Text Size:
A|
A|
A
Email
Print
It's slightly jarring, at first, to see the foxes clothed, standing upright -- and bearing the distinctive voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep.
That's because the Oscar winners are, in fact, speaking for Mr. and Mrs. Fox in "Fantastic Mr. Fox," a daffy but delightful version of Roald Dahl's book that uses old-fashioned stop-motion animation.
- Starring: Voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep.
- Rating: PG for action, smoking and slang humor.
- Web site: www.fantasticmrfoxmovie.com
It's another fine addition to the rich bounty of animated films for the year and it comes, improbably or perhaps probably, from Wes Anderson, director of "Rushmore," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" and "The Darjeeling Limited." He has a fondness for misfits and fanciful fables and this fits right in.
The bones of the story are the same: Three farmers, named Boggis, Bunce and Bean, are the favorite targets of a foxy thief named Mr. Fox. Here, however, it's the prospect of an addition to the family that makes him decide to go straight -- by becoming a newspaper columnist. Yes, only in a fantasy would a character go into the business today.
But after a dozen years of domesticity, a change of address that indicates they're moving up in the world and a son named Ash (voice of Jason Schwartzman), Foxy gets itchy for his old ways.
When he returns to purloining poultry, he brings the wrath of the farmers down on his -- and fellow members of the animal kingdom's -- heads. That sets the stage for a man vs. beast battle and a test of just who is clever like a fox.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," which also features the voices of Bill Murray, Michael Gambon and Willem Dafoe, is trippy fun thanks to the voice talent and the detailed dollhouse sort of world in which the characters reside and echoes of the real world, with TV reporters doing live shots.
Some of the material is clearly aimed at adults but most of it should hit home for children, especially the near-sibling rivalry that develops between the awkward Ash and his athletic, cool cousin who comes for an extended visit.
If James Gandolfini's voice was a distraction, for me, in "Where the Wild Things Are," Clooney's is a bonus. His fast-talking, confident patter is perfect for smooth operator Foxy, who, like everyone else, uses the word "cuss" as an all-purpose and family-friendly curse.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" burrows into some messages about animal natures and how misfits can save the day, but mainly it's just a giddy good time.
Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.
