Review of 'Shaun the Sheep Movie'

shawn_the_sheep_movie.jpg For those that have never watched the show - Shaun the Sheep is a claymation from Aardman shown on children's television that tells the story of Shaun, a sheep of above average intelligence as he and his other sheep friends (including the young sheep Timmy who has his own show as well) have adventures under the noses of the farmer and his dog, Bitzer.

The movie sees Shaun getting bored of the routine of every day life so hatches up a plan to get a day off that results in a caravan containing the farmer to roll away from the farm to the “big city”. Bitzer goes off in pursuit eventually followed by Shaun and his gang. After the caravan incident the farmer has developed amnesia and is now working in a high-priced hair salon as he seems to have a knack at sheering…This combined with being pursued by the psychotic “Animal Containment” agency means the sheep are in trouble. Will Shaun and the others be able to snap him out of it and get him back to the farm?

This is a charming film made all the more charming to realize that not a single word of dialogue is present throughout - It is not needed to convey the story and emotions of the characters. The craft of Aardman's claymation is absolutely amazing (2 seconds of film production a day? Wow!) - Incredibly intricate and well choreographed it is also a story with heart. You can't help be taken in by the sheep and the chaos they cause wherever they go. This movie is obviously aimed at children though it can be appreciated by adults with a number of jokes aimed solely at them (the “Silence of the Lambs” reference in the “Animal Containment Facility” is priceless).

The ending is never much in doubt but it is a fun ride.

P.S. Stay for the credits…not only is there a great rap version of the Shaun the Sheep theme there is a bit at the very end…

Rating: “I have absolutely no complaints”

Review Date: 2015-02-14


Directed by: Mark Burton, Richard Starzak

Studio: Aardman Animations

Year: 2015

Length: 85 minutes

Genre: Animation

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0983983/