Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Directed by: Nick Park and Steve Box
Starring: (voices of) Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham-Carter

You know, I had forgotten just how funny and lovable Wallace and Gromit are. I've seen all their short films, a long time ago, and when this feature length one came out I was mildly interested but not chomping at the bit, if you see what I mean. But I rented it the other day and it all came flooding back how quirkily (is that a word?) charming it is.

Anyway, the film is an extremely good family film - which, by my definition, means it is clean and sweet enough for children to love with good jokes for adults to enjoy as well. So this one fits the bill. In the film, inventor Wallace and his silent but oh-so-lovable sidekick dog Gromit have established a pest control business, rididng the local residents of unwanted vermin that may ruin their precious vegetables. Everyone is hoping to win at the vegetable competition so protecting their cabbages, marrows, turnips, etc. is a pretty important job. Of course Wallace goes a bit over the top (as usual) and tries to brainwash the bunnies they catch not to want to eat vegetables, but of course the whole thing backfires and we are left with an unravelling mystery and overall mess, and good old Gromit has to save the day.

The animation is, of course, brilliant. The process of stop-motion animation, though time-consuming, does produce very specific, very expressive characters, and allows the film to have a more realistic 3D look. Most brilliant of all is Gromit, who, although never says anything and doesn't actually have any mouth at all (how does he eat, poor thing?) conveys every single expression and emotion with utmost clarity. In this film I also particularly liked all the little rabbits, who are just adorable.

It is very funny and there are plenty of subtle references and jokes hidden in the dialogue and story (in one of the photos on the wall we can see Gromit graduating from 'Dogwarts' school), although not so many as in something like Shrek, for example.

Overall, I don't have any criticisms of the film, but it isn't absolutely brilliant either. A nice film for children and adults alike, and well-deserved of its recognition.

A-

Talliestar

Wallace: Oh Gromit! I don't want to be a rabbit!
Hutch the Rabbit: Aww. The bounce has gone from his bungee.