For more than ten years, enthusiasts of *Wallace & Gromit* have been left in anticipation, as the adored franchise has experienced an extensive break. It’s been 16 years since the previous short film, *A Matter of Loaf and Death*, and 19 years since the launch of the Academy Award–winning feature *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*. That’s far too much time to be apart from two of Britain’s most treasured characters.
Luckily, the wait is finally over. *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl*, a new film from Aardman Animations and Netflix, brings us back together with the legendary Claymation duo. The outcome? A touching and comical journey that is as gratifying as an exquisitely arranged cheese platter.
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### What’s *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl* about?
Helmed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, *Vengeance Most Fowl* kicks off with the reappearance of a familiar antagonist: Feathers McGraw, the sly penguin and criminal genius from 1993’s *The Wrong Trousers*. After his unsuccessful try to steal a valuable diamond, Feathers found himself imprisoned in a local zoo. However, he’s now back and planning his revenge.
Meanwhile, at 62 West Wallaby Street, Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead) has been preoccupied with creating new contraptions, including a smart garden gnome named Norbot (voiced by Reece Shearsmith). Gromit, Wallace’s ever-faithful beagle, is already annoyed by his master’s increasing reliance on gadgets, but Norbot pushes him over the edge. Not only does the gnome create chaos in Gromit’s meticulously cared-for garden, but it also appears to be taking his place as Wallace’s favored companion.
Things take a darker twist when Feathers McGraw manages to infiltrate Norbot, transforming the helpful device into an instrument of disorder. With irate customers and wary police officers closing in, it’s up to Gromit to rescue the situation and thwart Feathers McGraw once more.
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### *Vengeance Most Fowl* brings the classic *Wallace & Gromit* appeal.
While *Vengeance Most Fowl* doesn’t quite scale the peaks of *The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*, partly due to its dependence on nods to *The Wrong Trousers* instead of a wholly original plot, it remains a delightful escapade. The movie is filled with the franchise’s customary absurdity, featuring clever wordplay and laugh-out-loud moments involving everything from boats to office chairs. Even the tiniest touches, like a cheese-themed CAPTCHA, are guaranteed to bring a grin.
Central to the movie is the enduring relationship between Wallace and Gromit. Once again, the beleaguered Gromit finds himself tidying up after Wallace’s well-intentioned yet frequently disastrous contraptions. The supporting cast adds even more layers of humor and sentiment. Feathers McGraw continues to be a fantastic villain, with his creativity making him the ideal adversary for the pair. Returning from *The Curse of the Were-Rabbit* is Chief Inspector Mackintosh (voiced by Peter Kay), whose clumsy antics generate plenty of laughs. Joining him is PC Mukherjee (voiced by Lauren Patel), a fresh character who distinguishes herself as one of the most adept human figures in the film.
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### A thoughtful exploration of AI and creativity.
One of the most notable features of *Vengeance Most Fowl* is its commentary on the emergence of artificial intelligence and its effects on human creativity and connection. This concept is interwoven throughout the film, beginning with Wallace’s increasing dependence on his creations, which results in a rift between him and Gromit. The most notable example is the Pet-O-Matic, a machine designed to pet dogs, which leaves Gromit feeling more estranged from Wallace than ever. Oblivious to the emotional repercussions, Wallace insists that Gromit should “embrace tech,” even mentioning AI in his reasoning.
Norbot elevates this theme further. When Gromit’s garden is first introduced, it’s a lively, colorful haven brimming with personality. But once Norbot becomes involved, the garden is altered into a sterile, lifeless area of uniform grass and cubical topiaries. This sharp contrast serves as a compelling metaphor for the discussion surrounding AI-generated artistry, which often lacks the spirit and uniqueness of human-made works. It’s evident that *Vengeance Most Fowl* holds strong views on this matter, marking it as the first *Wallace & Gromit* film to address such a contemporary issue.
The film also emphasizes the significance of process and craftsmanship, themes that resonate deeply with the intricate art of Claymation. Just as Gromit finds pleasure in gardening, the diligent work behind stop-motion animation is what gives *Wallace…