Director Wes Anderson's quirky indie humour and off-beat dysfunctional characters have been very appealing to me over the years.
Upon the news that he was adapting Roald Dahl's children's novel, using animation, I thought he might have been going a little too far outside his comfort zone and wondered if his idiosyncratic style would actually transfer to a different medium. Thankfully, my curiosity was put to ease as this did not dissapoint.
Based on Roald Dahl's story about a sly and egocentric fox that always strives for better things for himself and his family, while seemingly oblivious to the dangers his quest for status brings to his family. He sets out to rob the three local farmers Boggis, Bunce & Bean of their possesions and attracts a lot of unwanted attention for everyone in the process.
Anyone familiar with Anderson's idiosyncratic style will know that, despite this being animation, his approach hasn't changed at all. It still possesses his wit and charm in abundance. The stop-motion animation takes a little getting used to but once you've attuned yourself to it, there's no let up in the pace of, not just, Anderson's visuals but also the characterisation and his daring in not being constrained by the medium itself. His eclectic use of music and screen captions are also present, making this every inch a Wes Anderson adventure. Credit must also go the voice cast; each and every single one of them inhabit their characters and deliver the sharp and intelligent dialogue to perfection, bringing the little stop-motion animals to life. These little creatures have more zest and life than most live-action movie characters are ever afforded and they add to another odd collection of dysfunctional family members that seem to be Anderson's forte and feature regularly in his oeuvre.
For many, this is actually their favourite Anderson film. Personally, mine still sits with "The Darjeeling Limited" but this is certainly one of his finest, eccentric and most unique moments.
Not only does this foray into animation not disappoint, it actually thoroughly impresses. This is how it should be done. A subversive, cerebral treat for adults and children alike. "Fantastic" indeed.