Mhatt has done an excellent job covering the big movies for the Oscars. The Academy Awards are on tonight and none of us are going to watch it. We will list the winners in the morning though.
In the meantime, check out Mhatt’s review of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. And yes, we have had a review, but this is an Oscar review.
A huge thanks to Mhatt for his reviews. If you ever fancy sending in a review, some news or anything that might be of interest, send it to: [email protected]
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Directed by: Merlin Crossingham & Nick Park. Written by: Mark Burton, Nick Park, Holly Walsh. Starring: Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel and Reece Shearsmith.
Wallace has invented a fantastic new robot which becomes a sought-after accessory for his old nemesis, Feathers McGraw.
Intrepid inventor Wallace (Whitehead) has created the ultimate yard work assistant in the form of a robot Gnome called Norbot (Shearsmith). To help pay off his and his dog Gromit’s growing pile of bills, Norbot is rented out and soon lands in the hands of their incarcerated adversary, Feathers McGraw.
Crime Most Fowl
A crime wave is unleashed and Wallace and Gromit are investigated by keener cop P.C. Mukherjee (Patel) and days away from retirement, Chief Inspector Mackintosh (Kay). After their lives’ work of inventions gets confiscated, Wallace and Gromit must work through a soft reboot and work to regain their status as good citizens, and neighbours and finally figure out the whereabouts of a stolen diamond.
When the clues once again lead back to themselves, Wallace and Gromit realize that while technology can be a convenient ally, sometimes a low-tech approach can be the most ingenious.
Overall
Overall, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a solid if not notable entry into the long-running franchise. The usual humour is on display, as well as the familiar and endearing characters. Most notable about the production is it’s the first feature without original Wallace voice actor Peter Sallis, who passed away in 2017.
Callbacks and Easter eggs abound in this otherwise formulaic sequel which benefits from staying in its wheelhouse to deliver on modest expectations. The lean eighty-six-minute running time keeps the story moving, both broadening the audience’s appeal while respecting the painstaking efforts required in stop-motion Claymation.
Vengeance Most Fowl is a charming watch, and I am constantly impressed with how facial expressions and body language are often more than adequate to communicate all manner of emotions and thoughts and stands as a nice reminder that talent does still get work these days.
Creator Nick Park has been hauling in accolades for these characters since the 90’s; including 3 Annie Awards, 4 Oscars and 8 BAFTAs, and seems to still get a kick out of his work, which makes the viewing experience a genuine and pleasant experience.
What You Should or Shouldn’t Watch For:
- Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film
Only recommended viewing for anyone with kids, grandparents, eyes, a heart, and ninety minutes to kill. And for anyone who dares say the Brits are past their prime.