Review: Chicken Run (2000)

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Chicken Run

Rating

Director

Peter Lord, Nick Park

Screenplay

Peter Lord, Nick Park, Karey Kirkpatrick, Mark Burton, John O’Farrell

Length

1h 24m

Starring

Phil Daniels, Lynn Ferguson, Mel Gibson, Tony Haygarth, Jane Horrocks, Miranda Richardson, Julia Sawalha, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, Benjamin Whitrow

MPAA Rating

Review

Animation has been a staple of theater going for decades with shorts and full-length animated films being a standard rather than an exception. Ever since the advent of computer animation, studios have been putting more computer-generated effects in hand-drawn films than is necessary.

Luckily, films like “Chicken Run” come out every few years to breathe new life into a rusty genre. There’s no question that “Run” is a children’s film, but older audiences will find it just as entertaining.

In Tweedy Farm, the chickens are growing restless and escape is on their mind. Lead by a gutsy hen named Ginger, the barnyard is a flurry with unusual an unsuccessful plans of egress. In the first 30 minutes, we see more failures than Arnold Schwarzeneggar and every one is a riotous blend of humor and pathos. When Rocky the flying rooster comes to their pen, the chickens rejoice because they may have found a way to flee…they can fly over the fence.

It’s not as easy as they suspect and there are plenty of complications along the way, including pie-making machine and a circus runaway. Thrills, chills and quills are just a small part of this otherwise engaging and funny movie.

Writer/director Nick Park is no stranger to clay-animated movies. Through the burgeoning Aardman studios, Park has created some of the most memorable animated sequences ever. Early in his career, he created a short film about zoo animals being interviewed about their lives. From there, his career exploded with three Oscar nominations (two in one year) and two awards for his lively duo of man and his dog, Wallace and Gromit. “A Close Shave” is his best work to date and nothing has yet to touch it.

Alongside fellow animator Peter Lord, Park has fashioned a believable and moving tale of chickens on the run. From beginning to end, the film mixes classic Aardman humor with a cautionary fable about trust in oneself and the necessities of teamwork. There’s hardly a hollow moment when the chickens come out of their nests with real human emotions.

One thing Aardman has been noted for is its attention to detail. The lavish coops, detailed pie machine and realistic lighting are just a small thread in a beautiful canvas of stirring images. Even the voices are minutely detailed to bring the British countryside to life. The only real problem is that some of the jokes fall strangely flat. However, it’s just one bad egg and the rest of the dozen are fresh and ready to consume.

Julia Sawalha (“Absolutely Fabulous”) is leading-lady Ginger whose voice is recognizable, but distinct. She’s believable, endearing and the perfect counterpoint to Mel Gibson’s slick rooster, Rocky. Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous” and “Little Voice”) puts her unique voice to use as the knit-happy dimwit Babs. Miranda Richardson is the villainous Mrs. Tweedy who has more to unleash than her hairbun of steel.

“Chicken Run” is an enjoyable film experience that should appeal to audiences of all ages. It’s an entertaining exercise in imagination and creativity that should delight even the most tepid viewer.

Awards Prospects

No animated film has ever been nominated for Art Direction, but there’s a first time for everything and “Chicken Run” has a better chance than any. Add to that the potential for Original Screenplay and Visual Effects Oscars and you have a film with wings.