Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl Review – The Lovable Duo Returns with a Feathery Foe

Key Takeaways:

1. Aardman Animation is at its finest, showcasing its timeless stop-motion craft and clever visual storytelling in this new Wallace & Gromit feature.
2. Feathers McGraw returns as the primary antagonist, offering a hilarious and memorable villain in a family-friendly adventure.
3. The film tackles the theme of technology vs. humanity, but the message doesn’t always land clearly, leaving some ambiguity.

Few animated characters have captured the imagination and hearts of audiences worldwide quite like Wallace and Gromit. For decades, this charming duo an eccentric inventor and his silently competent dog has been the face of Aardman Animation, bringing us hilarious and heart warming adventures in the unmistakable stop-motion style. After nearly 20 years since their last feature film, Wallace and Gromit make their triumphant return in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, a fun-filled family adventure that proves they’ve still got what it takes to entertain audiences both young and old.

This film, directed by Aardman’s legendary creator Nick Park and co-director Merlin Crossingham, brings the beloved pair back for another misadventure this time with some old foes and new tech-driven challenges. But does it live up to the legacy of this iconic series? Let’s dive into why Vengeance Most Fowl is a worthy addition to the Wallace & Gromit universe and how it both respects its past and dares to step into the future.

Wallace’s New Invention, Gromit’s Old Problem

At the heart of the story is, unsurprisingly, one of Wallace’s many ambitious inventions gone wrong. In this film, Wallace, now voiced by Ben Whitehead, invents a revolutionary gadget to ease his ever-growing workload: Norbot, the Smart Gnome, designed to help around the house and, of course, in the garden. The inventor is as optimistic as ever, yet blissfully unaware of the unintended chaos his creations tend to bring.

Gromit, on the other hand, is ever the silent observer. From his familiar raised eyebrow to his long-suffering glances, the brilliant dog is quick to realize that Wallace’s reliance on technology is getting out of hand. The Smart Gnome, rather than helping Gromit relax in his beloved garden, becomes a symbol of cold, soulless automation, disrupting the peaceful routine the dog holds dear.

As Wallace prattles on about embracing technology, the film’s core tension unfolds: the battle between humanity (or dog-manity, in Gromit’s case) and the dehumanizing effects of high-tech gadgetry. The storyline gets particularly interesting when a familiar, feathery villain enters the mix, using Wallace’s tech obsession against him.

Feathers McGraw: The Feathered Foe Strikes Again

The film’s title gives away its key antagonist Feathers McGraw, the cunning penguin from The Wrong Trousers, who returns to wreak havoc on Wallace and Gromit’s idyllic lives. Feathers McGraw, with his minimalist design and deadpan expression, is an absolute scene-stealer, despite his lack of dialogue or any visible emotional range. His scheming nature provides much of the film’s humour, and his interactions with the various characters, particularly the hapless Wallace, are laugh-out-loud funny.

Feathers, having escaped from the zoo where he was imprisoned after the events of The Wrong Trousers, has a nefarious new plan to take what he believes is rightfully his. Through a series of technological hijinks, he hacks into Norbot and turns the helpful robot into a menace, creating an army of smart gnomes to terrorize the town and reclaim his stolen diamond. It’s a classic Wallace & Gromit plotline wacky, slightly absurd, but with enough heart to keep viewers fully invested.

The Lovable Cast: Wallace and Gromit Shine as Always

One of the film’s greatest strengths is how well it continues to portray Wallace and Gromit as characters. Despite the passing of Peter Sallis, the original voice of Wallace, Ben Whitehead seamlessly steps into the role, embodying the cheerful, cheese-loving inventor with the same warmth and silliness fans have come to expect.

But, as always, it’s Gromit who steals the show. His silent but deeply expressive personality brings so much emotional weight to the film. Whether he’s rolling his eyes at Wallace’s antics or anxiously trying to prevent disaster, Gromit remains one of the most engaging silent protagonists in animation history.

Newcomer Norbot the Smart Gnome, while amusing, doesn’t quite reach the charm of other Wallace & Gromit characters. His eerily cheerful demeanor has the potential to be unsettling for younger viewers, though this is par for the course with Aardman’s long history of mixing comedy with slightly creepy visuals. Still, the robotic gnome provides plenty of comedic moments, especially as he unintentionally aids Feathers McGraw in his sinister plot.

Visual Storytelling at Its Best

Aardman Animation has always been known for its exquisite craftsmanship, and Vengeance Most Fowl is no exception. The stop-motion animation is as painstakingly detailed as ever, with every frame reflecting the love and care put into the characters and their world. In a world increasingly dominated by CGI, Aardman’s commitment to stop-motion is a breath of fresh air, and the film’s tactile, hand-crafted feel is a visual treat.

Much of the film’s storytelling is visual, especially given that Gromit doesn’t speak. This silent, expressive form of communication harkens back to the days of Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, where body language and facial expressions were paramount to the narrative. Aardman excels at this type of storytelling, allowing viewers to connect with characters on a deeper, almost instinctual level.

There are several extended sequences in Vengeance Most Fowl where dialogue is sparse or nonexistent, yet the action and emotions are crystal clear. These moments of quiet brilliance are where the film truly shines, making it more than just a slapstick comedy, but a masterclass in visual narrative.

A Tribute to the Past (and a Nod to the Future)

While Vengeance Most Fowl is a delightful new adventure, it is also a love letter to long-time fans of the series. The film is packed with nods to Wallace & Gromit’s earlier escapades, particularly The Wrong Trousers. For fans, these references will bring a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction. However, for newcomers, the reliance on callbacks might feel a bit overwhelming or confusing, as some jokes are deeply embedded in the duo’s storied past.

The film’s message about technology and its impacts on human (and canine) life is a timely one, though it doesn’t quite land as strongly as it could. There’s a clear attempt to critique the over-reliance on gadgets and artificial intelligence, but the film’s conclusion muddles the message, leaving audiences with a somewhat ambiguous takeaway. While it’s clear that technology can be both a boon and a curse, the film doesn’t fully explore the nuances of this debate.

Conclusion: A Joyful Return for Wallace and Gromit

In the end, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a triumphant return for one of animation’s most beloved duos. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. The film is a simple, straightforward adventure that balances humor, heart, and nostalgia in a way that will delight fans and charm new viewers alike.

With its witty script, charming characters, and stunning stop-motion animation, Vengeance Most Fowl is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good family film. The story is engaging, the visuals are top-notch, and the characters are as lovable as ever. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Wallace and Gromit, this new film is sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

FAQ:

Q: Is Vengeance Most Fowl suitable for younger children?
A: Absolutely! While some of the visuals, particularly Norbot the Smart Gnome, might be a bit eerie for very young viewers, the film is a family-friendly adventure full of humor and heart.

Q: Do I need to watch previous Wallace & Gromit films to understand Vengeance Most Fowl?
A: No, but it helps! The film contains several references to The Wrong Trousers, but it’s still accessible to newcomers who are unfamiliar with the duo’s past adventures.

Q: Who voices Wallace in this new film?
A: Wallace is now voiced by Ben Whitehead, who does an excellent job of capturing the character’s iconic voice following the passing of original actor Peter Sallis.

Q: Will Feathers McGraw appear in future Wallace & Gromit films?
A: While there’s no official word yet, Feathers McGraw is a fan-favorite villain, so it’s possible we might see him again in future adventures!

Q: Where can I watch Vengeance Most Fowl?
A: The film will be available on Netflix globally on January 3, 2025, and will also be shown in select theaters starting December 18, 2024. In the UK, it will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One for Christmas 2024.