Chicken Run (2000)

 

There's no denying the craftsmanship of Aardman Studios. Even from their beginnings with the character of Morph, they've consistently brought fun adventures in clay to the world. Of course, their breakthrough was the Wallace & Gromit short films, which are still absolutely delightful. Heck, 'The Wrong Trousers' might be one of the best animated features ever made, it's thàt good. But they also made (and still make) feature length films and this is their first major foray into that realm.

It is also a lot of fun.

Mixing elements of 'The Great Escape' and 'Stalag 17', this is not a war film, but one about a group of chickens that desperately want to escape. Led by Ginger, who undertakes escape attempt after escape attempt, the chickens grow weary of their life of laying eggs and especially of being offed as soon as they don't produce anything anymore. Their owners, the Tweedy's, are pretty evil, as they care nothing for their animals and especially Mrs Tweedy wants profit and more profit. She decides that instead of eggs, they will focus on chicken pies as this is more lucrative. So naturally, this would spell doom for the chickens.

In flies Rocky, an American rooster who now gives the chickens hope that they can actually fly out of their prison instead of undertaking daring, yet flawed escape plans through other means. But not everything is as it seems... 

There is so much to love about this one. For one, the voice acting is spot on. Julia Sawalha is great as Ginger and Mel Gibson has never been more lovable than in his portrayal of Rocky.

Yes, I know. I just called Mel Gibson 'lovable'. Don't worry, I'll see myself out after this. 

But the voice cast is great across the board. Miranda Richardson is brilliant as the sort-of-evil Mrs Tweedy and the select chickens you will get to know (Bunty, Babs and Mac) are memorable not just in design, but in character. Bonus points to the two mice, who are sleazy merchants and among the funniest characters in the film. 

The design and execution is top notch. Not only does the chicken coop look exactly like a WWII prison camp, the entire atmosphere has that war-vibe. The clay animation is expertly done and you can only wonder at the massive amount of work and effort that went into it. 

But all that would be nothing if the writing wasn't up to scratch, and it absolutely delivers. Dialogue is quick and snappy, and pretty much all jokes land, leaving you in stitches across the board. Yes, there is some action and suspense as well, but it will always be intercut with some well placed jokes to lighten the mood. 

So are there any downsides to this one? Well, perhaps the premisse, which in truth is once again a take on 'the liar revealed', a trope that has become rather stale as it is one of the easiest plot devices there is. It doesn't really bother this film as much, but the predictability can make it feel a bit too bland storywise. 

However, by the end you will be thoroughly entertained and you will have laughed on numerous occasions. Kids will adore this one and adults will get more than enough out of it, as the writing is for the most part intelligent and witty. 

Recommended!