Fantastic Mr. Fox

(PG) Fox DVD/BD

“Fantastic” is the word for this traditionally animated film from Wes Anderson. The debonair Mr Fox (George Clooney) and his artistic wife Felicity (Meryl Streep) live an idyllic home life with their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) and visiting young nephew Kristopherson (Eric Anderson).

After 12 years the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr Fox’s wild animal instincts and he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief. In doing so, he endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community.

When evil farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean level Mr and Mrs Fox’s home in an effort to flush Mr Fox out, the animals become trapped underground and need to hatch a plan to escape.

The animals band together to fight against the evil farmers who are determined to capture the audacious Mr Fox at any cost. What they don’t count on is Mr Fox’s legendary cunning and his ability to lead the animals against them.

A stellar voice cast including Clooney and Streep help make this engaging tale a treat for all ages. In a time when most family entertainment is rendered in CGI, it is refreshing and delightful to see handmade characters.

Anderson’s films have always erred on the side of quirk, but have also examined family — something this film showcases with the bravura you would expect from such a creative director.

Adrian Drayton