A Classic Movie, animated or not.

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2000)

I take it as proof that we are in the midst of an animation rennaisance that a "claymation" movie about barnyard fowl not only gets released by a major studio, but in the midst of the summer movie season, no less.
Sadly, mainstream moviegoers will more than likely ignore this movie. It's their loss, because it's one of the best, most entertaining movies I've seen in a long, long time.
The artistry and skill that went into this movie creates something more visually spectacular than any stunt or special effect in most summer movies.
The story is geniunely exciting and the characters are engaging. I suppose most people would feel foolish getting emotionally involved in the struggles of lumps of clay...but again, it's their loss.
The truly sad thing is that this is, above all, a great "family movie" that will get lost in the summer shuffle. A couple of moments might be unnerving for younger kids, but nothing worse than the infamous "Bambi's Mother" scene or about 75% of last summer's "Tarzan."
"Chicken Run" deserves a spot on the list of animated classics, up there with "Toy Story" and the Disney "masterpieces" (those that have earned the title rather than having it slapped on the video cover by the marketing department, that is).