‘Shaun the Sheep’ is perfect kid’s movie
– Film Review by Cate Marquis –
What makes a perfect animated kid’s movie? Likeable characters, clever humor that works for both kids and parents, top-notch creative animation, a story that entertains kids – without ultimately undermining values, like fair play, kindness and manners, that parents hope to teach them. For the “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” it is check, check, check and check – a perfect score.
While many of this summer’s big movies have been lackluster, the “Shaun the Sheep Movie” is a total winner. This perfect kid’s movie is from Aardman Animations, the folks who brought us “Wallace and Gromit” and it has it all – it is funny, entertaining, and creative with terrific stop-motion claymation animation, delighting kids and adults alike. The story is exciting and packed with kid-friendly humor and actions, but without being too scary or teaching kids something that parents might find objectionable, as too many other kid’s films do. The movie is essentially silent comedy, with no real dialog (although there are a few signs to read). Characters speak in nonsense mumbles and communicate with gestures and expressions, leaving the visuals to carry the story and comedy. Chaplin and Keaton would be proud.
The story is simple but leaves plenty of room for comedy. Shaun is tired of the checklist schedule of the Farmer and his dog Bitzer, so he persuades the other sheep at Mossy Bottom Farm to take over and have a day off. But things don’t exactly work out as planned and Shaun and the rest of the sheep end up in the nearby Big City, trying to rescue the Farmer while dodging even more trouble. The sheep resort to disguises to evade a nasty animal control officer named Trumper. Meanwhile, Bitzer the dog tracks them to the city. Silliness and thrills ensue.
The character Shaun the Sheep debuted in one of the Nick Park’s “Wallace and Gromit” films and later became the center character in a wordless “Shaun the Sheep” British TV show. For the feature film, written and directed by Mark Burton, Aardman Studios decided to stick with the TV show’s no-dialog approach, skipping the usual voice-over in favor of visual comedy. However, “Shaun the Sheep” is not actually silent – the film has music, sound effects, signs and nonsense muttering by the human characters, although no real words are spoken.
The film is great fun. “Shaun the Sheep Movie” is hilarious, refreshing comedy, beautifully animated and and highly entertaining for both kids and adults. Shaun is one smart and resourceful sheep, a bit of a rebel, who comes up with inventive solutions that overcome obstacles and thwart his adversaries in hilarious fashion. Even when things go wrong, Shaun is always coming up with a new idea to get them out of the jam. The comedy is clever, and the story is told through gesture, expression and action. Grown-ups might have to read a few signs for the youngest but grade-school kids will do fine. There are plenty of kid-type jokes, slapstick and burps, but parents will find plenty of sly humor for them too.
Makers of other animated films should take note, and step up to the challenge by adding a bit more creativity to their mix. There is nothing mean or tired in this film. Even where a joke is familiar, the timing is so perfect, it feels like a payoff more than anything. The action is fast and exciting but stops short of truly scary. Where the villain gets some payback, the film goes for the slapstick. The comedy also pokes fun at pretentious adults, fashions and egos, and embraces smarts over strength. Its “no place like home” message is warm but subtle, keeping everything light.
“Shaun the Sheep” is a winner for kids and parents, a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon at the movies.
© Cate Marquis
