There is something taboo about placing rats in the kitchen; they’re dirty, and their scampering little bodies are a red flag against a clean, white cooking sanctuary. Nonetheless, writer/director Brad Bird tackles the task of transforming the forbidden rodent law into something sweet, soft, cuddly, and delicious. While this film falls short of Finding Nemo’s stature, Bird delivers a beautifully animated food film that gives off a fine aroma and spikes the senses.

Remy (Patton Oswalt) is a rat who is disgusted by garbage. Instead, he prefers combining flavors, creating meals, and appeasing his sophisticated palate. Once Remy’s anti-human Dad (Brian Dennehy) hears of his son’s outstanding sense of smell, he misinterprets Remy’s talent and assigns Remy to the job of poison-checker. Shortly thereafter, Remy gets separated from his colony and finds himself under the restaurant of his deceased culinary idol, Paris’ own, and author of “Anyone Can Cook,” Chef Gusteau (Brad Garrett).

When Remy concocts the perfect soup in Gusteau’s kitchen, he connects with garbage boy Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano). The rat and human become an unlikely team, crafting fine cuisine together. As it appears to the kitchen staff, Linguini is doing the cooking; however, it is Remy who is really pulling the strings (literally). While Remy looks to please diners, especially food critic Anton “The Grim Eater” Ego (Peter O’Toole), Linguini gets sidetracked by an alluring fellow kitchen hand named Colette (Janaeane Garofalo).

The bond between Linguini and Remy is more than human/pet; it is more of a professional partnership and friendship. As the story progresses, both Remy and Alfredo bring their dreams to life. Throughout the process, neither overshadows the other, and the man and animal serve as a tag team of driven protagonists.

Additionally, a protagonist layer relates closely to the Disney classic The Little Mermaid. Much like Ariel, Remy is a non-human who envies humans and their power of discovery and creation. Remy thinks little of his kind and believes that rats are merely thieves and bottom-feeders without an appreciation for taste. Furthermore, Remy walks upright — not only to subconsciously mimic a human, but also to avoid a constant need to wash his paws before eating.