Note: This review contains mild spoilers as I explore some of the film’s themes. If you’d rather skip the in-depth analysis, focus on the first four paragraphs and the final one.
Throughout 2024, we’ve seen films tackle a wide array of timely themes: The Brutalist explored ambition and the sacrifices tied to creative vision, Anora delved into social inequality, and Dune: Part Two wrestled with themes of religion and power. However, as we head into awards season, when the year’s cinematic conversations come into sharper focus, it’s somewhat ironic that Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, a claymation comedy, is the one boldly addressing the most pressing topic of our time: artificial intelligence. That it does so with humor, heart, and the trademark charm of Aardman Animations is nothing short of remarkable.
The stop-motion franchise, celebrated for its claymation style and quintessentially British humor, has spanned numerous shorts, spin-offs (including the hilarious Shaun the Sheep), and specials over the decades. Vengeance Most Fowl is the franchise’s second theatrical film, following 2005’s Oscar-winning The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. This time, Wallace’s latest invention, a “smart” robotic garden gnome named Norbot, initially promises to solve all his financial troubles but soon spirals out of control under the influence of the returning villain, Feathers McGraw.
Unlike Aardman’s recent Chicken Run sequel, this film suffers no dip in quality. In fact, it might be the most well-balanced entry in the Wallace & Gromit franchise, expertly blending its comedic charm with a timely and thought-provoking message. The humor is constant and smart, often drawing from the franchise’s trademark gags, machines misfiring spectacularly, Wallace’s bumbling ingenuity, and Gromit’s wonderfully expressive reactions. Watching these familiar quirks play out with such creativity made the experience all the more enjoyable. One clever moment involves the ever-clueless Inspector Mackintosh dismissing Feathers McGraw, who is poorly disguised as a nun. The inspector and his eager new recruit, PC Mukherjee, are comedic highlights throughout.
Clocking in at a brisk 80 minutes, the film moves at a perfect pace. Every scene serves a purpose, whether to deliver a gag, advance the story, or both, and the runtime feels just right. There’s no filler here, just a tight, entertaining narrative that ensures even the youngest viewers stay engaged. Additionally, Aardman’s animation craftsmanship continues to shine.
At its heart, the film is a clever exploration of AI and its potential for both good and harm. Norbot begins as a helpful assistant, swiftly tending to the city’s gardens and impressing Wallace with his efficiency. However, under Feathers McGraw’s control, Norbot’s capabilities are weaponized, leading to chaos as an army of robot duplicates wreaks havoc. The movie smartly transitions from comedic gags of Norbot’s usefulness to the growing threat of his misuse, making the escalation feel natural and compelling. Wallace, meanwhile, uses this new convenience to essentially do nothing, growing increasingly lazy in the process, and when the situation calls for it, he’s not even able to prepare a simple cup of tea. It’s a cautionary tale about how quickly unchecked technology can escalate beyond its creators’ control, and how its impact often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
The film’s most insightful moment comes in the latter half, when Norbot is reset to his original “good” programming. While this development might feel a bit on-the-nose for adult viewers, it’s an effective way to illustrate an important point for the film’s younger audience: AI, when guided properly and used responsibly, can be a powerful tool for good. Smartly, the movie avoids turning Norbot into a Chucky-like villain that needs to be destroyed. Instead, Norbot’s redemption arc allows him to become a vital ally, helping save the day in the climactic showdown. The film concludes on a thoughtful note, suggesting that AI should remain a tool to support human endeavors rather than replace or control them.
Ultimately, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is not only a delightful return to form for the beloved duo but also a rare family film that dares to engage with complex, timely issues, all while ensuring viewers have a thoroughly fun and heartwarming experience. It invites viewers of all ages to consider the role of AI in our lives while never losing sight of the series’ signature charm and wit. The result is an absolute treat, a film that entertains, enlightens, and leaves you with plenty to chew on.
- Where to watch
Netflix- Where to watch
- Netflix
Play trailer
- Original title
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- Director
- Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham
- Genre
- Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction, Family
- Cast
- Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, Muzz Khan, Lenny Henry
- Rated
- PG
- Screenwriter
- Mark Burton, Nick Park, Sanna Myllykangas, Richard Phelan, Rob Richards, Michael Salter, Paul Bolger, Terri Matthews, Adam Cootes, Andy James
- Composer
- Lorne Balfe, Julian Nott
- Cinematography
- Dave Alex Riddett
- Editor
- Dan Hembery
- Country
- Language
- English
- Box office
- 191452