WALL*E himself is a triumph of wringing expression and personality out of often subtle movement. But even more impressive is the “acting ability” of his lady love EVE, who has less of a face and even fewer moving parts. And who knew one could make such a winning character out of a mute, unnamed cockroach?

The Pixar animators have terrific comic timing, as they prove in the short that precedes WALL*E. Presto is an excellent throwback to the physics ballet of vintage Warner Bros. cartoons, with its central conceit–a pair of linked magical hats–played out in endless permutations. WALL*E follows with many fun sight gags of its own.

The main feature is something of a Lorax for the new millennium, but it takes Dr. Seuss’ storyline a step further by having its characters actually plant the seed and reclaim the Earth. And while its eco-friendly message may not be anything new, it’s got a second moral up its sleeve: that you can accomplish miracles if you just get off your dead, fat ass. I think it’s telling that the fate of the human race ultimately depends on someone pushing a button marked “manual.”