There just isn't all that much to say about this movie, when you get down to it, except this: it's an absolute delight! We can try to wax poetic about all those qualities which deserve praise, and some folks may find more success than others in speaking effusively to that end. What it comes down to, though, is that this is very sharply made, and so much fun that surely everyone can enjoy it. Nick Park's signature creation has been consistently great over time, and happily, 'Vengeance most fowl' is the latest in a long line of treasures!
It's hard to place a value on the extensive labor involved in claymation. With all minutiae of every model and miniature being lovingly handcrafted and repositioned time and again to create a fluid sequence of visuals over eighty-two minutes, one can only extend the heartiest of congratulations to Aardman Animations for their hard work. The visual experience in this picture really is tremendous, with incredible detail and texture and soft and pleasing colors, let alone tasteful lighting, and keen cinematography and editing. In the fundamental appearance of every odd and end, in basic movement, and not least in more action-oriented scenes, the artists did a stupendous job across the board, and the sheer ardor makes it all the more impressive. The sparing effects that enhance the experience are just icing on the proverbial cake.
That's to say nothing of all the tiny bits and bobs added as set dressing which help Wallace and Gromit's world to pop to life, like photographs on a wall. And these only further speak to the wit of Park with co-writer Mark Burton and co-director Merlin Crossingham, giving us a clever, merry little venture that sparks joy from the first to the last. Drawing upon familiar elements of the world, we see faithful, quick-thinking canine companion Gromit work with his loving but addle-minded human, eccentric inventor Wallace, to turn those creations to useful ends while confounding a no-good criminal who just won't go away. That story is solid and engaging as it develops, but it's really the thought and imagination that round it out that makes this feature the pleasure that it is. Stirring together action-adventure, crime caper shenanigans, and light science fiction with the buddy movie, and anchored by dependable characterizations, each scene in turn offers plentiful variety - and much the same goes for the humor along the way. From cartoonish silliness, to smart dialogue, and from bright gleeful sight gags to glimmers of wry cheek, there's something in here for just about everyone.
The voice cast is reliably excellent in bringing their characters to life, and the original music of Lorne Balfe and Julian Nott adds splendid flavor to complement the proceedings. Truly, there's no going wrong here. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this film is a must-see, or a revelation, but it's so well-rounded and entertaining that it would be a sorry mistake to pass up the chance to watch. No matter who you are, 'Vengeance most fowl' is a really fantastic time, and I'm glad to give it my hearty recommendation!
It's hard to place a value on the extensive labor involved in claymation. With all minutiae of every model and miniature being lovingly handcrafted and repositioned time and again to create a fluid sequence of visuals over eighty-two minutes, one can only extend the heartiest of congratulations to Aardman Animations for their hard work. The visual experience in this picture really is tremendous, with incredible detail and texture and soft and pleasing colors, let alone tasteful lighting, and keen cinematography and editing. In the fundamental appearance of every odd and end, in basic movement, and not least in more action-oriented scenes, the artists did a stupendous job across the board, and the sheer ardor makes it all the more impressive. The sparing effects that enhance the experience are just icing on the proverbial cake.
That's to say nothing of all the tiny bits and bobs added as set dressing which help Wallace and Gromit's world to pop to life, like photographs on a wall. And these only further speak to the wit of Park with co-writer Mark Burton and co-director Merlin Crossingham, giving us a clever, merry little venture that sparks joy from the first to the last. Drawing upon familiar elements of the world, we see faithful, quick-thinking canine companion Gromit work with his loving but addle-minded human, eccentric inventor Wallace, to turn those creations to useful ends while confounding a no-good criminal who just won't go away. That story is solid and engaging as it develops, but it's really the thought and imagination that round it out that makes this feature the pleasure that it is. Stirring together action-adventure, crime caper shenanigans, and light science fiction with the buddy movie, and anchored by dependable characterizations, each scene in turn offers plentiful variety - and much the same goes for the humor along the way. From cartoonish silliness, to smart dialogue, and from bright gleeful sight gags to glimmers of wry cheek, there's something in here for just about everyone.
The voice cast is reliably excellent in bringing their characters to life, and the original music of Lorne Balfe and Julian Nott adds splendid flavor to complement the proceedings. Truly, there's no going wrong here. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this film is a must-see, or a revelation, but it's so well-rounded and entertaining that it would be a sorry mistake to pass up the chance to watch. No matter who you are, 'Vengeance most fowl' is a really fantastic time, and I'm glad to give it my hearty recommendation!