Coming from the studio that brought you Wallace & Gromit, the heroes of this tale are chickens, literally. With elements and dialogue for all age groups, Chicken Run is a family favorite and never disappoints.
It is the story of a an eclectic group of chickens living in 1950's England, who are determined to escape from the chicken coop they are imprisoned in. Ginger is the leader of the group. She is the one who wants to escape most, trying to convince the others that there is more to life than laying eggs; and behind the fences are fields of green and most importantly freedom. One night they get an unexpected visit from "the lone free ranger" Rocky, who is the rather cocky Rhode Island Red rooster. They consider him their last hope to escape from certain death at the hands of the farmers, Mr and Mrs Tweedy because Ginger thought she saw him flying from a distance. They make a deal to hide him from the farmers and heal his hurt wing as long as he teaches them how to fly. One day, Mrs. Tweedy doesn't take the initiative to take one of the chickens to the chop despite the hen not laying any eggs but instead orders Mr. Tweedy to double their food portion causing Ginger to become immediately suspicious and warning the others that it's just a trick in order to fatten them up and kill them all at once. On a night of partying, Rocky's wing eventually heals and all the other chickens now wish to see him fly in order to see it for themselves despite the constant doubts that arise about the typical chicken's capability to fly. Will Rocky show up for his performance or will he turn out a "chicken" and disappoint Ginger and the others, sealing their fate once and for all?
People who grew up during the 1950's will enjoy this film very much because of common war references made by Fowler (the rooster who has seen war action) and the chicken farm being a metaphor for a German army prison/boot camp, with the chickens working out complex plans to trick the farmers and eventually escape from the farm. This plotline also brings out similarities to "The Great Escape" film (1963) and will make a connection with all war veterans and fans of escape films. Although it is intended to be for children, the storyline concerns more grown up themes of courage, working together, persistence, and of course love. But not just romantic love; platonic love too. I think it will be a great experience for children older than 10 because it teaches so many important values that are helpful in life.
The dialogue was smart and witty, but most of all hilarious. The voice work for all the characters was just spot on with Mel Gibson giving a fine performance as Rocky. The animation was very well done as well with the stop motion capture sequences flowing from shot to shot with great ease. One of my favorite action parts in the film the escape from the pie machine because of the immense amount of movement going on and how they captured it to the fullest extent. I also particularly loved the various pieces of clothing the chickens wore that added a very homey and warm touch to the characters along with the setting of the events that made their hostile setting not so gloomy to the viewer.
So, I am proud to say this film is one of my personal favorites that will stand the test of time, will never get boring and will bring some historical times back to the screen for all audiences to enjoy and marvel at.
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