REVIEW: Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep

Rated: PG

Runtime: 87 minutes

My Rating: 4 stars.

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Fantastic Mr. Fox is the best movie to come to theaters in months, and you aren't seeing it.

Mr. Fox has made $10 million over its three-week run. New Moon made that in its first hour.

Mr. Fox is a movie marketed to no one in particular, which is part of the problem. Let me clear that up for you.

This is a multi-generational, clean comedy with clever and quick writing. It's stop-action animation with puppets. You will laugh with it, you're kids will be entertained and everyone, including those teenager who would rather see a vampire and wolf war, will leave the theater with smiles.

George Clooney voice Mr. Fox, a retired bird catcher who now writes a newspaper column. He is married to Mrs. Fox (voiced by Meryl Streep). They have a son, Ash (voiced by Jason Schwartzman).

Mr. Fox feels poor living in a hole in the ground, so the family upgrades to “tree living.” The tree they choose sits near the three meanest farmers in the world: Franklen Bean (voiced by Michael Gambon), Walter Boggins (voiced by Robin Hurlstone) and Nathan Bunce (voiced by Hugo Guinness).

The farmers don't like foxes, and Mr. Fox is a fox with an ego. He thinks he can steal the farmer's specialty crops: Alcoholic cider, geese, and chickens.

The result is an all-out war as the farmers try to outsmart the sly Mr. Fox and his partner Kylie (voiced by Wally Wolodarsky). It is also quite hilarious.

Ash complicates things as he tries to win his father's approval over his cousin, Kristoferson (voiced by Eric Anderson). Kristoferson is an athlete and is recruited by Mr. Fox in the robberies.

The whole animal underworld rests on Mr. Fox. He has to win or all animals will perish. Bill Murray voices a Badger that serves as a lawyer.

The voice talent alone is enough to see the film, but the story itself – based on the Roald Dahl novel – stands out as marvelously unique. I have not read the book, but I suspect few people will take issue with the film. It's outrageous, touchy, funny and in no way a disappointment.

Clooney displays his best voice work in a character that seemed a perfect fit. He's charismatic, intelligent and funny. He fumbles and bumbles, but our hero doesn't seem to ever feel out of control.

This movie wasn't highly marketed, but will find a bit of a cult following once it hits DVD. Catch it while you still can. Four stars.