For over ten years, there has been a noticeable absence of new content from the Wallace & Gromit franchise. It has been 16 years since the last short film, “A Matter of Loaf and Death,” and 19 years since the first feature film, the Academy Award-winning “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” This gap has been significant for fans of these beloved British characters.
Fortunately, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” a new film produced by Aardman Animations and Netflix, aims to address this void. The movie brings back the iconic Claymation duo, delivering an experience as satisfying as a delightful cheese platter.
Directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, “Vengeance Most Fowl” introduces the return of Feathers McGraw, the penguin and criminal genius first seen in 1993’s “The Wrong Trousers.” After his initial defeat at the hands of cheese-loving inventor Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead) and his loyal dog Gromit, Feathers McGraw has been plotting revenge from behind bars at a local zoo.
At 62 West Wallaby Street, Wallace continues to tinker with a variety of new inventions, including a smart gnome named Norbot (voiced by Reece Shearsmith). Gromit is concerned about Wallace’s increasing dependence on technology, and Norbot’s arrival is particularly troubling. Not only does Norbot disrupt Gromit’s well-maintained garden, but it also threatens to replace him as Wallace’s trusted companion.
The film explores themes of technology and replacement, resonating with contemporary anxieties about AI taking over artistic roles. Challenges escalate when Feathers McGraw manages to exploit Norbot, steering it towards malign purposes. As tensions rise, with disgruntled Norbot users and wary police officers scrutinizing Wallace, Gromit must once again step up to thwart Feathers McGraw’s plans.
Though “Vengeance Most Fowl” might not fully reach the heights of “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” partly due to drawing inspiration from “The Wrong Trousers” instead of presenting an entirely new storyline, it remains an entertaining escapade. The film is filled with humor, puns, and innovative set pieces that range from absurd to ingenious.
The dynamic between Wallace and Gromit continues to charm, with Gromit often having to manage the chaos resulting from Wallace’s obliviousness. The film also reintroduces characters like Chief Inspector Mackintosh (voiced by Peter Kay) and introduces PC Mukherjee (voiced by Lauren Patel), adding depth and humor to the narrative.
Norbot emerges as a standout character, notably contributing to the film’s commentary on the potential risks of AI and technology replacing human creativity and interactions. The movie cleverly conveys this message through various story elements, such as Wallace’s impersonal Pet-O-Matic invention, which distances him from Gromit.
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” underscores the value of craftsmanship, especially in the context of Claymation. The painstaking efforts involved in stop-motion animation breathe life and texture into the film, reaffirming the irreplaceable nature of human creativity. This thematic concern is evident in the film’s narrative and visual storytelling, reminding audiences of the unique quality of handcrafted art.
