Combining clever stop-motion animation with a family-friendly story from Roald Dahl, director Wes Anderson puts his signature wit on his latest film, "Fantastic Mr. Fox," to fantastic effect.
A voice cast including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, along with Anderson faves Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, adds to the foxy fun.
And the DVD and Blu-ray discs from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment are on their way, hitting shelves March 23.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" tells the story of Mr. Fox (Clooney), a clever husband and father who aims to take his family life above ground -- literally and figuratively. He decides to move his wife and son from their fox hole to a glorious tree with views of an autumny vista.
After promising his pregnant wife, Mrs. Fox (Streep), that he will no longer hunt for chickens after they narrowly escape certain death in a fox trap, it's a test of the will when, years later, their new tree home sits so close to a trio of grumpy farmers -- Boggis, Bunce and Bean.
Let the chicken games begin!
In the meantime, zen-tastic Fox nephew Kristopherson comes to visit the family because his father is suffering from double pneumonia. Mr. and Mrs. Fox's son, Ash (Schwartzman), who is always trying to impress his athletic father to minimal effect, becomes jealous of the lithe and limber Kristopherson and hopes he'll go back home when his dad gets down to a mere "single pneumonia."
The movie is humorous and understated, and the voice actors deliver their lines with appropriate skepticism and dry wit.
Underlying everything is Mr. Fox's existential question: Who am I? Can he, in fact, be happy without a chicken in his teeth, he wonders.
And while Mrs. Fox was able to rein in her wildness after the birth of Ash, Mr. Fox is itching for one last big job. From there, the foxy hijinks ensue.
When I was offered the chance to review the DVD, I was immediately on board since I had missed out on the film in theaters last fall. So, I gathered up Ian and CC, some movie goodies and settled in. The movie is brisk, less than 90 minutes, which is great when you have a restless toddler who has all of her toys at her disposal.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" is definitely child- and family-friendly. It tackles themes of human, er, fox, nature; rivalry; and jealousy with humor and wit. The story is simple, but the details really shine.
***GIVEAWAY***
I'm giving away 3 "Fantastic Mr. Fox" DVDs from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
Just leave a comment below, describing your "foxiest" moment, and I'll announce the winners Monday, March 8.
In the meantime, enjoy the trio of embedded "Fantastic Mr. Fox" activity sheets.
14 comments:
Ooh! I also wanted to see this movie last fall but didn't get around to it. My foxiest moment? Hmm. Not sure it's appropriate for a family-friendly blog. ;-)
I too am having trouble finding a "foxy" moment that might be appropriate :) Let's just say it was on a booze cruise...
A bit different from Roald Dahl s version but sounds very interesting.
I really want to see this one. I know I loved the book when I was little. Regardless, the movie looks good. Foxiest moment? How about wearing my guy friend's ties and a pair of chucks at my senior prom and loving it? Okay okay, not really "foxy" but it's how I dress up. LOL
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
It had to be when I stood up for you at your wedding. Brownie points???? :)
Hmm, foxiest moment. Well, I have a couple of hen refusing to start laying so I cased the pens and told them they would be a delicious soup if they didn't start giving up the goods. Is that foxy enough? LOL
My foxiest moment was the day I met my husband in 1995. I was cute back then.
My foxiest moments are when the kids are asleep and it's just me and the hubby awake!!!
My foxiest moment was when I was 16 and drove a car off a ten-foot embankment while listening to Jimi Hendrix.
Oh, Foxy Lady.
My Mom and I ambushed my younger sisters on Christmas day once with Nerf guns. We were clever... clever like foxes!
urchiken at gmail dot com
So.. its hard to relay your "foxiest" moment on a family friendly blog.. but.. I try and be Foxy all the time (hence my name: "FOKXXY" ) :)
So for me.. All moments are my foxiest!!! :)
ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com
Sweet giveaway! My son was just talking about this movie in the car! My foxiest moment? Probably when I dressed up like a fox for Halloween this year! That's pretty foxy! LOL! Thanks for the chance!
hether78(at)gmail(dot)com
Great giveaway! I'm sad I missed this in theaters & haven't had a chance to watch it since!
Anyway, I'd have to say I have a foxy moment everyday. I'm sly like a fox so I do little things like slip some hand warmers into my BF's backpack just in case it gets cold at night when he bikes home from work or sneaking behind the fridge door while BF rummages for food and scare him! LOL. I like to keep him on his toes :)
mjsweeps {at} gmail {dot} com
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