Traditional and triumphant, Wallace and Gromit is proof newer isn’t always better
Subscribe For Weekly Film News From Clarisse!
Subscribe For Free To The Life Cinematic Email!
Subscribe For Free: The Life Cinematic Email!
I would appreciate receiving emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
It might seem a bit absurd to analyze a metaphor while discussing a 79-minute Wallace & Gromit film, but Vengeance Most Fowl presents one quite clearly, much like cheese placed in a trap for mice. The beloved duo of Wallace, the cheese-obsessed inventor (voiced by Ben Whitehead, who stepped in after the passing of Peter Sallis in 2017), and his silent, often overlooked dog Gromit, is back to confront a highly relevant antagonist: an AI gnome called Norbot (voiced by Reece Shearsmith), created by Wallace to automate his daily tasks even further.
The takeaway from this is that although technology offers benefits and has its rightful role, “some tasks are simply beyond the capabilities of a machine.” This idea could easily serve as the guiding principle for Aardman Animations, known for creating Wallace and Gromit. They have remained committed to stop-motion animation, even in an industry that constantly chases the newest devices and innovations.
Naturally, Wallace should be aware of how easily machines can rebel against him. This film directly follows the 1993 short "The Wrong Trousers," which featured a mischievous pair of steampunk pants. However, it also marks the duo's second full-length movie after 2005's "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit." Nevertheless, his obsession with seeking out easier ways to handle everyday chores leads him to create the "Pat-o-matic," a device designed to spare him the effort of petting his dog. Unfortunately, this relentless pursuit of shortcuts makes Wallace particularly vulnerable to artificial intelligence.
When Norbot falls into darkness, influenced by the reemergence of the sinister Feathers McGraw—whose malevolence rivals that of Hannibal Lecter—Wallace finds himself at the top of the suspect list. He must not only regain control over Norbot but also prove his innocence to Chief Inspector Albert Mackintosh (played by Peter Kay) and enthusiastic rookie officer PC Mukherjee (portrayed by Lauren Patel). Meanwhile, Gromit, as is his usual style, gives the audience a knowing glance before reluctantly stepping in to save the day.
Vengeance Most Fowl marks Aardman's return to their classic approach. However, this is also what keeps the studio shining – they manage to make the familiar seem fresh, and their craftsmanship remains engaging. If their latest film suggests that we can use technology without becoming overly dependent on it, then Aardman truly practices what it preaches.
Some scenes in this film have definitely gained from a touch of digital magic to broaden the world’s perspective, whether it’s the splash of water in a comically dull canal boat chase or a dramatic explosion that transforms Gromit into a character reminiscent of Ethan Hunt from Mission: Impossible. However, what truly matters is how well everything is balanced.
Vengeance Most Fowl demonstrates that classic styles can still flourish, evident not just in the film's visuals but also in its flood of puns (one publication humorously titles it “Gardens of the Galaxy”) and cheesy dad jokes. There are some contemporary references, including a clever joke about online Captcha verification. However, I doubt any other studio could smoothly include a Shawshank Redemption prison joke in 2024. This highlights Aardman's esteemed status in British culture.
Directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, this film features performances by Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, and Reece Shearsmith. The runtime is 79 minutes.
"Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" will be broadcast on Christmas Day on BBC in the UK and will be available on Netflix worldwide starting January 3rd.
