- Date of Release: 03 January 2025
- Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy,
- Language: English
- Watch On: Netflix
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Introduction
Most animation features are catered towards either kids or adults, but the new English animation film Wallace & Gromit : Vengeance Most Fowl is different. Picture this – in a scene, you see the character of Feathers, a penguin being imprisoned in a zoo. In its cell, you see him exercizing, a scene that instantly acts as a contrast as far as perceptions are concerned. Feathers is one of the most iconic villains of this franchise but more importantly, you have chosen the shape of your villain to resemble a bird that is loved and virtually cuddled throughout the world. In a way, it is playing on the perception of kids of Feathers being a bird while making him the bad guy thereby catering to the perception of grown ups, a consistent character theme that makes Wallace & Gromit work immediately. So you are intimidated while cracking up a smile while looking at Feathers, much like the calm and collected Gromit who has little to say apart from showing his dismay towards Wallace and his new experiments with technology, all of which wonderfully contributes to the world building. Just for context, Feathers is arrested for trying to steal a blue diamond after his plans are foiled by Wallace & Gromit, with the film opening with the arrest. And so clearly, the vengeance in the title of the film is through the character of Feathers.
Story & Screenplay
One of the recurring themes of Wallace and Gromit – Vengeance Most Fowl is the integration of AI that comes with its set of automations for Wallace. So in an early scene, you get a gist about the daily routine of Wallace and Gromit – from using hand extenders to be woken up, to sliders which act as breakfast servers, to the latest invention of Wallace which is a Norbot (a gnome robot) who incidently turns out to be one of the principal characters of the film. The dynamic explored between Gormit and Norbot is far from smooth – the former is immensely annoyed with the latter, be it a source of insecurity or simply its intimidating looking persona (which is an interesting plot-point in itself), that indirectly creates a void with his master. But it is Feathers who rules the roosts with a character that is hilariously stoic, and contributes to some major mischief as a part of his vengeance through the Norbot(s).
Amidst all the chaos and humour, there is a searing commentary on the use of AI which subtly makes for a pondering watch. This is particularly interesting given that we find ourselves on the cusp of AI, an entity that will potentially change the human lives for the good or for the worse (only time will tell). The use of vengeance through the use of AI (in a way as a source of manipulation) is told through a simplistic and hilarious lens in the drama. The situations aren’t complex even as much of the chaos is triggered by a simple change in the setting that wrecks havoc for Wallace even as he remains oblivious of the glitch (and in a lot of trouble), leaving Gormit to step-up and save his master.
Another lens that the drama can be viewed from is a parody of all the major action films over the years. This is particularly true when Gormit decides to ‘step-up’ even at the cost of taking ‘law’ in his own hands. You will get a feel as if the events are a homage to the 007 Bond movies or Mission Impossible, even as a few hilarious twists and turns raise the stakes in the drama that soon turns into a three-way battle. It is mind-boggling as to how eventful the drama is here, considering its slender runtime of under 80 minutes. This, while the drama consistently remains funny and entertaining leading up to its final act that boasts of blink-a-second action sequence coupled with a game of one-upmanship. But it doesn’t lose out on the charm with respect to its characters or its tone that made the drama affable in its first glance. And the messaging at the end is relevant while doubling up as a cherry on top! The screenplay is expertly penned and makes for a wonderful watch.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are minimalistic and exhibit a sense of charm through the conversations of the characters. There are plucky one-liners that land wonderfully, thereby contributing to the humour of the film too. The BGM seamlessly integrates itself with the theme of the drama, thereby enhancing the playful emotions in store. The stop-motion animation is outstanding here while ensuring that the skeletal framework of its characters appeals to kids as well as adults which itself was such a victory. The editing is crisp and sharp while eliminating much of the flab through its lean runtime of under 80 minutes that doesn’t allow any lag to creep in. Directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham manage to do a stellar job here right from their world-building to the characterization while never letting go of the core of the film – a mix of humour amidst a commentary on AI, that enhances the viewing experience by ten-fold. The direction was splendid here.
Voiceovers
The voiceovers are top-notch by the members of the cast. Lauren Patel as the voice of Mukherjee reeks of goofiness and measured bouts of humour that contributes wonderfully to the ambience of the drama. Likewise, Peter Kay as the voice of Inspector Albert is equally goofy and frivolous while contributing to much of the laughs in the drama. Reece Shearsmith as the voice of Norbot is eerie in many ways with a potential to subtly haunt your senses with his evil laughter. But he doesn’t lose the core of the plastic character by implying much of the intimidation to be superficial at the end of the day, a true-blue masterstroke. Ben Whitehead as the voice of Wallace has a streak of innocence and empathy to him that he wonderfully explores through his voiceover. The fact that Wallace solely remains oblivious despite his ignorance and antics, has much got to do with his tremendous voiceover.
Conclusion
Nominated in the Best Animated Film category for the Golden Globe Awards (and possibly a nomination for Best Animated Film at the Oscars of 2025), Wallace & Gromit : Vengeance Most Fowl is a hilarious animated Anti-AI banger in times of AI that makes for a brilliant watch. Available on Netflix and Highly Recommended!
