Film Review: Wallace & Gromit in The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005) A-

Date Viewed: 5/30/06
Venue: DVD

I always loved the Wallace & Gromit shorts that were released years ago. Dry, witty humor with a lot of well-done slapstick through in. Oh, and, glorious claymation. I was disappointed when W&G creator Nick Park made his first feature film about chickens (Chicken Run, a very good film, btw) instead of our intrepid duo, but now we’ve finally got Wallace & Gromit in The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit. It’s really a charming, perfectly put-together movie that feels right in line with those original, Academy Award winning shorts.

This time out, Wallace & Gromit are in the pest control business, dealing mostly with garden-destroying rabbits. However, when Wallace attempt to brainwash rabbits (in order to curb their veggie-desires) goes awry, the Were-Rabbit is created, and our pair spend the film desperately trying to capture the beast before the big harvest festival. But since this is a comedy, there are plenty of spills, splats, eye rolls, and Rube Goldberg devices along the way. And I must say, Gromit, without speaking a word, is the unequivocally the most emotive animated performer I have ever seen. If comedy is all about the reaction shot, then Gromit (well, Nick Park and associates), and his ever-expressive brow, is a master comedian.

Truly a film for all ages, kids will dig the claymation, physical comedy, and cute character design, while adults will enjoy the subtle humor throughout. Highly recommended.