Fantastic Mr Fox: Review

Roald Dahl's affectionate children's book is very close to my heart, as I have produced stage versions twice, so I know the story very well. The good thing about Wes Anderson's animated version is that he has kept very close to the original source material, however, he has managed to turn a children's story into an adult comedy.

Mr Fox is a cocky creature who moves his family to a tree near the farms of Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Clinging onto his youth, Mr Fox plans to steal chickens, and geese and cider from the three farmers, but they soon want his tail, and are determined to dig out the critter, along with other wild animals living nearby, but Mr Fox is a fighter.

This is a very quirky film, from a very quirky film maker. This is the man who gave us The Royal Tenebaum, The Aquatic Life and more recently, The Dajeelee Tea Company, and it has Anderson's stamp all over it. The perfectly framed camerawork, the throwaway lines, the underplayed dialogue, but moreso, the animation is more quirky than anything you are ever likely to see. Those who like Wallace and Gromit will see a completely different style of animation, where there seems to be nothing smooth at all about it.

George Clooney, who is the voice of Mr Fox, is perfect. The over-confident character is played with aplomb and even though he is egotistical, you still can't help but like him (and his whistle and click). Meryl Streep, as Mrs Fox, is underused, and given nthing too much to do, while once again, Bill Murray, as the badger lawyer, gets some neat lines. Jarvis Cocker even makes a guest appearance as a hippie singer. The soundtrack, I have to say, is superb.

If there is a major criticism, it is the Americanisation of the story. This quaint British tale, which strangely has English actors playing Boggis, Bunce and Bean, has gone to be replaced by a slightly dysfuctional family and the latter part turned into a heist movie.

Don't let that put you off, but if you do take youg children, don't be surprised if they get bored. This isn't a children's film. It has loads of adult humour and the quirkiness may be looked upon as being dull. The screening I attended had children watching, and several ended up running up and down the aisles, while the adults giggled like kids.

Not a perfect film by a long shot, but entertaining nevertheless. Just don't expect what you think you will get.