Shaun the Sheep Movie
Dir: Mark Burton, Richard Starzak
2015
*****
Shaun the Sheep is a character my nephew and nieces (and I suspect their parents) have enjoyed for quite a few years now. Personally, I prefer the comforts of my bed at 5.30 on a Saturday morning but will certainly start recording each episode from now on because Shaun the Sheep Movie is an absolute joy from start to finish. I was chuckling consistently throughout the 85 minute run time. It's a cliche to say but this really is a film that both kids and adults can enjoy equally. There is cuteness and physical comedy there for the kids (and adults) but there are also various references to adult films, such as Night of the Hunter and Silence of the Lambs and to classic literature such as Orwell's Animal Farm. I love the set-pieces, this is middle England but it's also very universal. The film pokes fun at various trends that everyone can relate to, indeed, the language used between the sheep and humans is gibberish (with a slight accent) but while it's not a language as such, the tone can be understood by everyone. That is what is at the heart of what is so clever about the film and Aardman films in general, they can be understood (and loved) by everyone. It is often said that the simplest of things are often the best and this is an excellent example of this. It is tender, inventive, wholesome, original and hilarious. Easily one of the best films of 2015.