Don't blame me, the Pixar folks stuck that dig at its new animated flick Ratatouille in the movie. Certainly an overstatement of the film's lack of surprise, ingenuity, etc. But not much.

It's inevitable that Pixar's streak of terrific 'toons and box office windfalls they deserve has to end. Ratatouille may be the one. There just aren't many things to do with a rat in a French restaurant that Taco Bell hasn't done with burritos in Manhattan.

One clue to the film's shortcomings: I noticed more children heading to the lobby -- restroom break or maybe something more interesting than what was on screen -- than usual for any kid flick. The problem is that after making movies about fish, superheroes, toys, cars, bugs and monsters under the bed, Pixar hit on a subject that won't have any personal connection to children. That is, unless they're big Food Network fans.

If Ratatouille does click with audiences, I don't want to hear any complaints about kids trying to pet the nice rats in the alley, garage or orange tree.