 By Kathryn E. Eriksen
The new Disney/Pixar movie, “Wall-e” provides a glimpse into the future of mankind. The planet is so toxic from accumulated waste and pollution that it has been abandoned. Nothing grows there and certainly no human lives there. Except Wall-e, a robot whose sole purpose is to clean up the planet. But Wall-e is more than just a machine. He has a highly developed sense of curiosity and wonder, but no one is around to share his discoveries. Until one day, when a space ship almost lands on Wall-e and the most beautiful robot in the world begins scanning the landscape for clues. The resulting love story and adventure are very entertaining and enlightening. Joy and laughter are found in the oddest places, but the identification with those emotions triggers a similar reaction in the viewer. The juxtaposition of nostalgic love songs and movie clips heightens the emotional content. Here we are – 700 years in the future – and we still hum along with old show tunes. The robots’ love story contrasts sharply with the human condition in space. We have allowed ourselves to become totally passive – from how we eat to how we move. Everyone is asleep to the world around them, until Wall-e introduces a surprise element into this sterile world. He sparks change and that change leads the way home – back to Earth. It has been said that “Wall-e” was an adult movie that kids would also enjoy seeing. But the message of connectedness and stewardship rang sharply in all of us. As we left the theatre, the adults and kids alike vowed to never let that happen to our planet. Wall-e may be a fictitious cartoon character, but he also stands as a symbol of what can go wrong if we are not careful. The giant inflatable Wall-e that stood in the parking lot seemed to nod as we drove by – because we “got” his message. Video Trailer
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