Hey folks, Harry here with a large assembly of reviews for CHICKEN RUN... Why? Well, it's like this.... You might think that this is just a movie for kids and parents and well-versed film geeks. Well, on this page we have Adults that hate children in theaters, we have an eleven year old writing his first review, we have an entire high school video club all in their late-angst ridden teens chiming in, we have a lady and a Canadian... all manners of strangers and weirdos.... AND THEY ALL FRIGGIN LOVED THIS MOVIE! Now this isn't THE GREATEST FILM EVER.... It just happens to have no flaws, be a perfect piece of entertainment and be brilliantly executed and funny as all hell.... Check out the reviews....
In case you want another brief review.......here goes....
I have to admit I certainly agree with the recent Harry review of Chicken Run, which I caught earlier today at a special press screening. If any of you can at all get to become friends with a member of the film-press I highly recommend it, as I see movies weeks before their release, much to the contempt of my film-critic-friendless-friends. Later today, after saying to people " I just saw Chicken Run" I was assaulted again and again by the statement, "How was it? Its looks good. I wanna see that." And I do hope people will see it. I don't think one need explain the plot, as we are all well-read, intelligent film-lovers who all know the gist of the Chicken Run story. The best news I can say is that what co-director Nick Park gives us onscreen is everything we expect, plus so much more. One thing struck me about Chicken Run, and that was how for every thing Disney did wrong with Dinosaur, Dreamworks did right with Chicken Run. Its certainly the most exciting piece of animation since Nightmare Before Chistmas, and the many years of development certainly pay off in spades. But I do doubt its mainstream American success on the basis of it being VERY British. Now that wasnt a problem for me, but I dont see the all-american family audience going to see Chicken Run over and over. It just takes a certain kind of Python-bred, Wallace and Gromit-familiar fans to really appreciate all the fine work Nick Park and company did here. Also major credit goes to screenwriter Karey Kirpatrick, who also co-wrote Disney's James and the Giant Peach. The guy's got his own, very original sense of wit in regard to composition, and when he starts on the chicken-related puns (puns being a strong tradition of Disney animation), he throws them all out at once, usually from the mouths of two mice (named Nick and Fetcher) whose voices are straight out of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Its the kind of wonderful filmgoing experience where you sit there for 90 minutes with a big stupid grin on your face, just having a hell of a good time. The level of unpredicatability onscreen is also compounded by the fact that Dreamworks doesn't give any of the film's best moments away in the Chicken Run coming attractions/trailers! The scene where the two lead chickens end up caught inside a Chicken Pie-making machine is as good as any of the action sequences in The Wrong Trousers or A Close Shave. Plus there arent a dozen or so celebrity voices inhabiting the soundtrack, distracting you from the story while you try and figure out who is which voice. There's Mel Gibson. There's Miranda Richardson and Jane Horrocks, if you happen to be a Brit film and TV fan. And thats it for the celeb voices. If you have a chance? You might want to brush up on your Stalag 17 and The Great Escape film histories before seeing Chicken Run. Another friend of mine at the screening was very lost for the first 10 minutes of the film for that very reason. My personal fave gag was when one of the chickens announces that she didn't trust Rocky (voice of Mel Gibson) in the first place, and that she doesn't believe he was even American (Which Mel actually is, having been born in New York state.) I am gonna go pull out my Wallace and Gromit tapes now, and maybe catch Creature Comforts on Atom Films' website.
---Wamo
Here's El Tamburo... and this chap had his ass kicked!
Hey Harry
I checked out the Chicken Run sneak today after reading your two marvelous reviews. Wow, you were right. This movie is un-freaking-beliveble. The voices are great, the clay is beautiful, and the comedy is excellent. Moriarity hit the nail on the head when he said it was Toy Story good. Was it better then Toy Story? No. But it makes Dinosaur look like Chicken Shit. (No pun intended) I saw the film at the same theatre where M:I-2 was screened. IT was about half full, mostly dads and their kids. There was a row of us more mature film goers who just wanted to see a damn good movie, instead of that Boys and Girls crap. I would have to say 95-100% of the audience marked it excellent and there were two or three ovations in the middle of the film. GOD BLESS DREAMWORKS and GOD BLESS AARDMAN!!!!
El Tamburo
Next up we have Viola's look at CHICKEN RUN... she had to go and call the film "Perfect"... hmmm.... well, she's a Stop-Motion fan like me... what do ya expect? Beleive it or not... not all Stop Motion fans feel all stop motion is great... I've seen some that blows... THIS HOWEVER IS BRILLIANT!!!
Harry, this is my first time posting to Aint It Cool News, but it is only because in the past, I have not been fortunate enough to see previews of upcoming films, test screenings, etc. However, it seems that today I was lucky, as I was able to see the nationwide sneak preview of Chicken Run, and I simply wanted to share my total admiration of it.
The short version of this review would be – “absolutely charming, brilliant in outline, outstanding in execution.” And I suppose an even shorter version would be: “perfect.” Though this might seem extreme by some, leaving no room for error by its very definition, I will defend it. I found Chicken Run so wonderful in the areas of character development, storytelling, voice acting, and of course, animation, that the word perfect is quite simply the easiest way to summarize my feelings.
And I believe that this will be the reaction of most once this film is released wide. This is the sort of film that society has been asking for: engaging on various levels, a family flick that is entertaining for all involved – not just the kiddies, and one that does not aim to offend, be p.c., or diminish plot for the sake of its audience. In no way did the creators choose the easy way out, reducing the film to pure slapstick, or make an excuse of a story simply to showcase the beauty of stop-motion animation.
Harry, this film has all the heart, all the dazzle, all the humor of a film worthy of year-end honors. It is indeed that good, and I would not be surprised to see it contend in the Comedy/Musical category at the Golden Globes, especially since Toy Story 2 won it this year. I hope to see it rewarded for all that it gives us in return for our tickets. The hard work, dedication and years evident on the screen cannot be dismissed or forgotten.
As for the film, what else can I say? A lot! (spoilers) The film opens up with a fantastic montage of Ginger leading the hens to freedom, only to be stopped in her tracks by their clumsiness and disorganization. She rolls her eyes to the sky, wishing to get help somehow, but never once fails them. Though she could escape herself, she would never dream of leaving her friends. And so she returns to the hens, while getting caught in the act by Mr. Tweedy, and being sent to solitary confinement. This happens several times, with Ginger never giving up the fight. All of this takes place in the first few minutes of the film, establishing Ginger as the determined, strong, moral leader, and Mr. Tweedy as her nemesis, fearing her courage and wanting to teach her a lesson. It is a wonderful sequence. (end spoilers)
I do not want to give too much more away, but let me just say that when Rocky the Rooster shows up, the film begins to really take off. Though Ginger is the hero of the story, Rocky provides the catalyst for the plot, as he is the embodiment of their hopes of flying out of their misery.
Though a bit of a rogue, Rocky emerges as a wonderfully strong character, as well, for he undergoes a transformation that Ginger does not have to. From the beginning, we know that she is truly good, while Rocky must find it within himself, and in the end, choose it, even though it is less safe and less simple. In a touching moment, we see that he is haunted by nightmares, too.
Mel Gibson as Rocky is so perfect, words cannot even describe it. I cannot imagine another actor bringing such life to him, and I could not be happier with the casting. Mel is amazing. He reveals Rocky's arrogance, his vulnerability, his conscience, and Mel is able to illustrate his own versatility. As for Ginger, Julia Sawalha truly captures Ginger’s spirit, her sadness, her strength. As said, she is the hero of this film and Julia has such a sweet voice, but one that commands respect. It is forceful and true and if I were one of the hens, I would have definitely believed in every plan she hatched.
Well, I shouldn’t go on too long, but it is really a film full of such wonders. It has been some time since I’ve seen a film as engaging and enchanting as Chicken Run. I went to this film with my mother, and we both found ourselves laughing, smiling throughout, crying even. As noted, Chicken Run will reach everyone, offering something for us all.
I know, I know, all of this talk and I haven’t said much about the animation. Harry, I am not sure I could put it into words. Being a fan of stop-motion animation, I knew I would love what I was to see on the screen, and the filmmakers did not disappoint. It dazzled me.
These tiny characters made out of metal skeletons and clay coming to life before my eyes, and conveying more emotion through their sweet expressions than I see in real-life actors day in and day out. Peter Lord and Nick Park have true vision.
It is an achievement that should be cheered the world over. The film never ceases to hold our attention. It is a combination of the animation, the actors, the story – the perfect whole that emerges is truly the sum of its parts.
Viola
And now... what would a Canadian think of the film? Well, find out next!!!!
Hey Harry,
Well it seems Chicken Run was every thing you had lead me to think it was going to be. I got a chance to see it this morning and nearly fell off my seat a couple of times. Wow. The Claymation is so smooth and sharp I forgot a couple of times that I was watching animation.
I really enjoyed the Tweedys...Mrs Tweedy was such an evil woman, almost reminicent of a classic Disney villen. Mr Tweedy playing the Sgt Schultz character.
They chickens, the RAF rooster, even Mel was good...Check this movie out when you have a chance.
This movie apealed to my Canadian sense of humor...
Somewhere in Canada
Mblue
Next up is Skylar, who also gave us his thoughts on ME, MYSELF AND IRENE over in that set of reviews, but here he's chiming in on CHICKEN RUN...
Hey there Harry, et al. I just saw the sneak previews of Chicken Run and Me, Myself, and Irene today and thought I'd send in my thoughts. I suppose I'll begin with Chicken Run, because I saw it first:
First, please forgive me, but I hate going to movies when there are little kids around. Most of them are fine, just watching the movie in awe and delight, but then there are those few others that constantly yell, jump around, and do not watch the movie, ruining the movie for everyone else. Ok, I'm done with that tirade.
On to the film: It's wonderful and you owe it to yourself to see it.
This movie is fresh and gave me that same gleeful feeling that I got when I first saw Toy Story. At first I could only marvel at the amount of work that must have gone into this movie, the amount of patience and effort that it must have required. It is obvious while watching the movie that Nick Park loved this film and wanted to do something special. Well he succeeded admirably. Not only is the animation amazing, but the script is clever and witty, and the performances are excellent. Ginger, the protagonist chicken, is surprisingly heartbreaking as the sole chicken to really want to escape oppression and show her fellow chickens a life free of farms and farmers and pies. Rocky (Mel Gibson) is good at balancing his tough-guy exterior and his sad, scared interior. Of course they will survive, but it is journey that is important, providing many twists along the way.
The supporting performances are all great, too, from Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy to the chicken with the knitting needles to the old rooster (sorry, can't recall their names). If this seems too much like a kiddy movie, then go for the brilliant movie references. We've all heard about "The Great Escape" opening, but there are also great allusions to "Braveheart," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Star Trek," and others. If you liked Toy Story, then you will like Chicken Run, without questions. Hell, even if you loved Gone in Sixty Seconds, I'm pretty sure you will like this movie.
Skylar
Next up is a review from an 11 year old kid that sat down and decided to write his first review upon seeing CHICKEN RUN... Remember, he's Eleven.... and he actually decided to sit down and type a review on a summer day.... Does that tell you how good this film is?
Chicken Run !!!!!!!!
I just got back from seeing chicken run and all I can say is WHOA!!!!!!!! (pardon me from sounding like Keanu Reeves) I am Mini Me 19 and I am 11 years old. I often get preview screenings for movies so I plan to be writing more reviews for Aint-It-Cool. Anyway enough about my personal life and more about the movie! Here is what the movies about for those of you who don't know. The opening credits scene were amazing. It was 5 failed atempts of trying to escape a chicken farm. There are about 7 basic characters you have learned about so far, Ginger; The fearless leader who will do anything to get out, Babs; a fat and sweet natured chicken who loves to weave, Bunty; The tough one whose always getting into fights, Fowler; the oldest chicken who is always talking about his days in the air force, Mac; the smartest one who always making up the plans, and Mr. & Mrs. Tweedy who own the farm. Mrs. Tweedy is upset because she is not making much money selling eggs, so she desides to turn all the chickens into chicken pot pies. Meanwhile Rocky the amazing American flying rooster has escaped from his life in the circus and crash lands on tweedys farm. The chickens make him teach them how to fly so they can escape from the farm. There were 3 amazingly good scenes in the movie, the audience clapped after each one. A scene with Rocky and Ginger trying to escape from inside the pie machine, the opening credits scene, and a third scene which I dont wont to ruin for you. Just like Harry I knew this movie was going to be great so I too bought all the toys before I saw the movie. There right below my Alfred E. Neumans and my Fat Bastard, Next to My Mr. Burns and Homer Simpson And Above My Jack Skellington. Anyway the movie was just plain out amazing and I suggest everybody see it.
So Mini-Me 19 singing off until next time!
Now... Below you'll find the result of an entire High School Video Club taking in CHICKEN RUN.... These are hard nosed kids that usually go for R-rated fare.... Did they boo and hiss and get antsy? Read and see....
Hey Harry,
As I said last night in the AICN chat I was going to bring my high school video club to the movies today. They wanted to see Big Momma's House or Gone in Sixty Seconds, but I convinced them to see Chicken Run due to this site. So it was a hard job to convince these guys ranging from 13-18 years of age. I eventually won out and if they hated it, well then it was my ass. The film started and as has been reported the entire club was one over after the first five minutes. Some members of this club are almost as cynical as the talkbackers down there, and the fact that they loved it is a great sign. We were all hysterical. The music was wondrous, and the voices were fantastic. When you know that Mel Gibson is doing a voice, and half way through the movie you forget that fact, well that is really something. All through the movie I was comparing it to the original Toy Story, and whenever I go to an animated movie I always hope that there is a scene as cinematically perfect as the scene when Woody recites "To Infinity and Beyond!" or when Jack Skellington learns about the wonders of Christmas for the first time. This movie had it, I was so ecstatic that it had that just all around perfect scene. I wont say what happens because its just so great. As an animation freak I must say that if you are deciding whether to see TITAN AE (a peice of crap in my humble opinion) or Chicken Run then for the love of God, give Chicken Run a chance! By the way everyone (an almost sold out audience) was clapping at the end, and at that scene that was perfect...that may not seem like an accomplishment but for Nassau County, Long Island it really is saying a lot!
I hope Chicken Run does great business!
QuiGon'sGin
