Hey folks, Harry here. What I'm about to present you with is a completely Spoiler-Free review of CHICKEN RUN.... The first report upon the completed film and it's quality. Moriarty and I had our run in with this film ala the infiltration of BURGER KING's strata of power, but all we saw was the first 15 minutes. Later still, I talked with some journalists that have been building up a hour long special for the BBC based upon AARDMAN animation and CHICKEN RUN as being their first feature film. These reporters had seen... basically... the entire film, and felt that it was indeed brilliant. But... they might be a bit too close to the project (yeah.... riiiiiight! AARDMAN is a genius house) BUT here is a complete outsider. He does not have a chicken farm. He does not work in the industry. He is simply, a regular... all around stunned film goer. And this is his tale of seeing CHICKEN RUN... a film that I'm dying to see in it's completed state!
Hey Harry, long time listener, first time caller. Last Wednesday, a friend of mine and I went to see 'Black & White' (an entertaining mess) at the Century 16 in Portland, Oregon. A woman outside asked us if we'd be interested in seeing a new film from the creator of Wallace & Gromit. We nearly knocked her over as we snatched the goldenrod sheet of paper from her hand while shouting "Chicken Run!" in unison. Cut to yesterday.
My buddy had to go out of town with his wife on business, so I took my fiancé. We'll call her "Female (age 30-32)." While standing in line, we were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements asking us to refrain from giving the film's secrets away to media types like you. I normally stand by these types of agreements, however, I find it hard to keep my mouth shut since this movie rocked. And I don't see how good word of mouth could be harmful to Dreamworks or Nick Park, a man I hugely admire.
Once we were let into the theater, we sat for 45 minutes while marketing types wandered around asking questions and basically doing their thing. There was a nice cross-section of people; about half kids, half everything else. Before the movie began, the lead marketing guy (we'll call him Jeff. He looked like a Jeff) stepped to the front and explained that this was the first time this film was being screened for an American audience. I was skeptical that they'd be screening for the first time in Portland, Oregon. That was until I saw Jeffrey Katzenberg, Nick Park, and their entourage sneak into the roped off seats as the lights went down. (I assume they chose Portland because of the overwhelming support of local heroes, Will Vinton Studios.) Jeff went on to explain that the film was unfinished and that there would be a short clip before the movie explaining what those segments would look like and why. This little clip was a brilliant idea. It explained storyboards, animatics, and blue screen and how the final product would look. This made it all very clear for the kiddies.
Now, the non-disclosure agreement I signed, explained that when a work-in-progress is screened, it is unfair to the artists to reveal content to others. Being a writer/director/performer for stage and short films, I understand this ideal and will stand by it. I will give away no spoilers.
The audience LOVED this film. All of the charm of Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts and even those Chevron ads remained intact. It had serious moments, hilarious moments, and some truly incredible actions sequences that build from what Nick Park started with the spectacular climax to "A Close Shave." I know it sounds clichéd, but the movie had something for everybody. There was lots of brilliant W&G style slapstick for the kids, and plenty of film/history/literature references for the adults (ranging from very obvious to extremely subtle). One thing I found very refreshing was the lack of recognizable celebrity voices (although Mel Gibson, as Rocky The Rooster was used very nicely, recognizing and mocking his public persona). So many times I find myself playing "Spot-The-Actor" while watching contemporary animated blockbusters. It can be distracting. Not here. The characterizations were well realized with fabulous acting throughout. The actors really pulled you into the story. And it was very nice to see a lead female animated character, Ginger, that was a strong woman/chicken without finding the need to do the woman-in-a-man's-world (ie Mulan & Pocahontas) thing. When the breathtaking finale came about, the audience went wild. They were actually cheering. And when the lights went up, the place went nuts. As we were filtering out, the kids were very enthusiastic about the film, as were the adults.
I noticed that Jeffrey Katzenberg looked a little stressed outside (understandable when you're screening your newest film for the first time.) But Jeff, if you read this, relax. You were very smart to bring the brilliance of Nick Park on board. You guys have a major major hit on your hands. And please don't hunt me down and sue me for writing to Harry. I have only the best intentions here. I'm getting enough guilt from my disapproving Female (age 30-32). (Who also loved it, by the way.)
And for those of you geeks reading this that will be convinced I'm some shill for the studio, you just wait until you see this movie. Then you'll know that I speak the truth. It is possible for a review to be all positive.
You can call me
Kemmer Barnes
(male, age 27-29)
