WALL-E at the Box Office

"Playing at approximately 4000 theaters across the United States and Canada, WALL-E has broken Finding Nemo's opening day record of $20.2 million dollars (2003) by raking in between $23.1 and $23.2 million at the "domestic" box office on Friday, handing Pixar its best opening day ever.

The film is now on its way to challenge Finding Nemo's opening weekend record of $70.4 million, which is, to date, Pixar's best opening weekend success." - The Pixar Blog

While I still prefer The Incredibles and Ratatouille, I've seen WALL-E twice in the past two days, and I expect the film to open very, very well. The technique of Pixar films improves by leaps and bounds with each film they create, and WALL-E is no exception. I'm sure you've seen the stills:


Is there anyone else that can do this? Dreamworks? Kung Fu Panda received a few reviews comparing its animation technique to that of Pixar's.... (Pixar Better Watch Their Back)

I'll respectfully disagree on that point, though, you know, I may be slightly biased. But even with Kung Fu Panda's valiant effort in animation, the heart, nuance and story in Pixar films are really just untouchable.

Roger Ebert says WALL-E "involves ideas, not simply mindless scenarios involving characters karate-kicking each other into high-angle shots. It involves a little work on the part of the audience, and a little thought, and might be especially stimulating to younger viewers."

What I am most enchanted with is the suggestive nature of WALL-E. The viewer is given the opportunity to take whatever societal commentary from the film that they see fit, or they can watch it as a character piece. Nothing is blatant or forced. The audience will become enveloped in the story and the ridiculously endearing characters, but must be active in piecing together the message of the film.