Mr. Fox really is Fantastic

Rating: 7/10 (23 December 2009)

I've noticed that ever since The Nightmare before Christmas was released in 1993, no entirely stop-motion or claymation film (intended for children) has received mostly negative reviews. This year there were two films of this type and each will probably be nominated for an Oscar. All of these projects span multiple years and each leaves a unique legacy. Coraline, the other stop-motion film this year, was the first to be filmed entirely in 3-D. Even though nearly two decades have passed, directors can still focus on one aspect of the production at the sake of the others. Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox is the first of its type to be dialog-heavy.
Anderson is as much an auteur as Burton and likewise indulges himself too much. At times, the cast of this film could be transplanted to The Royal Tenenbaums. His formula has proved itself over three films now as financially viable and clever enough to attract a sizable home audience. I won't discredit him yet, but none of his movies have left me with a lasting satisfaction. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a sumptuous candy bar of a movie. One to cherish while partaking but unfortunately one that aggravates if too much is ingested.
The story begins with Mr. Fox's maudlin recollection of his previously thrilling life. He has been reduced to living in a bloody hole and working as a journalist. He longs to return to his days as a chicken thief and live a more prestigious life. The family reluctantly agrees with his suggestion that they move into a tree, and Mr. Fox begins reliving his past. The targets of his nightly visits are three disgruntled but largely incompetent farmers who vow revenge. The three stooges surround and destroy the Fox residence, but forgot that foxes can dig. As the family flees underground, they encounter their neighbors who have been disturbed by the explosion. After confronting the three farmers in a comedic war, the animals settle in the sewers and live off of grocery wares owned by the three farmers.
Anderson couldn't have picked a better voice actor for Mr. Fox. George Clooney's refined masculinity imbues the character with larger than life personality. No matter the situation, Mr. Fox seems to deliver a debonair speech, a timely response, or a pithy comeback. Even other characters acknowledge his superiority by attempting to mimic his mannerisms and catch phrases. I really like how Anderson didn't feel restrained by this literary requirement. Instead, he plays it for many chuckles. Mr. Fox, being the better-than-you person he is, can notice his nephew's talent at thievery is clearly higher than his son's and takes him on missions. The conflict Mr. Fox faces is the reality that he really is fantastic but no one else is. He has to live with his own smugness while still appearing sincere. By the concluding segment, I think Mr. Fox has finally learned at least a pretend humility only hindered by his uncanny ability to get stuff done.
2009 has been such as strong year for animated films that I can say that any of the big five potential nominees, including this one, could win without my complaint. Still, I think Fantastic Mr. Fox is the dark horse. The film is marketed as a children's picture but is more suited to adults. Don't hesitate to bring your children to see it. They may relate to Mr. Fox's son's inability to view himself worthy as his father's son or at least enjoy the still unusual animation.