Voices by: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray
Director: Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums)
Running Time: 1 hr 27 min
Release Date: Nov. 13, 2009 (Limited Release)
Budget: $40 million
Critics’ Thumbs Up: 93%
“…an instant classic.” J.R. Jones, Chicago Reader
“…left me feeling up in the air…” Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
“Am I being flirted with by a psychotic rat?” That quote from Felicity Fox (Streep) perfectly sums up the delightfully quirky tone of this imaginative and well…Fantastic film. Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel about an anthropomorphic family of foxes led by Mr. Fox (Clooney), the moral of this adventurous and witty tale is that being different is fantastic and differences should be valued − not ridiculed. Thus, it’s fitting that this stop-motion animated film is so refreshingly and brilliantly different. The naturalistic color score is strikingly beautiful and the details (Mr. Fox’s corduroy jacket is modeled on the director’s) are immaculate. Also perfect are the voice performances and the casting. Though suitable for children over 12, adults will most relish Fantastic Mr. Fox and all its subtle humor and intricacies.
