Chicken Run (2000)


When it comes to discussing animation studios, many people bring up companies like Disney or Pixar. However, the British animation company Aardman is rarely talked about. This is most likely because the main work that they are known for the most is Wallace and Gromit, and their other works do not get that much recognition. This all changed in the year 2000 when Aardman released their first feature length film “Chicken Run” to popular success from everyone. A co-production with DreamWorks, the movie was hit in both the United Kingdom and United States, and ultimately becoming the highest grossing stop motion animated movie of all time. And the film deserves this recognition. From spectacular animation, to memorable characters, the movie is a special retelling of the classic film “The Great Escape”, but for a much younger crowd. Although there is one minor complaint that deters the film greatly, the rest of the movie is quite good. “Chicken Run” is a magnificent production, showcasing one of the best animation studios to handle its craft very well.

The story follows a group of chickens located on Tweedy Farm in England. The leader, Ginger (Julia Sawalha), tries desperately to escape, but all of the plans fail. This is mostly due to the fact that if any chicken that doesn't lay the right amount of eggs, they will die. Ginger wishes for a chance at freedom, and it comes to her in the form of a rooster named Rocky (Mel Gibson), who comes crashing down onto the farm. Using Rocky as a role model, Ginger comes up with the near perfect plan for all of the chickens to escape and live their lives of freedom.

What makes “Chicken Run” so good is that the entire production showcases some superb amazing detail in a stop motion animated feature that hasn't been seen before or possibly since.

The animation is the best part of the movie. Every inch and detail included in the movie is sublime. From the roundness of the eyes, to all of the character designs, the majority of the team at Aardman really gave it their all. On top of this, the set design for all of the models to work around, including the majority of the farm and the chicken huts, compliment the movie rather well, and look great. In fact, the ways the camera is set, really creates some great shots and amazing perspectives for the world around the characters.


Continuing on the set design, it all looks like a similar concept to a POW camp, mixed in with a bit of the 1950s thrown in, gives “Chicken Run” a lot more to think about than you can imagine.


In fact, the whole concept of the movie is a play on the 1963 film “The Great Escape”. This is mostly because the entire story pays homage to those prisoner of war escaping films of the past. By using this, older viewers will catch on pretty quickly of what the movie is trying to accomplish, while enticing younger ones. Top that with a running time of around 84 minutes, and there never is a dull moment throughout the entire production. Every scene is intense and full of action; from the opening prelude, to Rocky saving Ginger from the pie machine, to the exciting climax, the action is absolutely exciting from beginning to end.


Top this with an amazing cast with stellar performances from Sawalha and Gibson, to even Miranda Richardson and Tony Haygarth voicing Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy creating perfect villains to put up with. Plus, an additional supporting cast delivering great performances, each with their own style and direction.


To be fair, the only major criticism for the movie comes near the end of the movie. Here, there is a twist that the audience can practically see coming right from the beginning. This twist is nothing that spectacular, nor is it shocking in any way, shape or form. If there hÄd been a bigger twist to the story revolving around the characters, then the movie would have been perfect.


But aside from that, the rest of the movie is great.


Including the amazing sound design put into the film. Every little footstep and piece of metal is heard through the speakers perfectly. Plus, the soundtrack is lively with popular tunes of the era, and a brilliant orchestration that evokes the recollection of the past prisoner escape films, like the previously mentioned “The Great Escape”. All in all, the music in “Chicken Run” is well worth listening to.


In conclusion, “Chicken Run” is an amazing feature from Aardman, and shows that animation can be found in the most unlikeliest of places.

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