Friendly film for all ages

Tired of gladiators, patriots or schizophrenic slapstick on the big screen? Celluloid has finally heard the masses' pleading for a wholesome, yet engrossing film amidst the summer blockbuster lineup. Chicken Run proves not only to be a positive Pokemon alternative for the kids, but also a pure cinematic joy for all ages.

The vegetarian-friendly film follows the misadventures of a group of chickens desperately trying to escape the inevitable at the Tweedy's Egg Farm in rural England. The group of chicks (all female except the stately rooster Fowler) is led by the feminist-minded Ginger in their always-foiled escape plans.

Just as their flight to freedom seems unattainable, Rocky the American rooster falls literally from the sky. He promises to teach the chicks how to fly their way to freedom. As he unsuccessfully teaches the clan how to fly, the evil Mrs. Tweedy and befuddled Mr. Tweedy are hatching up a plan to turn Tweedy's Egg Farm into a more profitable chicken pie farm. The fast-paced climax of the film will most assuredly keep the audiences enthralled and cheering for the chicken's certain escape to freedom.

In addition to a witty script, meticulous claymation and interesting cinematography, Chicken Run boasts a seasoned voice cast. Julia Sawalha (of Absolutely Fabulous fame) owns the lead role of Ginger. Mel Gibson (with an American accent nonetheless?) voices her counterpart in the cocky role of Rocky. The two share a believable chemistry and are given sharp lines to cluck amongst themselves. Miranda Richardson adroitly breathes stale air into the role of Mrs. Tweedy. However, the scene-stealer comes from Babs the "knitting knit-wit," voiced by Jane Horrorcks (Little Voice ).

Chicken Run is the brainchild of Nick Park and Peter Lord. Park is the creator and genius behind the claymation phenom Wallace & Gromit series and subsequently picked up two Academy Awards in the process. Park and Lord's production company Aardman was reluctant to move their shorts into the realm of features for fear of artistic intervention by the likes of Disney and other companies who approached them years ago.

Instead, Dreamworks swayed the two into making their original blend of claymation, humor, wit and heart into features while retaining full artistic control. The end result is a truly smart film that continues to wrap the audience around the lovable and laughable characters sorely missed since the heyday of the Muppets. Rating: A