Many might not be familiar with the stop-motion animation series Wallace & Gromit, both its feature-length film and shorts, despite its long-standing acclaim at prestigious awards like the BAFTAs and the Academy Awards. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl marks the second feature film following Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), which achieved critical and commercial success, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Once again, the film is helmed by creator Nick Park, this time alongside Merlin Crossingham. Can this new Netflix release live up to the legacy of its predecessor?
Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead) continues tinkering with his eccentric inventions to simplify his daily life, accompanied by his loyal dog and best friend, Gromit. This time, Wallace unveils his masterpiece—a smart robot named Norbot (voiced by Reece Shearsmith). Norbot quickly becomes the town’s favorite, capable of handling tasks like a human, inadvertently sidelining Gromit. Meanwhile, Wallace’s arch-nemesis, the conniving penguin Feathers McGraw, plots his revenge from behind bars. Using his cunning intellect, Feathers hacks into Wallace’s computer system, turning Norbot into a force of destruction.
For fans of the Wallace & Gromit series, this second feature film retains the franchise’s signature stop-motion animation and lighthearted storytelling. The opening sequence, showcasing Wallace’s morning routine and quirky inventions, mirrors the charm of its predecessor. In this world, human characters are depicted as silly and bumbling, while animals, represented by Gromit and Feathers McGraw, embody intelligence and a surprising humanity. This theme aligns with Shaun the Sheep, another creation by Nick Park.
The story of Vengeance Most Fowl serves as a sequel to the Oscar-winning short film The Wrong Trousers (1993), which you can watch via the link at the end of this article. The plot follows a similar thread, expanding the short film’s premise of Feathers commandeering Wallace’s invention to steal a blue diamond. While the visuals in this feature are far more advanced, certain elements, like the musical score, remain consistent.
As always, Gromit steals the show with his clever and resourceful actions. He’s the first to sense trouble, conducting investigations in his own unique way. Gromit’s selfless heroics are the heart of the film, though Wallace’s antics and the police commander’s bumbling efforts add plenty of comedic relief. In short, Gromit is the undeniable “man of the match.”
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl delivers smart entertainment with stunning visuals, even if it lacks the sharpness of earlier installments. Watching The Wrong Trousers beforehand might enhance your appreciation of this story. With its charming stop-motion animation and lighthearted narrative, this film continues to appeal to audiences of all ages. The Wallace & Gromit series exemplifies how animation can entertain while delivering clever, heartwarming tales of friendship. If this film leaves an impression, be sure to revisit their first feature, which offers an even more lasting impact.
