steve-butten

This masterful study of comic invention and timing is a must see for lovers of a good belly laugh and a remarkable observation of the "British workman" at his worst. Ronnie Barker as a frustrated concrete layer, Bernard Cribbins as a hapless stone mason, Bill Fraser as an, always peeing, ground worker and many more recognisable stars and bit players, all with their little comic moments. Satirical commentary on disorganisation and incompetence abounds, all watched over by a copper leaning on his bicycle. Of course this all predates health and safety rules and regulations, providing ample opportunity to indulge in shoddy workmanship and wild comic invention. The "burble" dialogue adds to the comedy and all the actors contribute to the merriment. Enjoy it in its entirety on YouTube and, occasionally, on TV.

I was really looking forward to this, but quite a short way in there were questions. How come only one egg is hatched amongst a large population of chickens on their new island home? Why did they not simply explain what led the crowd to their current location, which might have kept the offspring at home? At the close of the first movie, weren't the villains dispatched by their own machinery, so how come they survived to try again?

At one point I was so bored by the story/dialogue I hit the mute button so if those questions were answered I may have missed it. Of course the animation and settings are impressive, but the Aardman sharp humour and observation are missing. The gags are not funny and it all looks a bit plastic. The ending and the process of getting there are predictable and the British sensibility, that was often the mark of the studio seems to have been lost.

What a shame, I wonder if there are outside influences at work now.