On most large (or even small) scale creative endeavors it’s typically unfair to give only one person credit for the end result. Most quality expressions of creativity (that I find myself in awe of) are the output of teams. But, it appears to be in our nature as a society to search for the one person who deserves the credit. And in truth, it is often one person who brings everyone together and keeps them focused on the end result. Brad Bird’s first movie at Pixar was The Incredibles. He was the first “outside” director to make a film at Pixar where before the films were made by the John Lasseter/Andrew Stanton group.

As much as I have loved the Pixar films, Cars (made by Lasseter) was the first one to feel less than stellar for me. It was like an perfectly executed dish without soul. Everything done right, but with no feeling. Fundamentally at fault was the predictable story. No amount of gorgeous animation could make the movie more interesting when you knew from the 7th minute how the movie was going to unfold. And it’s true that you also know how Ratatouille, Pixar’s new movie, is going to end, but the little twists and turns are just innovative enough that you submit for the ride.

Never mind that Ratatouille is visually stunning. Never mind that the scenes of Paris are incredibly gorgeous, detailed, and accurate (at least in terms of how Paris “feels”. Ratatouille was fun, engaging, and filled with little unexpected and funny moments. I feel like the Pixar movies started getting a bit more saccharine with Finding Nemo. Cars took went even further in the wrong direction in my mind. Up until the Incredibles was released, A Bug’s Life was my favorite Pixar film. Not a concensus favorite but a really special movie in my opinion. Walking out of Ratatouille yesterday with the kids I think I enjoyed it even more than they did.

Some could (reasonably) claim that the category of animated children’s films is tired. A movie like Ratatouille proves that even in the most “tired” category, small innovations, large amounts of creativity, and super execution can make something feel new, alive, and exciting. Brad Bird made the Incredibles and came in to deliver Ratatouille. Originally I imagine when Bird came to Pixar he felt a lot of pressure to meet the bar set by the string of Pixar successes. I think now it is the rest of the crew that needs to meet the bar that he has set.