Shaun, vita da pecora: Farmageddon - Il film

'Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon' (2019)

Opening thoughts: Am a big fan of Aardman and have been ever since seeing 'Wallace and Gromit in A Close Shave' (which is a firm family favourite and one of our Christmas traditions is watching that and 'Wrong Trousers') for the first time. Shaun the Sheep immediately won me over in his first appearance in 'A Close Shave' and continues to do so. Absolutely love the 'Shaun the Sheep' show, and was not in all honesty expecting for the first 'Shaun the Sheep' film to be as good as it was.

'Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon' is a more than worthy sequel and even though even slighter story wise even with the referencing retains much of what is so good about the show and the first film. It's not as good, with it falling a little into the trap that the first film surprisingly managed to avoid, but it is a worthy sequel and a good and vastly entertaining film in its own right. Don't expect much from the story, and anybody who loves fantastic animation, endearing lead characters and clever writing should see 'Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon'.

Bad things: Beginning with the not so great things, the story is very slight, though actually it was a wise move to keep things straightforward (just that it was a little too much so in places), and is a little too like an over-extended episode of the show. It is also very over-familiar with very little new and some of the pacing drags.

Did feel too that the alien design was on the strange side.

Good things: Everything else is great. The animation is absolutely wonderful (this component is even better than the animation in the first film, which is a big compliment as that component was the standout one in the first), with its vibrant, bold colours, immaculately detailed backgrounds and well-modelled character designs. Not to mention some very imaginative sci-fi visuals. Sheep have seldom looked cuter in film. The John Williams-like score is inspired and is the kind that rouses the spirits and tugs at the heartstrings. Having no dialogue aside from grumbling and animal noises was also a wise move, instead letting the story, gags and characters do all the work. The show also had no dialogue and definitely worked without it.

Furthermore, 'Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon' is every bit as funny as the first film, with hilarious and nostalgic references to the likes of 'ET', 'Men in Black', 'Signs' and 'Alien' that never felt forced or shoehorned in. They don't go on for too long as well. Like the first film, it does brilliantly at providing something for all ages and kids and adults alike. Children will delight in the characters and will have no trouble following the story and it is never juvenile for adults either, who are going to get the references more. When it comes to the gags and the humour, they are hilarious and true in style to the gags in the show. Again like the show not much new but they are genuinely witty and funny as well as timed to perfection and conveyed absolutely beautifully.

Can't fault the characters either. They are every bit as delightful as in the show, Shaun has lost none of his endearment and is just adorable for a character that never speaks. The film is very cute without being sugary and it never feels forced or like it is trying too hard, the charm never stops too and there is enough energy to satisfy (even if pacing is a problem at times here).

Closing thoughts: In summary, really liked it while liking the first film more.

7/10.

This is basically a Shun the Sheep version of ET. Fun for all the family, and plenty of movie references for sci-fi fans.

It knows it's silly, and goes out of its way to enjoy itself.

Easily one of the best animated movies of 2019.

Aardman Animations, that alone is almost a guarantee for this picture to be a good animation movie. With this sequel of Shaun The Sheep they deliver again. It's a bit of fun for all ages, I'm fifty-one and I also enjoyed it, it's even better when you had a couple puffs of the magic dragon. I always watch movies with subtitles but with this one you really don't need any as there is not one known word spoken, it's all strange noises, facial expressions, but it works very well. Even with the end credits I laughed when I saw the voice-overs for all the characters because it's basically just animal impersonations that you hear. I can't imagine the amount of time the sculptors and animators worked on this project but it's clearly done by the best.

IN BRIEF: A family film that has some funny moments in its sci-fi parody.

JIM'S REVIEW: (RECOMMENDED) From Aardman Animation comes its first British sequel to its 2014 feature-length film and popular character, Shaun the Sheep (a spin-off from the delightful Wallace and Gromit series entitled A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. Nominated for an Academy Award, the movie is diverting fun, but not up to the high standards from this studio.

This installment takes its title character and his flock, along with Farmer John and his dog, Bingo, into sci-fi territory. The story is slight, and like most animated films these days, does not come near the visual artistry on display. The plot spoofs and overuses the E. T. formula as it centers on a wayward alien named Lu-La and the gang trying to help her "phone home".

As always, the film has wonderful background details with its stop-motion characters caught in a havoc of sight gags and a bit of Brit wit. Everything on view relies on its visuals to tell the story as there is no dialog and the artisans are certainly up to the task to deliver enjoyable family fare for both young and old, even if the story is old and predictable.

Well directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is a silly entertaining romp. Be charmed by the whimsical antics and spend an evening with the kids, or just have "the kid in you" see this movie. (GRADE: B-)

A film that can be enjoyed by children & adults. Loads of things to spot during the film that link to other sci-fi films. We've watched it three times now and discover things still.