by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
Aardman is a funny little studio that is known for making funny little films. Ones about pirates, jail-breaking chickens, cavemen, and, of course, a man and his dog. The latter has spawned a tantamount of love, adoration, and generational quotes from many families who have enjoyed Wallace and Gromit’s adventures together.
So, of course, it’s no surprise that the announcement of a new movie from the pair, where arguably the most popular villain from Aardman would be coming back and wreaking further havoc, was met with excitement and anticipation.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl followsthe titular characters as they become victim to another of Wallace’s rogue inventions, resulting in the pair being framed for a series of suspicious crimes. Crimes that have a distinctly feathery feeling about them…
It’s impossible to talk about Aardman without discussing the artistry of the animation style. Claymation was really given a home when the studio brought it to screen. And although others before or after have done it, none have ever risen to such British heights as those of this little studio. I’m glad to say that in this way, the animation is still top notch. Unique, consistent, and like 20 years haven’t even passed, Vengeance Most Fowl manages to capture the comfort of nostalgia, with the wonders of present technological sensibilities, and do so with a constantly little wink-wink-nudge-nudge to the audience.
Every now and again, it’s likely the adults in the room will be brought out of the film by the simple act of reminding themselves about the hours of work it takes to simply capture one to two seconds of the film, making this 79-minute feat marvelous. Especially when considering this day and age of lifelike computer animated graphics, having something tactile do so much on screen is a pleasure to see, no matter the subject.
However, it’s still chock full of subject matter. The small jokes and British-isms that the Wallace & Gromit franchise is known for are still very much present in every moment of this film. Whether it’s puns coming through with every second line or visual joke, or the man and dog’s odd couple rhythm, viewers are sure to at least chuckle, if not guffaw, at the jokes and set pieces throughout the film.
Not to mention, the return of the infamous chicken-disguised penguin, Feathers McGraw, doesn’t disappoint with his turn toward something more attuned to a dastardly Bond villain. In fact, it’s the little moments of humor and lightness that are presented through elements such as film technique, and being unafraid of the silliness, which allow this film’s heart to really shine.
Having said all of that, there is still an element of rinse and repeat happening here. With this being a sequel to the infamous short, The Wrong Trousers, practiced Aardman viewers will notice how similar this story is to its predecessor. A frustrated Gromit, a bewilderingly ignorant Wallace, and a presence who is clearly evil. All the same notes are still there and being actively used. For new viewers, children, or those who haven’t seen the shorts, and are instead more interested in movies, this wouldn’t be anything strange. However, if you’re someone who considers themselves even a mild fan, then you’re likely to notice these elements, and have to actively shake them off so that you can enjoy the “new” story being presented.
Given the type of film that this is, these criticisms aren’t anything too damning. In fact, that’s what this is all really about: a chance to reignite the fire of Aardman love by allowing adult viewers to get back in touch with their “childish” side, as well as to open up the story to those who might have been born in the last 20 years.
Simple yet still relatively brilliant, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is simply a delight. Quite literally fun for the whole family, while this might not be breaking any new ground, it certainly is adding new padding to some that is already quite soft.
Rating: High Side of Liked It
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is currently streaming on Netflix
You can read more from Alice-Ginevra Micheli, and follow her on Instagram and Letterboxd