Utterly charming.

Rating: 9/10 (9 July 2000)

Chicken Run is probably the most original, most refreshing and delightful movies this season. Nick Park, the genius behind Wallace & Gromit, tells the story of a group of hens who are bound and determined to escape from Tweedy's Farm. Led by the ever resourseful, and persevering Ginger, the hens try tunneling, making runs for the gate and just about everything else you could imagine. When all hope is lost, along comes Rocky Rhodes, who might just be the answer to their prayers. The film benefits from being animated with clay. If it was done with traditional animation or computers, the feel of the film would be off. The chickens with their large behinds and teeth look less like chickens, and more like a strange sort of doppleganger to the actors that give them voices. A very British sensibility runs through the film. From Ginger's never give up attitude, to Col. Fowler's tirades about doing things in the R.A.F. and his feelings towards Rocky's involvement. As he says about "Yanks", "Always late for a war, over sexed and over here." Chicken Run is a wonderful film for all ages. The older kids (namely adults) will have fun with the jokes and references to other films, while the younger kids will enjoy the animation and the rousing story. Very witty, very charming and utterly irresistable.