Ratatouille (2026)
October 8, 2025
From the very first frame, Disney’s live-action reimagining of Ratatouille achieves something extraordinary: it dares to touch one of Pixar’s most beloved stories and reintroduce it with renewed confidence, ambition, and cinematic elegance. Where most remakes are content to rely on nostalgia, this film insists on being more: a reimagining that respects the essence of the original while offering a fresh flavor all its own.
Tom Holland’s casting as Alfredo Linguini initially raised eyebrows, but his performance demonstrates why he remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actors. He imbues Linguini with a nervous energy, a physical awkwardness, and a fragile sincerity that makes his growth believable. Holland doesn’t just play a bumbling cook; he plays a young man desperate to find his voice in a world that constantly tells him he doesn’t belong.
Zendaya, as Colette, becomes the film’s moral anchor. Sharp, confident, and fiercely independent, she radiates warmth and discipline. Her chemistry with Holland creates sparks in the kitchen and beyond, grounding the story in a very human romance. She’s more than a supporting character: she’s the personification of craft, resilience, and mentorship. Watching her balance vulnerability with mastery of the culinary battlefield of Gusteau’s kitchen is simply captivating.

Then comes Dwayne Johnson’s unexpected but unforgettable performance as Chef Skinner. More than a comic caricature, Johnson redefines Skinner as a theatrical powerhouse, dominating the kitchen like a master of ceremonies, with an undercurrent of insecurity and fear. His physicality makes him intimidating, but it’s his surprising flashes of humor and charisma that elevate him. Johnson proves once again that his presence can transform even the most unexpected role.
But beyond the performances, what’s truly astonishing is how Paris becomes a character. The streets glow with a soft golden light, the Seine shimmers in the moonlight, and kitchens teem with life. The director’s vision transforms the city into a place where dreams simmer and ambition is bathed in art. The cinematography lingers on copper pots, rising steam, and delicate garnishes, making each meal look like a work of art. It’s cinema you can almost taste.
The film also dares to extend the story beyond the original animation. It focuses more on themes of inheritance, legacy, and the fragility of art in the face of commercialism. Linguini’s struggle isn’t just about proving her worth, but also about honoring the weight of family, history, and identity. Colette, meanwhile, embodies the struggle of women in male-dominated industries, which adds an additional layer of depth.


If the original animated film sought to surprise children with wisdom, this reimagining seeks to surprise adults with wonder. It feels mature, cinematic, and alive, without ever losing the mischievous spark of the original. Nostalgia may draw audiences in, but the emotion, the acting, and the sheer artistry will keep them captivated.
Ratatouille (2026) is not a simple Disney remake; it is an invitation to believe again, to dream again, and to savor the sweetness of courage. It is a film that proves, once again, that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.
