Barn Yard War Film.

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2015)

Chicken Run (2000): Dir: Peter Lord, Nick Park / Voices: Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson, Tony Haygarth, Timothy Spall: A family film that exploits prison movie clichés. It introduces a hen named Ginger who has made every attempt to escape her barb wire surroundings but her attempts are faltered by farmer Tweedy and his ruthless wife. Just when all seems hopeless a rooster named Rocky drops in seeking refuge from circus life. Ginger will conceal him in favour of flying lessons but unfortunately he cannot actually fly. They must work fast before they are subject to Tweedy's pie making machine. Surprising and innovative claymation flawed only with a silly conclusion where a chicken lugs implausible weight. Directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park with voices by Mel Gibson as Rocky who sees the confinement as an escape whereas the chickens await a dire fate. Julia Sawalha voices Ginger whom remains strong and hopeful despite the gloom of the situation. Miranda Richardson and tony Haygarth voice Mr and Mrs Tweedy who will meet defeat but not without a good dose of humour thrown in. Timothy Spall provides the voice of a rat who may remind viewers of the rat in Charlotte's Web who shares similar personality. While children may not grasp the prison film references, it is still wonderful family viewing where claymation take flight faster than the chickens. Score: 8 / 10