Movie-Fantastic Mr. Fox

Fantastic Mr. Fox was nominated for the best animated feature Oscar. It did not win.

What a wonderful animated film we get with Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), based on the Roald Dahl book. About a fox who tries to become domesticated---not tame but settling down with a family and getting a real job (reporter) instead of raiding farms. But you can't keep a good fox down, and much to his wife's displeasure he goes on raids. And he is really good at it, so good that three big farmers (corporate type farmers) try all they can to get Mr. Fox.

This tale is filled with wit, and adult humor. It is not in any way a strictly kid's movie, though I suspect some kids will enjoy it. The parts of Mr. and Mrs. Fox are played by George Clooney and Meryl Streep, very adult actors...and Clooney stays in adult role as his voice acting carries the cast. He is as adult here as in Up In the Air.

The farmers are trying to kill Mr. Fox, and they even destroy the tree Mr. Fox and many other animals use as home to get him...they are willing to rape and destroy anything to get Mr. Fox and protect ALL their profits...again, a very adult theme. As is the marriage between the two foxes, and Mr. Fox's relationship with his son.

The movie is funny, and also has its own bit of tension as the farmers are trying to kill the hero.

The stop action animation is not what we are used to in this time of computer animation, but it works VERY well for this story. IN fact, I think any other kind of animation would have made the movie less pleasing.

The supporting cast of characters is fine too, with the Mr. Possum especially standing out.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is unique in so many ways, and is just a fine film overall. Funny and thoughtful, dealing with adult themes and having great animation, it was very worthy of its nomination.

At least that is my opinion.