Anthony's Film Review



Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)


Delightful, charming story and lovable characters make this film a winner...

If it is true that it took Nick Park and the Aardman studio five years to make this full-length clay animation feature starring Wallace and Gromit, then I will say that the effort was worth it. The first thing that struck me when the film started was its visual wonder. Everything from the objects in the foreground to the background scenery is flawless, creating a world of its own. I guess the production team went with clay animation because of its unique visual appeal that no other form of animation could copy. Of course, there is more than just clay figures. There are also miniature sets and other special effects involved. But what's important is that the film as a whole is just marvelous.

Wallace is an inventor who lives in a house full of machinery, including those that automatically help him wake up and get dressed in the morning. He, along with his loyal dog Gromit, do humane pest control work with their business called Anti-Pesto. At the film begins, the town will soon hold its annual Giant Vegetable Competition, and the contenders do what they can to protect their precious contest entries. The biggest threat: rabbits. But thanks to Anti-Pesto's intricate devices to trap these pests, the vegetables are safe for the contest.

With too many rabbits to store at home, Wallace has an idea. He has a machine to suck unwanted thoughts out of one's brain. By hooking it up to their rabbit suction machine, he believes he could brainwash the rabbits to not eat vegetables before freeing them once again. However, the plan goes wrong. One rabbit's brain is altered too much. Soon, the town finds its vegetables devoured by what a reverend has witnessed to be the Were-Rabbit. Wallace naturally feels responsible. So he and Gromit try to find this beast in order to save the vegetable contest, while a hunter attempts the same but with a rifle to kill it with.

The story has plenty of clever surprises, which I will not reveal. The climax of the film is just wonderfully written with both laughter and excitement. There is plenty of humor, which is probably more laugh-out-loud for the British audience, but at least puts a smile on everyone else's face. In the center of it all, the principal characters are just charming. Wallace is that kind of character who is always in good spirits, especially with that wide smile he always has. As for Gromit, he's a very lovable dog, because as silent as he is, his expressions are very clear through his actions and gestures despite the absence of a mouth.

At the time I saw this movie, I have only heard of Wallace and Gromit through other people who are fans but never saw any of the earlier animated films myself. I now know what makes Wallace and Gromit a wonder among fans: their humorous and wacky adventures. It's an example of a cartoon with a lot of heart put into the characters and the world they live in. Overall, I really love this movie. I am also glad it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film as well as multiple Annie awards, because these awards are well deserved.

Anthony's Rating:


For more information about Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, visit the Internet Movie Database.


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