Early Man (2018)

 

Aardman Studios always have that extra bit of flair. Is it because they still do everything by hand (because claymation)? Or is it their innate sense of fun and humour, usually nicely wrapped up in a package that can delight both adults and children? 

Who knows. 

This isn't one of their best, but to be fair: that is still a high benchmark for most films to get over. It's an enjoyable, albeit ultimately forgettable film that doesn't reach the heights of say 'Chicken Run', but you won't regret watching this either. 

In the past, when humanity was barely holding on, a meteorite struck the Earth and in the aftermath, humans discovered how to play football. Fast forward several generations, and Dug and his band of Stone Age people live in a valley, hunting rabbits and not doing anything above their station. But when the mischievous lord Nooth has his sights set on their land because there is a lot of bronze (and he is from a Bronze Age civilization), there's trouble brewing, as Dug's tribe is thrown out of the valley.

The only way Dug can think of getting their land back, is to challenge Nooth's team to a game of football, which is in the Bronze Civilization a huge deal. But naturally, Nooth is not going to make it easy for the Stone Age tribe, especially as they have no idea how to actually play. But Dug manages to get help from Goona, a girl who is very good at the sport but who is forbidden to play because she is a girl. 

The high points are undoubtedly the animation, which is very Aardman but also so enjoyable to watch. The attention to detail is once again rather absurd and the jokes do land. The beetle shaver and the crocodile clothes' pegs are genius. Most of the voicework is spot on, and especially Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) with his faux French accent is sidesplittingly hilarious. 

However, the story isn't that special or memorable and if you really have no affinity with football, things can get quite stale after a while, as there are also numerous references to things concerning this sport. Sure, they're jokes, but if you know squat about it all, they might miss their target. 

But that is a minor issue. This is a fun watch, but it just isn't as memorable as others. I'd still recommend it, though, just for giggles and for the craftsmanship which is once again top notch.