Pairing a couple of quirky geniuses, like Roald Dahl and Wes Anderson, is bound to create something special, regardless of which end of the spectrum is reached. We're well on the high side with "Fantastic Mr. Fox," from a 1970 Dahl story, refigured by Anderson for the 21st century to provide complete delight.
Whether or not it's for children is a permanent question with the work of either man, but I think the understanding level is such that both groups will have a splendid time, even if they're focused on different things in the same statement or action. Noah Baumbach, author of the charming film, "The Squid and the Whale," co-wrote the screenplay with Anderson, and it's charming and witty, rather than flat-out belly-laugh funny.
For example, the film is set in England, but there's a definite language divide among the extremely talented providers of the voices. Talented Americans speak for the animals, like George Clooney (is he in everything this holiday season?) as Mr. Fox, Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox and Bill Murray as the Badger, Fox's buddy in crime and everything else. Humans have English voices, like Michael Gambon for the chief villain, Mr. Bean, one of the triumverate of Boggis, Bunce and Bean, known for villainy and chicken farming, for alliteration and for being identified as "one fat, one short, one lean."
The animation is wonderful, in a return to stop-motion photography and manipulation ofthe characters by people, rather than a computer program (Yes, I know the programming is done by people, but things are different. Trust me.) Mark Gustafson is responsible for the animation, Tristan Oliver the photography, Nelson Lowry the overall production design and Alexandre Desplat for the music, which is something special.
And there is a sort of plot. Mr. Fox has retired from the chicken business and wants to live a life of leisure as a country squire with his wife, their son Ash, and a visiting nephew, Kristofferson. But after a while, he feels the old urges and it's easy to figure out what happens next. But while it happens, we're treated to a glorious piece of movie-making that brings fun to everyone.
Opens today on multiple screens.
–Joe