Review summary
In the Fantastic Mr. Fox art house meets mainstream cinema. Using stop motion, also known as stop-action or frame-by-frame animation techniques, physically manipulated objects appear to move on their own. This technique hasn't played such a prominent role in mainstream media since Gumby. As animation films franchises appeal to adult as well as children, this film leans more toward adult audiences than ever. And Wes Anderson director of such films as Bottle Rocket (1996), Rushmore (1998), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), The Darjeeling Limited (2007) continues this adult leaning. But not to worry, children will be able to grasp the "moral of the story" and there are many: be true to your nature, don't be greedy, think how your actions effect other etc. And if not the moral lessons, the very young will be engaged and fascinated by the stop motion animation. Everyone will appreciate the fine storytelling. And unsurprisingly fine art students, digital artists and movie buff alike will appreciate the artistic mastery of the film.
Synopsis
Mr and Mrs Fox live an idyllic home life with their son Ash and visiting young nephew Kristopherson. But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr Fox's wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil Farmers -- Boggis, Bunce and Bean -- who are determined to capture the audacious, fantastic Mr Fox at any cost
Cast (credit order)
George Clooney (Mr. Fox), Meryl Streep (Mrs. Fox), Jason Schwartzman (Ash), Bill Murray (Badger), Wallace Wolodarsky (Kylie), Eric Chase Anderson (Kristofferson).
Release Date: November 13th, 2009 (limited); November 25th (wide) (USA). Directed by Wes Anderson; written by Roald Dahl (novel) and Wes Anderson (screenplay), full cast and credits; released by 20th Century Fox Animation. Running time: 88 minutes; MPAA Rating: PG; genre: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Animation and Adaptation.
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