Film Guide

I have always loved the stories of Roald Dahl. He had a wonderful way of taking everyday objects and characters, combining them together in ways that create beautiful rollercoaster styled tales.

So for those of you who have not read “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” or have forgotten it, here’s the rundown of the plot.

It is the story of one Mr. Fox and his wild-ways of hen heckling, turkey taking and cider sipping, nocturnal, instinctive adventures. He has to put his wild days behind him and do what fathers do best: be responsible. Of course deep down he is too rebellious and wild to keep out of trouble in the long term and hence plans “just one more raid” on Boggis, Bunce and Bean (the three nastiest and mean farmers). 

It is a classic and endearing tale of one fox’s balancing of family responsibilities with crazy night-time adventures, which leads to side splitting hi-jinks and desperate times for the woodland creatures.

The brilliantly colourful vocal characterization from this all-star cast is particularly riveting to partake. With this awesome and rather quirkily stylized clay-mation, the story unfolds before your eyes in a dazzling and tantalising visual feast for not only your eyes but also your ears. Spectacularly witty dialogue pays great homage to the creative genius that was Roald Dahl. In all honesty I was rather scared that this would be a movie that once again I nowhere as good as the book. However after the 87 minutes and was desperate for more and the desire to re-watch has never been stronger.

For a across the board family and all ages movie this is by far the most well rounded cinema offering in the past 12 months. A definite to see on the big screen and then follow it up by adding it to your DVD collection.

Reviewed by: Jon E Clist
Releases: 7th January 2009
Rating: G
Running time: 87 minutes
Genre: Animated Comedy
Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and More
Director: Wes Anderson