Fantastic Mr. Fox

The school holidays are here, so The Eclectic Cinema is trying out an afternoon show that should appeal both to the young ones and the adults who might choose to accompany them. This is Wes Anderson's classic stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl's story Fantastic Mr. Fox, published in 1970. With an all-star voice cast led by George Clooney and Meryl Streep (as Mr and Mrs Fox), it also includes Wes Anderson regulars, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, as well as Willem Defoe and Michael Gambon.

The charming Mr. Fox finds it hard to put aside his natural instincts to steal food to support his family, despite his wife's protestations. It's not long before he and his mates are risking life and tail in a battle with the three wealthy and avaricious farmers whose land adjoins the Fox residence. A terrific adventure ensues, involving secret tunnels, kidnapping, double-crossing and ambush. In the end, of course, there's no doubt which of the adversaries is going to come out on top.

The Parental Guidence (PG) for this film is "contains mild violence and scary scenes". You have been warned!

And, by the way, this is reckoned to be one of the best animated films of the 21st century.

USA | 2009 | 87 minutes

DIRECTED BY

STARRING