The Occidental Weekly

Wes Anderson is a stylistically original filmmaker who has put his efforts into creating quirky characters and plots that are in a world of their own, such as in "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "Rushmore." So what happens when he puts his touch on the Roald Dahl children's tale "Fantastic Mr. Fox?" The result is pure whimsical joy.

The animated film tells the tale of the eponymous Mr. Fox, the cool, sly vulpes, who is brought to life by the gravelly-voiced George Clooney. Mr. Fox is a family man and newspaper columnist, but he seems to want something more out of life. In his heart, Mr. Fox is a risk-taker who yearns to spice up his comfortable life with some thrill-seeking and adventure. Mr. Fox enlists the help of Kylie, his new opossum acquaintance (voiced by Wally Wolodarsky), to plan successful raids on the evil chicken, goose and cider manufacturers Boggis, Bunce and Bean.

Unfortunately, while Mr. Fox is savoring his bounty, the farmers exact their revenge, which not only uproots the Fox family from its home, but also disrupts the peace, displacing all the surrounding animal residents. The rest of the film is dedicated to the uproarious battle of beasts versus Boggis, Bunce and Bean, as they try to outfox one another.

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" is a quintessential feel-good movie. Anderson and friend/collaborator Noah Baumbach craft a masterful script not reliant on jokes or gags. The film is not a laugh-out loud comedy but rather stands as a more subtle cinematic exercise which engages the audience in the wit and fluency of the story. Like "Ocean's Eleven" with animals, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" has all the twisting, turning adrenaline of a heist film paired with the sweetness of a family comedy, topped off with signature Wes Anderson zaniness.

The animal animation brilliantly captures the characters and their eccentricities with wonderful facial expressions. The set design echoes the vivacious and wild tone of the plot, establishing an environment of fantastical realism - a believable world where the entirely unbelievable can happen. The employment of what is now considered "old-school" stop-motion animation is an innovative choice by the filmmakers as it sets the perfect tone for this delightful tale of fun and fantasy.

The voice cast, populated by stars such as Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, is inspiring, filling out these anthropomorphic animals with charm and zest. However, the unknown voices in the ensemble, specifically Wolodarsky and Eric Anderson, are just as impressive, as they lend the detailed inflection necessary to convey convincing communicating creatures.

While some may say that Anderson is shying away from his roots, this critic argues the contrary. Anderson's films are about outlandish characters attempting ridiculous feats with absurdity and aplomb, and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" does everything to embrace such idiosyncracies.

Mr. Fox has the same eccentric, mischievous characteristics that made Royal Tenenbaum, Dignan and Max Fischer such outstanding and memorable roles in other Anderson films. "Fantastic Mr. Fox" delivers a story with wackiness and heart that allows the audience to feel the joie de vivre that resonates throughout Mr. Fox and truly makes him as fantastic as the title presumes.

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