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Hollywood Spotlight - Reviews [Chicken Run]
ORIGINAL FULL FILM REVIEW
Title:
CHICKEN RUN
Studio:
DreamWorks
Genre:
Comedy/Children/Family
Tagline:
A Few Good Hen
Opens:
Wednesday, June 21st, 2000
Time:
NA
Rating:
Rated G
Year:
2000
Directed By:
Nick Park and Peter Lord
Written By:
Karey Kirkpatrick and Jack Rosenthal
Produced By:
David Sproxton, Nick Park and Peter Lord
Starring:
Mel Gibson, Julia Sawahla, Miranda Richardson, Tony Haygarth and Phil Daniels
Details:
FILM
· Synopsis:[Recommended Reading] A comedy drama set on a Yorkshire chicken farm in 1950s England, the story follows the turbulent romance between Rocky the Rooster and Ginger the chicken, both of whom yearn for freedom and are plan a daring "prisoner of war" style escape. Both chickens are tired of being repressed and know they face an eventual certain death, so in planning their escape, they rally with their fellow chickens.
Chicken Run is an entertaining claymation children’s movie similar to Watership Down in its content and situation, but is presented in a much more slapstick fashion. There are some dark overtones as the reality of an Egg Farm being converted to a Chicken Pie Farm may bring some interesting questions from your kids if you have them - and if you don't have kids then why the cluck are you going to this movie? No no, don't get your feathers all ruffled, be a good egg. Actually, I found that the movie was humorous and intelligent with some fairly adult quips and comedic scenes. I laughed out loud a number of times, but after all - it is a kids movie.
These cute claymation chickens are living in a egg production farm that is very reminiscent of a concentration camp. The setting reminded me quite a bit of Hogan's Heroes and some of the situations were in fact quite similar. These chickens are aware of no other home than this egg farm - that is, Evil Mrs. Tweedy's Egg Farm to be exact. This is the 4th or 5th generation of Tweedy's to have egg farms and each generation has lived similarly - similarly poor. Mrs. Tweedy decides that in order to make some real money, she needs to convert her Egg Farm to a Chicken Pie Farm. Ginger, the chicken coop's Norma Rae, rally's the chicken coop staff in numerous attempts to escape. After a number of failed attempts, they are suddenly visited by a drop in guest, Rocky Roads, an American Rooster [Mel Gibson, The Patriot, Braveheart, Lethal Weapon] that can apparently fly. Upon seeing this, Ginger figures their prayers are answered. Two farm rats, Nick and Fletcher, make the chicken’s acquaintance and supply the "needs" of the Farm Hens in attempts to get some fresh eggs. Nick and Fletcher's antics are some of the funniest parts of the movie, particularly for the adults.
In effort to escape, all they need to do is to learn to fly. So, Mr. Rocky Roads lead them in an exercise regimen, modifies their diet and has the chickens run through many "flight training" exercises that leads them off roofs, catapults, bungee cords, sling shots, and so many other methods of training that it is important to keep abreast of the action. If all else fails, they always can look to Fowler EX-RAF flight chicken to come in and save the day - what what!
So, if you’re following here - the plan is made. The Chickens, Mr. Rocky Roads and the Rats have figured a way out. Yes, they have devised a plan - and with Mr. Rocky Roads leading the way they are sure to escape and just in time because Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy are quickly completing their massive Chicken Pie Factory, complete with saws, vegetable chopper, stamper, gravy boiler, packager, dough roller and OVEN! Will they get out and see the green pastures and hills in the valley across the way? Will Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy celebrate the completion of their Chicken PotPie machine with a warm dinner and a nice glass of milk? So, what will come first - the chicken or the eggbeater? It remains to be seen, but I put my scratch on the chickens. A fun movie - find the rest out for yourself!
