Who's in it?  George Clooney (as in needs no introduction), Meryl Streep (Devil Wears Prada), Jason Schwartzman (Funny People), and Bill Murray (Ghostbusters III - yay!)
What's it about? A wry tale about the age-old problem of a father who wants to provide for his family but his actions go all kerplooey.
 

Son:      "He redeemed himself"
Mr. Fox: "Redemption? Sure, but in the end he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."

In an era of CG overdoses and 3D mania comes this gem of a film from the eccentric minds of the late author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and director Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited). The Fantastic Mr. Fox is in many ways a throwback to the times when animation meant stop motion photography (think Rudolph the red nose reindeer in the Burl Ives classic), and cartoons were a source of wit, as well as childish pleasures.  

The plot is uncomplicated.  Mr. Fox (Clooney) has a big problem in that he has a prediliction for bird theft - like most foxes I know - and a fondness for the good life, but soon he outgrows his narrow foxhole existence.  In the other corner is Mrs. Fox (Close) who prefers a normal family existence and puts her foot down on all the craziness.  Like most mums above or below ground, she wants to keep her family intact and safe.  Poor and subterranean maybe, but safe.  These two ideals eventually clash and the two are left fighting for their lives, along with several woodland friends, as local fowl farmers decide to put an end to Mr. Fox's thieving ways.

There's an almost Sergio Leone western theme song that keeps the tense parts of the storyline rolling along nicely, and the film definitely pays homage to the western genre complete with Mexican standoffs.  The bad guys are truly bad in the old-fashioned sense having absolutely no redeemable qualities whatsoever, and in a pleasant turn, the lone female character (Mrs. Fox) is beautiful, smart and strong. 

Sometimes directors fall back on their A-team of actors and the Fantastic Mr. Fox is no exception.  Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Schwartzman are all from the stable of the out-there director and the group works together well as they toss around bon mots and catchy phrases with the aplomb of a 3-ring circus.  Still, the rapid-fire delivery of furry rodents et al is why children will most likely get lost in the translation because Shrek, this ain't.  Nevertheless, the film is a pleasant surprise and one that should be experienced by anyone who appreciates solid dialogue, interesting plots and furry, plotting animals.

Coming soon to the Deluxe Cinemas, High and Market Streets.  Call 472.2188 for show times.

4 popcorns out of 5