Perfection in Plasticine

Rating: 10/10 (17 August 2000)

This is a first rate movie, entertaining kids and adults equally on many levels, a rarity. This was the first movie I've seen since Babe where the kids in the theater (and there were many) laughed hysterically at all the right moments and yet were silent and involved even during somber scenes. Not a single frivolous peep. But laugh they did, many times.
Adults laughed even more then the kids. The screenplay is wickedly funny, and fast paced. Sharp witted barbs at English culture (esp. post WWII) and subtle pokes at many Hollywood movies abound. They fly off the screen with terrific voicework by the actors (no slouches here). This is a treat to find combined with Nick Park's trademark inventive direction and his mentor Peter Lord's production design. Park's action scenes are more electrifying then most Hollywood blockbusters. Park and Lord's shelf of Oscar's for animated shorts are well earned and they've created a singular debut feature film.