Sometimes what you want is a great escape. Sometimes it doesn’t even need to be that great of an escape, but it helps if it’s inspired by The Great Escape…
What is it?
Chicken Run is a stop-motion film made by Aardman Animations (the same outfit did the earlier Creature Comforts) released in the year 2000.
What kind of story is it?
You have chickens. You have the means to make a bundle of money by switching over from selling eggs to selling chicken pot pies. But the chickens have other plans. Crafty plans.
Plans which fail again and again and again, mind you. Until one day, a stranger lands in their midst. Literally.
Why do you like it?
This is a silly, fun, clever, gently ridiculous little adventure comedy romp. It doesn’t ask much (acceptance of cartoon physics and talking animals, mostly) and what it gives in return is a lot of laughs.
What might one not like about it?
It is, more or less, a kids movie. Talking animals and so forth. Don’t hold that against it.
It does, more or less, star Mel Gibson. Don’t hold that against it either, if possible.
Other thoughts about it?
In terms of quotable quotes, Chicken Run is good value for money.
“I don’t want to be a pie… I don’t like gravy.”
“We’ll either die free chickens, or die trying.” “Are those the only choices?”
“They’re chickens, you dolt! Apart from you, they’re the most stupid creatures on this planet!”
“I wasn’t on holiday, Babs. I was in solitary confinement.” “Oh, it’s nice to get a bit of time to yourself, isn’t it?”
Where can I watch it?
You can rent it from some of the usual streaming sources (Amazon, Hulu, Google Play) or buy a shiny platter version.
