I have been a fan of Wallace & Gromit since their first films. The quirky inventor and his ever-intelligent canine companion—what’s not to love? These Claymation masterpieces have always delivered delightfully daft inventions, mischief, and good old-fashioned British wit. But this newest release? Well, it takes the biscuit!
A recurring theme of a penguin breaking out of zoo prison is a brilliant excuse to have another sinister caper—complete with demon-possessed gnomes, Wallace’s predictably calamitous contraptions, and typical dry English humor mixed with clever slapstick. The animated film whisked me away from reality with gut-busting, wholesome humor and a surprisingly clever plot, all culminating in an ending I absolutely didn’t see coming.
Another 5 out of 5 stars for script, believability, editing, and impeccable animation. I was absolutely chuffed at how much attention to detail went into this film. Every frame oozes charm, from the ever-so-slight thumbprints in the clay to the intricately designed backgrounds that make you feel like you’re in their delightfully quirky world. I also appreciated the lack of lag (which, let’s be honest, was a bit of a hiccup in the previous film). Either way, this is a right corker of an adventure and a total delight from start to finish!
Plot Overview
Wallace, in his usual harebrained fashion, has invented yet another device with the potential to go terribly wrong—a robotic garden gnome named Norbot, designed to assist with household chores. But in true Wallace fashion, things don’t go according to plan. The cheeky contraption gains sentience and, unfortunately, falls under the influence of Feathers McGraw—yes, that Feathers McGraw.
For those unfamiliar, Feathers McGraw is the silent yet devious, beady-eyed, bowler-hat-wearing penguin who last wreaked havoc in The Wrong Trousers. And now, he’s back—craftier, meaner, and more fiendishly clever than ever. Having broken out of prison (again!), he’s up to no good, using Norbot to execute his latest villainous plot. But what exactly is his fowl plan? And why does it involve a zoo prison escape, possessed gnomes, and some highly suspicious cheese exports?
It’s up to Gromit (because let’s be honest, Wallace is a few crackers short of a cheese board when it comes to sensing danger) to save the day. What follows is a madcap adventure full of elaborate disguises, over-the-top gadgets, and edge-of-your-seat chases as our heroes try to outwit Feathers McGraw before he can pull off his most dastardly scheme yet.
Cast & Crew
- Directors: Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham
- Writers: Mark Burton (screenplay), Nick Park (story), Holly Walsh (additional material)
- Voice Cast:
- Ben Whitehead as Wallace (cheese-loving inventor extraordinaire)
- Peter Kay as Chief Inspector Albert Mackintosh (the no-nonsense copper)
- Reece Shearsmith as Norbot (the gnome gone rogue)
- Lauren Patel as PC Mukherjee (plucky officer trying to keep the peace)
- Diane Morgan as Onya Doorstep (a nosy neighbor who’s seen it all)
- Muzz Khan as Anton Deck (yes, that name is brilliant)
- Adjoa Andoh as Judge (she’s not messing about)
- Lenny Henry as Mr. Convenience (because every Wallace & Gromit story needs an absurdly named side character)
Feathers McGraw: The Penguin of Pure Evil
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how much of a criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw truly is. This flightless felon is the Hannibal Lecter of the bird world, a criminal genius who never utters a single word yet still manages to be utterly terrifying.
His return in Vengeance Most Fowl proves that he hasn’t lost his touch. Cunning, ruthless, and oddly stylish with that bowler hat, he outsmarts the authorities at every turn and remains one step ahead of Wallace and Gromit. The silent menace he exudes is the perfect contrast to Wallace’s bumbling optimism, and his ability to manipulate others (even a robotic garden gnome) makes him one of the most iconic animated villains of all time.
If you thought his antics in The Wrong Trousers were bad, Vengeance Most Fowl will have you questioning whether you should ever trust another penguin again.
Production Company
The geniuses at Aardman Animations have once again outdone themselves. Their commitment to handcrafted, stop-motion animation is evident in every frame, from the intricate character expressions to the delightfully wobbly physics of Wallace’s latest invention. This film is a true labor of love, and it shows.
Critical Reception
The critics have spoken, and it’s a proper belter! The film has been praised for its wit, inventive plot, and nostalgic charm, seamlessly blending old-school Wallace & Gromit humor with fresh, laugh-out-loud moments. Many have called it a “triumphant return” that delivers classic charm while keeping things exciting and new.
Expect laugh-out-loud moments, edge-of-your-seat action, and some of the best stop-motion animation to grace the screen in years.
Availability
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is available for streaming on Netflix as of January 3, 2025. So grab a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy this cracking good adventure—preferably with a generous wedge of Wensleydale at hand.
Final Verdict
This film is an absolute triumph and a glorious return for Wallace & Gromit. It delivers everything you’d want—British wit, thrilling adventure, absurd contraptions, and of course, Feathers McGraw being as villainous as ever. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the series, Vengeance Most Fowl is a must-watch. It’s got thrills, laughs, and more penguin-related mayhem than you ever thought possible!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A masterfully animated claymation adventure filled with British humor, inventive storytelling, and the return of Feathers McGraw—who proves, once again, that crime doesn’t need words. #myfunmoviereviews
