing have no place in a G rated film, but most of the time it goes over my 6 year olds head and it keeps my 12 year old interested in G rated films-which makes me Happy! The alternative is much worse! Just my opinion.

 

[webshark3]

Anyone notice how it's really not a Disney movie without a deceased/killed Mom... Even Remy's mom wasn't there. lol

 

[MomofKatie]

6. The allusions to Tramp's randiness with multiple female partners in Lady and the Tramp.

8. Cruella De Ville's chain smoking in 101 Dalmations.

6. Not to mention the romantic dinner scene, which fades into Lady and the Tramp taking a romantic moonlit walk, then watching the moon from Lover's Lane, which fades into- THEM CUDDLED UP TOGETHER, WAKING UP NEXT TO EACH OTHER THE NEXT MORNING!! And then, later, Lady has puppies. Hmmmmm...

8. And the chain smoking pales in comparison to the fact that she wants to brutally mass-murder all those cute puppies...


I think we as adults see these movies SOOO differently than our children do. I have no problems with DD seeing Disney movies- they are for kids, for goodness sake! We read all kinds of adult things into them that kids just don't see or understand.

 

[mickeylove2]

I don't let the things in Disney movies bother me, I have seen much worse. I haven't seen this movie but...ok so the woman shoots at the man and then they hug? Isn' that similar to Bugs Bunny getting shot at by Elmer Fudd? Or Jerry being chased by Tom, because Tom wants to eat him? The tattoo in Cars, that's much worse than seeing a 15 year old girl with her th**g hanging out of her pants and a tattoo right above it??? Have you ever had your children at the mall or any other public place and heard inappropriate language??? You children have never been to a restaurant and the people at the next table are drinking wine? Peter Brady smoked cigarettes in one episode....Jesse in Full House used to make all kids of sexual innuendos, and made out with all different women...just a few other examples!

 

[meandtheguys2]

Speaking of chain smoking, how about the catepillar in Alice? Now that is fun to explain...

Most scenes go in one ear and out the other, unless you have a clue. And if you have a clue, then the movie isn't "telling" anything new.