WALLACE AND GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL (2024, UK/France, 79m, U) ****
Adventure, Animation, Comedy
dist. Netflix; pr co. Aardman Animations / StudioCanal; d. Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham; w. Mark Burton (based on a story by Nick Park & Mark Burton); pr. Richard Beek, Claire Jennings; ph. Dave Alex Riddett (Colour | 2.00:1); m. Lorne Balfe; ed. Dan Hembery; pd. ; ad. anim. Raul G. Eguia, Emanuel Nevado.
voice cast: Ben Whitehead (Wallace), Peter Kay (Chief Inspector Mackintosh), Lauren Patel (PC Mukherjee), Reece Shearsmith (Norbot), Diane Morgan (Onya Doorstep), Adjoa Andoh (Judge), Muzz Khan (Anton Deck), Lenny Henry (Mr. Convenience), Maya Sondhi (Mrs. Gazebo), Melissa Collier (Fluffles).
In Wallace & Gromit’s sixth adventure (the second at feature-length), Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again! It is a highly inventive addition to a wonderful series, filled with brilliantly designed gags and movie in-jokes. The stop motion animation is top-notch and full of charm, matching the team’s previous efforts and the voice character work of the cast assists greatly. Park and Crossington have created a wonderfully surreal world that will appeal to all ages.
