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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OPINION 
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Pixar's Lovable Robot Has Important Lessons For Us

Wall-E warns about our over-consumption

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(Newser) – Yes, Wall-E has environmental themes, but its main point is a moral one, writes Michael Gerson in the Washington Post. Not simply a critique of capitalism, as some conservatives have suggested, the movie sets its satirical sights on our self-imprisoning culture of consumption—and the snacking, reclining consumers in the audience. It offers us an alternative of hope, beauty, and joy.

The little robot's love of Hello, Dolly! offers the grace and emotion to contrast with future humans' conformity. Wall-E's story may end up as timeless as his favorite classic musical, especially if it is successful in allowing a computer-generated robot to teach audiences that humanity is about more than the "sum of their wants."

Hello Dolly! is part of
Hello Dolly! is part of "the great, underestimated American art form," writes Michael Gerson. "Broadway musicals epitomized a belief in the triumph of love, hope and choreography."   (Archive Photos)
The little trash-compacting robot offers deeper lessons than a simple warning about ruining Planet Earth.
The little trash-compacting robot offers deeper lessons than a simple warning about ruining Planet Earth.   ((Disney / Pixar))
In a movie so populated with robots, there is still plenty of space for lessons about humanity.
In a movie so populated with robots, there is still plenty of space for lessons about humanity.   (Disney/Pixar)
In a movie so populated with robots, there is still plenty of space for lessons about humanity.
In a movie so populated with robots, there is still plenty of space for lessons about humanity.   (Disney/Pixar)
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Wall-E Lovers...

Could this movie make musicals cool again?
Examiner

Time for an animated Best-Picture Oscar?
World Mag

Why Wall-E will define our times
Independent (UK)

...and Haters?

Movie will make fat kids feel bad
MSNBC

Wall-E promotes anti-American worldview
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

This film is toxic, warns NY mayor
Jewish Daily Forward


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