I am a long-time fan of stop motion animation. Having grown
up in the days when the name Ray Harryhausen was something that inspired
thoughts of a great time at the movies there was little chance that anyone from
that time could not. When the characters of Wallace and Gromit came along I was
fascinated and laughed out loud at their antics. When Aardman Studios made
CHICKEN RUN and THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT I made a point of seeing them and
having a good time as well. That tradition carries on with this release.
I was unaware of the series this movie was based on and now
intend to find copies of it on DVD. The story revolves around two friends, a
dog named Bitzer and a sheep named Shaun. Living on Mossy Bottom Farm with the
farmer and other animals they live a contented life. But Shaun wants to do
something different than the daily routine. To do so he has to distract the
attention of the Farmer. Things get out of hand, the Farmer ends up bopped on
the head developing a case of amnesia and is carted off to the hospital.
With the Farmer gone things are different and okay for a
spell but that all changes when the pigs take over his house. Shaun soon
realizes how good he had it and recruits Bitzer and his fellow sheep to go in
search of the Farmer to return him home. One way or another they reach the city
having adventures along the way only to find the Farmer has walked out of the
hospital on his own, still having no clue who he is.
Again, a number of adventures follow and to describe each
would not only take time but ruin the fun viewers will have watching this
movie. Suffice to say each one is hilarious and doesn’t rush into presenting
the jokes but lets them slowly unwind as a good comedy should. And more than
just a stop-motion animated feature this movie is indeed a comedy and quite a
good one at that. So much so that the film has been nominated for best animated
feature film for this year’s (2015) Oscars.
The movie is such a treat that I know children will love
watching what happens from moment to moment. It’s one of those films that will
have them laughing and capture their attention for the full running time.
Better yet it will have the same effect on adults as well.
I’ve read that another feature is in the works and that puts
a smile on my face and not one that is off kilter a bit like the one on
Shaun’s. The movie will leave you laughing, will touch your heart and will
entertain you from start to finish. What more could you ask for from a film?
Big studio CGI animated features will probably dominate the awards but when it
comes to creativity and heart, this movie from the little studio that could is
well worth not just watching but adding to your shelf.
Click here to order.
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