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Pixar’s “WALL-E” is downright wonderful

Too bad you can’t give an Oscar to a computer-animated robot.

WALL-E, star of Pixar’s latest success story, would be a shoo-in for the vaunted acting prize.

For starters, he’s adorable — a battered, rusty box of bolts with personality to spare. He can convey more with a well-timed beep or squeal than your average Shakespearean soliloquy. And his binocular-style eyes speak volumes.

Pixar puts the little robot through his paces in “WALL-E,” a CGI marvel that offers laughs, thrills and some of the company’s best animation in years.

Our story opens in the not-to-distant future, on an Earth ravaged by pollution and overpopulation.

WALL-E is the last remaining survivor of a huge robot horde assigned to clean up the planet. While his fellow ‘bots have broken down or run out of juice, WALL-E keeps on truckin’ — scooping up piles of rubbish and squeezing them into neat cubes.

Naturally, there’s a side effect to WALL-E’s longevity.

Over the years, the plucky ‘bot has become sentient. And very lonely.

When a sleek robot named Eve arrives to search for sustainable life, WALL-E does what any sensible, self-respecting machine would never do. He falls in love.

“WALL-E” capably mixes science fiction and screwball comedy.

There are moments of tender romance. Comedic pratfalls. High-tension thrills.

The fact that the action is virtually wordless makes it all the more poignant.

Meanwhile, audiences are treated to some of the best special effects on the market today: swirling nebulae, dust storms and gleaming spaceships.

With great visuals, a winning protagonist and a plot that appeals to both kids and adults, “WALL-E” rivals “Finding Nemo” as one of Pixar’s best.

To borrow a phrase, “S’wonderful.”

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“WALL-E” is currently playing at Downtown Centre Cinema and Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo, at Park Cinemas in Paso Robles, and at Regal Cinemas in Arroyo Grande.

Photo courtesy of MovieWeb.com.