Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will begin its run on Netflix on December 15, marking the long-awaited return of Aardman Aniations' lovable characters in a sequel that strikes a delicate balance between the warm nostalgia of the past and the innovative aspirations of the present. Under the deft direction of Sam Fell and with a redesigned cast, the film plunges us into the torments of parenthood with Ginger (Thandiwie Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi), grappling with their energetic chick, Molly (Bella Ramsey).

Set 23 years after the events of the original film, the plot takes an unexpected tangent by abandoning the Great Escape theme to embrace a daring Mission: Impossible-inspired operation at Fun-Land Farms, a seemingly idyllic haven that conceals a dark secret: a chicken nugget production plant. The film thus offers an irresistible mix of infectious laughter, thrilling action and breathtaking stop-motion animation, while preserving Aardman's characteristic charm. This time, however, the visual direction explores more CGI horizons, evoking the aesthetic of Flushed Away.

Despite debates over the replacement of certain members of the voice cast, Newton and Levi's performances stand out, bringing a touch of humor that evokes Mel Gibson's dynamism in the role of Rocky. The entire cast, including established talents such as Jane Horrocks, Imelda Staunton, and new faces such as Josie Sedgwick-Davies, infuses the film with a richness and variety of personalities. The animation, a true Aardman cornerstone, maintains its signature craftsmanship, with meticulous detail and character expressions that elevate the visual experience to new heights. However, despite this visual prowess, the story seems to bend under the weight of redundancy, reiterating elements from the original, although the magic continues to break through at times.

The attempt to slip in subtle political commentary on the Brexit, while laudable, seems a somewhat forced addition, failing to integrate harmoniously with the plot. Despite its entertaining quality, the film struggles to match the sharp wit and biting wit of the original, leaving audiences with an impression of a comedy already explored. However, at the heart of this film, the real treasure lies in its stop-motion animation, embodying Aardman's unwavering commitment to cinematic craftsmanship.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is thus an enjoyable adventure, particularly delectable for fans of cinematic nostalgia. While it may not surpass the splendor of the original, with Netflix's continued support for Aardman, anticipation remains high for future creations that could rekindle that unique spark that has elevated the studio to the status of a must-see animation icon. Animation aficionados can rejoice, as this feathery new adventure promises to extend the franchise's timeless charm.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
Directed by Sam Fell
Screenplay by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O'Farrell, Rachel Tunnard
Story by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O'Farrell
Produced by Steve Pegram, Leyla Hobart
Starring Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, David Bradley, Jane Horrocks, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays, Josie Sedgwick-Davies,Nick Mohammed, Miranda Richardson
Cinematography : Charles Copping
Edited by Stephen Perkins
Music by Harry Gregson-Williams
Production companies : Aardman Animations, Netflix Animation
Distributed by Netflix
Release dates, 14 October 2023 (BFI), 15 December 2023 (Netflix)
Running time 98 minutes

Viewed December 04, 2023 (Screener press Netflix)

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