Wallace and Gromit in: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Five years in the making, but worth every minute Wallace and Gromit's first big screen outing is a delight plain and simple. After the three short films I had my doubts that the format would stretch to a full length movie, but within seconds my fears were put to rest. The film grabs you from the start with its quality and doesn't let go. There is something wonderful about the handmade quality to this style of animation. The characters are brought to life in an almost magical way. The emotion given off by just Gromits eyes or Wallace's smile is striking, and that level of care and detail extends to every corner of this film. It's the little details that count, and Wallace and Gromit has this in abundance. From sight gags in the background and on signs, to the sharp and witty script this is a layered film that will reward multiple viewings. Aardman animation may have a slower output than Pixar, but they are their nearest rivals in terms of quality and heart in animation today and this film just cements that role. It really is that good! The plot concerns out heroes, now in the pest control business, trying to catch the eponymous were-rabbit a creature that has recently appeared and is threatening the local village's upcoming giant vegtable competition. The mix of comedy and mock horror - the rabbit leaves the remains of vegetables rather than humans to the horror of local residents - that is so knowingly executed here makes it a real treat. The way that tension is built up in masterful and the wonderful score help elevate this to a film level. It still has the old fashioned values and looks that have always made the duo so typically British, but everything is expanded here making it an exciting and worthwhile transition. The vocie acting is superb as well with Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes hamming it up, and there are so many wonderful jokes, inventive set pieces and twists and turns in the story that it feels too much tio take in! You don't dare laugh in case of missing something else and the film excellently builds to its thrilling finale. I can't say enough good about the film as you can probably tell. The reason that it scores higher than other, also great, films this year is simply because there isn't a thing I would change about this film. For what it is it is note perfect, and that in itself is a reason to keep you smiling! Cracking! As perfect a film as you could hope for this is pure joy for every minute of its running time. As fun for kids as it is for adults this is pure plastercene perfection - hilarious, exciting and very very British.