Excellence in filmmaking in general and animation in particular
What a film! Super genius! Cracking good fun, wouldn't you say, Gromit?
I have got to hand it to Nick Park, he has a skill that has been honed to a finely-tuned art. His ability to make stop-motion photography into a seamless, flawless moving picture is beyond belief.
Such an entertaining film. I have been a fan of the original Oscar-winning short cartoons for years, as have my children, but Curse of the Were-Rabbit was more than just a longer version of the originals. It delved into characterizations and motivations not touched in the shorter films. It introduced us to the entire town, including such local Tottington luminaries as Victor Quartermaine (played with smarmy believability by Ralph Fiennes Link) and Lady Campagnula Tottington herself, voiced by Helena Bonham-Carter Link. Both actors were well directed, and took their animated characterizations very seriously, indeed. Should be easy for Bonham-Carter, since this is her second animated film this season (significant-other Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Link. The rabbits throughout the film are just a joy to watch, as their individual movements and actions are endearing, especially since they wave to each other any time they are seen. I especially like the part where they hide from Gromit inside the door of the fridge, then leap out on top of the dog and tackle him.
Cute cute cute!
The highlight of the whole film was the beautifully rendered Gromit, who perfectly expresses his mute dissatisfaction with the events going on around him. His exasperation with Wallace, Tottington, Quartermaine, and Q's dog is easily and quickly seen on his expressive face and eyebrows. He, of course, is the brains of the operation. Wallace, though quite the inventor, is not exactly fully stocked in the pantry.
The obligatory chase scene at the end of the film was inventive, fast-paced, and nicely choreographed, even though old prop planes had been done before in "A Close Shave" Link.
The true test of a children's movie is whether or not the kids come away satisfied. To that, I say, YES! My four children (9, 7, 4, and 3 months) were enjoying every minute of the film. The jokes eluded my infant, of course, but he was enraptured with the bright colors and big lumpy characters. My older children were mesmerized by the fun action and G-rated adventure. My older boys told me afterwards with smug satisfaction that they figured out the true identity of the Were-Rabbit before the big reveal actually happened.
Computer animation, though now finely tuned in itself, is just such an easy way to make a film. The true challenge is to make real, not virtual, inanimate objects come to life. And make us laugh. This movie is a success on all levels. Good job, Mr. Park. Keep 'em coming.