As a child, I was introduced to “Wallace and Gromit” through their 2005 film “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” While it might not have been in my core VHS rotation, probably due to my very in-character fear of the were-rabbit transformation scene, I remember liking it well enough.
However, having revisited the series as an adult, I’ve developed a much deeper appreciation for the franchise, with its masterful animation and charming sense of humor.
With that in mind, I was delighted to hear that a new “Wallace and Gromit” film would be coming to Netflix after nearly two decades since the series’ last entry. Despite the gap, “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” not only lives up to the quality and charm of its predecessors, but manages to deliver a timely message while remaining true to its roots.
“Vengeance Most Fowl” picks up where 1993’s “The Wrong Trousers” – arguably the most beloved film in the series – leaves off. Having foiled the plans of notorious jewel thief Feathers McGraw, Wallace, an absentminded inventor, and his witty canine companion, Gromit, attempt to return to life as normal. However, Wallace quickly upends the duo’s lives once again after he creates a robot garden gnome named Norbot. Meant to alleviate the stress of yard work and household tasks, Gromit becomes suspicious of the Norbots and frustrated with Wallace’s over-reliance on his inventions. At this point, the canine stumbles into a plot from their old foe to get revenge and retrieve the priceless Blue Diamond.
“Vengeance” instantly and effortlessly fits right in with the rest of the series, maintaining the same quality of humor, animation and Britishness. The series’ humorous and timeless British mannerisms are on full display in this film. By placing itself within a loving caricature of British culture, it manages to avoid becoming outdated, allowing the characters to seamlessly pick up right where they left off, even two decades later.
Further, the comedy excels at feeling familiar without ever feeling repetitive or old. The series has always done a masterful job utilizing visual comedy, especially from the animal characters such as Gromit and Feathers who don’t speak. The visual gags in “Vengeance” are no exception. There were countless visual cues that got me, especially from Feathers, whose blank, thousand-yard stares never fail to make me laugh.
The animation, or rather claymation, is a marvel as always. Aardman Animations, the studio behind “Wallace and Gromit” as well as other stop-motion franchises such as “Chicken Run” and “Shaun the Sheep,” has created a reputation for producing high quality work. This film certainly lives up to the studio’s quality. Every sequence, from fast paced action to simple conversations, are flawlessly executed and full of personality and emotion. In a business that is increasingly concerned with quantity over quality and cutting corners, the work from Aardman has only become a more commendable, welcome breath of fresh air.
Some of the sequences made me interested in the production process behind them, especially those involving water, which were frequent in this film. The climax, which sees a chase on both boats and trains, was probably the most impressive for its ability to maintain flawless animation despite the fast paced movement. Beyond the loveable characters and enjoyable narratives, these films are worth watching for the animation alone. “Wallace and Gromit” remains the gold standard among claymation.
But perhaps the thing that stood out most in this film was their ability to deliver a topical, relevant message without pandering or compromising the spirit of the series.
Often when a series is rebooted or comes back from a hiatus, they try too hard to modernize or position themselves in line with modern issues, to the point that it feels forced or false. In these instances, it seems like production companies are making a commentary for the sake of being relevant, as opposed to having something to say about the topic.
“Vengeance,” however, positions its modern commentary from a place of familiarity, being Wallace’s penchant for inventing. Wallace’s inventions have been frequently used as a source of conflict in the past, so the film builds off this perspective. By showing that Wallace has become over-reliant on technology – as so many of us have today – the film’s commentary feels both earnest and earned. Rather than fitting in a moral for the sake of it, the filmmakers utilize the story’s natural position to commentate on a relevant issue. They had an opportunity to create a story progression that felt both natural and topical, and they rose to the occasion.
It’s elements like this that make “Vengeance” much more than just a silly kid’s cartoon. It’s a quality piece of filmmaking on the visual and conceptual level, made all the more impressive for its ability to be enjoyable for all ages. Similar to how Pixar has worked up a reputation for creating films that can be appreciated by both adults and children for different elements, so stands “Wallace and Gromit.” Maybe they’re not discussing issues like the complexities of life and death, but the films display clever, meaningful stories with incredible animation and comedy that anyone can appreciate at any age. So if you’re looking for a lighthearted yet solid watch, “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” is certainly a rewarding option.
