On CLIPS In December, 2009
FANTASTIC MR. FOX

Angry farmers try to get rid of Mr. Fox (George Clooney) and his family in this stop-motion animated feature based on Roald Dahl's novel.

TRIVIA: Stop-motion animation was used in which 1996 movie version of a Roald Dahl book?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (4 CAMS)        RATED PG

Three angry farmers are tired of losing chickens to the sly Mr. Fox (the voice of George Clooney) and vow to rid themselves of the Fox family and their friends. "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is a marvelous and simply delightful film that is entertaining for both young and old alike. Using stop-motion animation, director Wes Anderson turns Roald Dahl's novel into an instant screen classic. Laced with the type of humor Anderson is noted for in movies like "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", this is aimed squarely at adults. The fact that children can attend and not be bored is a giant plus for this cinematic pleasure. The fabulous George Clooney heads a stellar voice cast to bring the woodland creatures and their tormentors to life. Meryl Streep's Mrs. Fox, Jason Schwartzman as son Ash, Bill Murray's Badger, Willem Dafoe's Rat and Owen Wilson as Coach Skip make up a very vocal group of denizens. Michael Gambon is Franklin Bean, of farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean, with a threatening voice indeed. Wes Anderson even gets into the act as Weasel. An unforgettable mix of music ranges from tunes of Burl Ives to The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. Each song fits the situation. Anderson's body of work has been described as quirky, but this piece of art comes closer to mainstream. It's the wildest ride since Mr. Toad. "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is a fantastic tail, make that tale, from the folks at 20th Century FOX.