Chicken Run (2000)

The Wallace and Gromit duo of Peter Lord and Nick Park turn in their first big feature film with successful results. This wholly animated feature deals with a chicken farm and the many attempts of the soon-to-be-baked-in-a-pie chickens in escaping their grisly fates.

A solid feature all-around, with characterizations done so well you forget it’s even animated after a while. Good direction, funny moments, and many in-jokes to other escape films all keep the interest for the adults as well as for the kiddie audience this was intended for.

Is it revolutionary? No, but it is a lot of fun, and unlike many other animated features which have been churned out of late, almost every frame is made by people who truly love what they are doing. And the best part: Phil Collins, Bette Midler and Elton John don’t provide any music.

Qwipster’s rating: A-

MPAA Rated: G, suitable for all audiences
Running Time: 84 min.

Cast (voices): Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson, John Sharian
Director: Peter Lord, Nick Park
Screenplay: Karey Kirkpatrick