From the people who brought us the classic clay-mation film, Chicken Run, comes a new movie about a sheep named Shaun. I had no expectations going into this “for-the-family movie,” Shaun the Sheep, and here were my impressions as I walked out.
Plot summary
“Shaun, an unusually bright sheep, lives with his flock at Mossy Bottom Farm, a traditional small northern British farm,” said Wikipedia. “In each episode, their latest attempt to add excitement to their mundane life as livestock somehow snowballs into a fantastic sitcom-style escapade, most often with the help of their fascination with human doings and devices. This usually brings them into conflict—and often into partnership—with the farm sheepdog Bitzer, while they all are simultaneously trying to avoid discovery by the Farmer.”
Positive elements
For a movie that had literally no dialogue the entire time, it was easy to follow the plot and light-hearted moments. There were several subtle references to British and other cultures, throughout the movie, and there were slapstick laughs all throughout. The movie emphasized the importance of family and, for using clay figures, worked on an emotional level that viewers, young and old, can enjoy. Lastly, there was one cute, memorable song in the movie that you will have stuck in your head.
Negative elements
Bathroom humor. Too much bathroom humor.
Spiritual content
A movie like this is lighter fare, not weighty theology or philosophy. Yet in one scene, we see a church steeple with a cross atop. In another, we see the “family” of sheep tending to a sad member of the family. Also, there are good guys and bad guys in the movie. Even in the world of clay-mation, there is right and wrong.
Overall
Shaun the Sheep does not come close to becoming a classic, like Chicken Run. But its funny moments, neat-looking characters and main message will delight audiences of various ages. I recommend this movie, and if it had fewer bathroom humor moments, I would have highly recommended it.
Rating: 3 stars out of 4