SVS: “Chicken Run”

They’re CHICKENS, you dolt. Apart from you, they’re the most stupid creatures on this planet. They don’t plot, they don’t scheme, and they are NOT organized.

Today’s suggestion is a bit of an oddity for a cantankerous cinematic curmudgeon like me. One of those rare homage films that I actually enjoy as much as — maybe even a teeny-tiny bit more — than the original(s) to which it is paying such loving homage.

Chicken Run, the Great Escape-themed gem from stop-motion masters Nick Park and Peter Lord and the good folks at Aardman Animation, is streaming on NETFLIX INSTANT. And can be reasonably rented from AMAZON INSTANT($), SONY ENTERTAINMENT($), and VUDU($).

While the chickens on evil Mrs. Tweedy’s farm dream of a better life, a clever hen named Ginger is hatching plans to fly the coop – for good! Every escape attempt goes fowl until Rocky, a smooth-talking Rooster, crash-lands into the coop. With teamwork, determination and little bit o’cluck, the fearless flock plots one last daring attempt in a spectacular bid for freedom.

So, why do I like this version better than John Sturges’ legendary WWII film?

Well, first of all, I don’t. At least I’m not sure if I do. Remember, I said “maybe.” And “teeny-tiny.” So put those pitchforks down.

That being said, this film is briskly and brilliantly paced. It’s jam-packed full of jokes, both visually and in its (brilliant) dialogue. And its stop-motion animation — a cinematic style for which I have always had a great fondness — has never looked better. (Also, casting Mel Gibson as Rocky, the American Rooster, is just…perfect.)

The open road, that’s more my style. Yep, just give me a pack on my back and point me where the wind blows. In fact, you know what they call me back home? You’re gonna love this: The Lone Free Ranger.

Basically, it’s a great film to watch with the whole family, especially if you’ve got younger kids. It’s an enormous amount of fun, and the fact that it is less weighty than Escape (and less bitingly cynical than its other clear inspiration, Wilder’s Stalag 17) makes it an excellent choice if you’re searching for a Fun Friday Flick for the Family. (How can I be so sure? Because my sons are currently embarking on their 837th-consecutive viewing since this film was added Netflix Instant some weeks back. Give or take a few.)

So, this recommendation should not be taken as an attempt to discourage anyone’s viewing of The Great Escape. Not even remotely. It’s a great film, and should be watched ASAP if you either a) have not seen it before, or b) want to bring maximum impact to your Chicken Run viewing. Sadly, it is not currently streaming on Netflix. It can, however, be rented from AMAZON INSTANT for a mere $.99, and the two would/will make a fantastic double-beak …er, bill. Go thou forth and chicketh it out!

Now, the most important thing is, we have to work as a team, which means: you do everything I tell you.

Attribution(s): All posters, publicity images, and movie stills are the property of DreamWorks Studios and other respective production studios and distributors, and are intended for editorial use only.