Fantastic Mr. Fox Review

I don't recall reading Fantastic Mr. Fox when I was growing up, but my boyfriend had so I decided to tag along with him after he expressed an interest in seeing the movie.

Fantastic Mr. Fox follows the story of the sly Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney) retiring from his "occupation" as a chicken thief to become a family man when he finds out his wife (voiced by Meryl Streep) is pregnant.

After 12 (fox) years of domesticity with his family, the charismatic Mr. Fox begins to ponder age and death. This brings about feelings of nostalgia for the capers he used to carry out.

I really enjoyed the texture from this style of stop-motion animation. I also liked the expressive faces of the characters, as well as the movement of things such as the fur on the animals.

I think the characters were well cast and the acting was spot on, but admittedly there was a moment when the cunning Mr. Fox was plotting "one last job" where I couldn't help but think of George Clooney in Oceans 11.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is an adventure laced with moments of realism, like things not always working out as you want them to. It also addresses issues such as cause and effect or action and consequence.

This story will resonate with any adult who has ever contemplated their economic situation, occupation, boredom with the daily grind or death.

It may also resonate with a young adult who has feelings of not fitting in or wanting to measure up to expectations of a parent.

I'm not certain that it will leave a lasting impression on younger viewers, because it is likely only the cuteness factor that they can relate to. Still, exposing them creates the opportunity for messages to trickle down.

With the exception of moments like the animals biting the necks of the farm-yard fowl (non-graphic), and the repeated mention of them having wild "animal instincts," I felt as though I was watching foxes go about their daily lives in much the same manner as humans would.

The movie has serious undertones, generally addressed in an offbeat comical manner. I just don't think there was enough of the comedic to offset the seriousness. As a result, when I left the theatre - it was with more gravity then I would have liked after seeing an animated film.

Additionally, I feel the pacing was good in the first two acts but dragged a little in the third.

Overall, I think Fantastic Mr. Fox was good, but not "fantastic". So I would give it 7 out of 10.