A Patient, Kid-Friendly, Character-Driven Romp

Rating: 7/10 (4 January 2019)

Wes Anderson and Roald Dahl meet in the middle for this eccentric, free-spirited interpretation of an early 1970s short story. I'll admit to not being a fan the first time I saw this, years ago, but upon a second viewing (now a parent, watching it with my kids) I can better appreciate it. As I've become more familiar with Mr. Dahl since that time, I found the author's calling cards more obvious, a close match for the director's idiosyncratic directing style and obsessive attention to detail.
Stuffed with small character moments and a warm, soft pace, it operates with an unusual cadence that takes time and effort to accept. The voice acting is star-studded and mostly effective, particularly George Clooney's turn as the smooth-talking lead with a taste for one last heist, though the actors do often get caught up by the constant long-winded, dry, breathless dialog. Many supporting players sound positively bored by that process. The animation fits the tone quite well, using stop-motion puppets that closely resemble a set of well-loved kids' toys, and that helps give the screen a familiar, welcoming atmosphere. Like walking through the door to your old childhood bedroom, twenty years on. It's a worthwhile alternative to today's louder, flashier fare.