Children's author digs deep with mature, animated film

Wes Anderson has directed many off-beat movies dealing with the complexities of family relationships. Fantastic Mr. Fox, however, is his first attempt at displaying these emotions through animation.

Now this isn't the animation of classic Disney, nor is it the over-exposed 3-D currently sweeping the cinema. This animation is a return to the stop-motion of old, allowing for not only a much more real experience when watching the movie, but also a touch of nostalgia to a craft no longer mainstreamed.

The story of Fantastic Mr. Fox came from the book by Roald Dahl. Dahl is a children's author, but make no mistake, his characters are not simple minded. In fact, you may even forget that the film is based on a children's book when listening to the understated humor hiding within most of the lines.  

Our wily hero is Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney), who lives with his wife (Meryl Streep) and son, Ash (Jason Schwartzman). The Fox family, along with many other forest creatures, live across from three evil (human) brothers—Boggis, Bunce and Bean. These brothers own three vast farms, the contents of which Mr. Fox would love to get his furry paws on.

Unfortunately for him, he swore off stealing once Mrs. Fox told him she was pregnant. So, obviously, Mr. Fox concocts a master plan to raid each farm in secret with the help of his friend, Opossum.

As expected, these nightly escapades catch up with Mr. Fox, and it isn't long before his family, nephew, neighbors and he are all being chased by he three terrible farmers.
As previously stated, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a great movie that will appeal to all ages without short-changing anyone. The kids get their fuzzy and funny charactors, while mature audiences will laugh more at the situation and dialogue accompanying it.

But what really makes this a standout film is that it allows its characters to be just as serious as they are silly. The repeated line, “I'm a wild animal," suggests that Dahl (and Anderson) understand that these creatures are dealing with crises all too human.

Fantastic Mr. Fox does not wish to be uncomplicated. Instead, it wants its viewers to see pieces of themselves within the Foxes or any woodland creature depicted on screen.

Ultimately, the theme of Dahl's original work shines through. There is no spoiler if I tell you it's one we've all heard before. But Anderson gives the message a certain novelty by permitting the characters to doubt and even disregard it. Mr. Fox and his band of friends are too intelligent to believe that one theme can define their existence ,so instead they diverge from the oncoming train of sentimentality and end with a simple toast.

As its name states, Fantastic Mr. Fox is definitely fantastic. The animation is spot-on for the overall look and tone of the movie. Each actor, not only the A-listers, puts his heart and soul into creating a believable voice and personality for his character.

These two elements, along with a marvelous humor and note of maturity, add up to movie that should not be missed. Dahl and Anderson have created a gem.