An enjoyable family film of theft and responsibility.

Rating: 8/10 (31 October 2010)

"The Fantastic Mr. Fox" is rare in modern cinema, being filmed in stop motion animation. Using stop motion sets it apart from other recent animated features that rely more on computer images (CGI) this choice adds to the effect of the adventures of a fox that tries to fight against his own thieving nature. "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" effectively presents the whimsical nature of its children's book (written by Roald Dahl, best known for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) roots with the choice of animation technique. The theme of responsibility and honesty are common in children's stories but are effectively packaged. The hero being well intentioned but flawed (if not almost entirely careless) character makes the film accessible to the whole family without being overly pushy in delivery.
Vocal casting is overall well done, but at times it can be annoying and cliché for an animated feature. George Clooney lends his voice for the role of Mr. Fox adding a feeling of "smooth" cockiness while maintaining the ability to garner the audience's sympathy when needed. The voice of Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep) carries a tone of "responsibility" while at times being demanding in nature (and irritating in its constant seriousness). Jason Schwartzman's typical role choice of an awkward socially inept character is a good fit for the role of Ash (the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fox). The most surprising vocal talent in the film is Willem Defoe's character of the psychotic French accented, Rat.
Animation techniques used in this film are reminiscent of cartoonish, technically sophisticated Ray Harryhausen, offering smoother movements and better character integration with the backgrounds. From a technical standpoint the style very effectively matches the story, sound effects are comedic and appropriate (Mr. Fox's whistling seems to be borrowed from Donald Sutherland's character "Hawkeye" Pierce in "M.A.S.H. (1970)," which was also used more recently in "The Losers (2010)"), lighting is appropriate for mood, and the effects are suitable to the films fantastic nature.
The awkward humor and overall style of "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" is similar to Wes Anderson's other films "The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)", "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)" and "Rushmore (1998)". It's hard to point exactly what the similarity in Wes Anderson's movies is, but those familiar with his past films will notice it in this one as well (many actors in Anderson's previous pictures also appear in this one). In all, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" is an enjoyable film of an impulsive fox and the prices he and others must pay for his actions. Despite some of the occasional annoyances from some of the vocal talent (this is personal taste), delivering the themes of delivery responsibility and friendship in an effective and enjoyable manner makes it worth watching at least once (even to just see modern use of stop motion). And perhaps the greatest message of all is not about stealing squibs or seeking adventure but about remembering to dance.