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Sly, witty, focused, on a mission, this description could fit George Clooney in the Fantastic Mr. Fox, or it's director Wes Anderson. Either way, this quirky movie is entertaining and a lot of fun. Using the classic technique of stop-motion animation, Wes Anderson creates a world with its own unique personal style, bringing to life the community of the Fox family as seen in Roald Dahl’s book, Fantastic Mr. Fox.

                    Wes Anderson Interview

From the very beginning, you know you are in for a treat when the film opens to Mr. Fox warming up in a field and exercising to the Ballad of Davy Crocket. His movements are bizarre, unconventional, and strangely delightful, as you find yourself intrigued and entranced, eager to learn more about this fantastic creature.

                     Jason Schwartzman Interview

Wes Anderson has taken the form of stop-motion animation and has pushed it beyond its traditional limits. Filmed liked a live action film with interesting lighting, long tracking shots, multiple sets and a documentary style voice track with all the actors recording their dialogue together. This choice created some interesting ambient sounds and unusual dramatic pauses, but it also added a connection between the characters that is seldom seen in animated film. When Meryl Streep and George Clooney act together, you feel the relationship, which is amazing when you consider that the movie has been filmed with puppets, shooting one frame at a time.

                    Fantastic Mr. Fox Movie Trailer

Many of Wes Anderson’s friends are found in this film. Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) plays the Fox son, Ash. Bill Murray (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou) plays the Badger and Eric Chase Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums) plays Kristofferson, a visiting Fox cousin. The Simpsons writer and producer, Wallace Wolodarsky plays Kylie, an opossum friend of the family, and Owen Wilson, an Anderson favorite, plays Coach Skip. Also seen in the cast is Willem Dafoe (Spiderman)as a rat, and Michael Gambon (Harry Potter) as one of the menacing Farmers.

This film is tremendous fun and very clever, but it’s also different which makes it fresh. In a very strong year for animated film, this one is a welcome addition. Even in voice-over, George Clooney exudes charm. He certainly is a fantastic fox and this is one fantastic film.

Melanie Wilson  

Visit her blog at LAMelbox.blogspot.com