A rollicking good time, that's what. (I've always wanted to use rollicking in a sentence)
Recently released on DVD, Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of the best animated movies I have ever seen. Not only is it only artistically beautiful and intricate (all characters, costumes, sets were made by hand) but it was witty and entertaining without being obnoxious (cue Alvin and the Chipmunks)
Admittedly, when I saw this in the theater a few months back, I had no idea that Wes Anderson directed it and prepared myself to endure, rather than enjoy, as I do with most kids movies (Kung Fu Panda being an exception). However, from the first frame it was obvious that he directed it. If you have seen any of his other films (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, and The Royal Tenenbaums etc.) all the tell tale signs are there...reoccurring collaborators, rocking soundtrack, witty dialogue, and dry humor that pairs well with Roald Dahl's darkly comedic writing style.
It took me a while to realize that George Clooney did the voice for Mr. Fox... the voice was so familiar but it drove me crazy until I could place it. Other characters were played by Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Jarvis Cocker (who I spent most of the 90s having a crush on... loved me some Britpop) and even a rabbit chef voiced by Mario Batali... complete with orange Crocs.
Since we bough the DVD two days ago we have already watched it twice. There is some shooting involved and some creepy farmers, but if you don't mind that it's a great family film. There will be a free viewing of the movie on Thursday at the Delaware Branch of the Albany Public Library
Info:
Event: Movie – "Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Location: Delaware Branch
Begins: 2:00 pm (Thursday, April 8, 2010)
Description: Popcorn donated by Spectrum 8 Theatres. (hooray!)
You can watch a "making of" video, among others, right here.
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I LOVE,LOVE, LOVE this movie!! There are so many great quotable lines from it too!
ReplyDeleteSounds good but i HATED the Royal Tenenbaums. HATED. That said, the fox looks a lot like my dog--maybe i'll try to take my kid to the viewing.
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