Will Chicken Run really fly or will it become a pie? That is the question on the minds of Nick Park, Peter Lord,Jeffrey Katzenberg and other executives at DreamWorks. The film is to open in L.A. and New York on June 21st. It will expand its feathers across North America on June 23rd which is of course the last day of school for kids.

I recently attended the advance screening of Chicken Run courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures. I am sure all of you have read numerous reviews of this film on the net (95% of which have been positive).

So what did I think? Was it good, great or horrible? I personally believe that DreamWorks and Aardman have a big hit waiting to open its wings next week. It is not a type of film which will have a smashing big weekend opening (but with D'Works Marketing Machine promoting this film, I could very well be wrong). However, it will definitely continue to hold strong through out the summer period and should be able to out gross Disney's Dinosaur.

Before I bore you anymore, here is my review of Chicken Run with MINOR SPOILERS.

Instead of going into the story, I would basically cover the lovable characters, their performances, direction and of course audience reaction.

The film begins with a strong Marching music theme from Harry-Gregson Williams and John Powell (Antz & The Road to El Dorado). During the opening sequence, the camera moves down from the full moon to the Poultry Farm. The first five minutes of credits lay out a strong description of the story. Its pretty much what you have been seeing in trailers and TV spots.

As soon as you see the first chicken moving around the farm in panic on the big screen, you will simply laugh. I mean when was the last time you saw a chicken digging holes in ground to escape? They are adorable and cute.

Ginger played by Julia Sawalha was the main character in this film and the heroin who leads the flock of chickens to freedom. As far as I know, this is the first time in long time (for sure first time in animation) when a female character saves the day. Julia's character will remind you of those people who will anything to reach a goal. She is determined, opinionated, strong and hopeful. One thing that I really liked about this character (have to thank Nick and Peter for this) is that she was not shown as your typical female in a film where a guy will come along to save her. On the contrary, she was also not shown as someone who does everything on her own. I mean she lead a flock of chickens to freedom with the help of Rocky the Rooseter (Mel Gibson). These characteristics brought made Ginger just like another person you meet every now and then. It clearly reflected the potential and the power every woman has in today's society. You will see what I mean when you see the film.

Then we have Rocky played by Mel Gibson whose screen time was surprisingly not as much as Julia (Ginger) but of course she is the leading star of this film. Rocky is a mixture of every down hearted or looser character who eventually finds out his worth later on like "Z" from Antz or "Flick" from A Bug's Life or Homer from The Simpsons. He is inconsiderate, confused, pesimistic and the ladies man. Don't take me wrong. He is indeed not someone that kids or adults won't like. I mean he is the hero of this film and does antics worth laughing. Throughout this entire film you will notice constant arguments between Ginger (British Chicken) and Rocky (American Rooster) about something I don't want to say.

We are then left with Babs, Bunty, Fowler, Mac, Mr & Mrs. Tweedy, Nick and Fetcher. I have to say Babs (Jane Horrocks) is my favorite character from the film. I am sure it will be for many people. Why? Because its cute and hilarious. Every single word out of her mouth is worth listening to. For example "I don't want to be a Pie" or "Are those the only choices?" (as seen in trailers) is amazing to watch and listen to. Its not just the lines. Its the accent provided by Jane Horrocks and her actions. You will always see her knitting a sweater. What is she knitting? Something that you have to keep an eye out for.

I really don't have much to say about Bunty (Imelda Staunton) because she didn't have much to say. I mean she did talk but nothing exciting. Not to mention her action scene with one of the Chickens is worth seeing over and over again. As for Fowler (Benjamin Whitrow), what can I say? Your typical military officer who only speaks military language and loves to give orders. Look out for him as he has some exciting scenes to offer as well.

Mac is the engineer. Aside from having strong mathematical language she has a strong accent. You probably have to see this movie 2 or 3 times just to understand what she is saying. That's what makes her so lovable. I am sure you all meet people on daily basis when you don't understand a word their saying because either they are low talkers or they talk too fast. You will enjoy her presence.

Nick and Fetcher (Timothy Spall and Phil Daniels) whose only concerns was PROFIT like the Farengis from Star Trek ultimately end up helping the Chickens escape from Tweedy's Farm. I think it was a great idea to have these two characters in the film which told the story from a non-chicken perspective. They were the real audience of the film like us. Every escape plan the chickens made, Nick and Fetcher were involved and thoroughly enjoyed watching them.

Mr.Tweedy is another version of Homer Simpson (The Simpsons) only somewhat smarter. He knew from the beginning that the "Chickens were up to something" but Mrs. Tweedy who is a reflection of Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmations never listened. One is a goof ball while other is stubborn witch.

This film has a lot to after to kids of all ages. I think everyone will love this film. It has a lot of hidden adult jokes not to mention two clear cut references to Indiana Jones. Watch the PIE scene carefully. You will be able to pick up a reference from Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Doom and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Nick Park and Peter Lord did a remarkable job in making this film. It is truly a masterpiece. I mean the cinematography, the character expressions were so human like. Its not like they used Computer Effects. This is the truest form of animation. Their hard work will reflect in upcoming weeks.

After 85 minutes of wild action and some smart and clever comedy, I thought of only one thing. I want to see this again and can't wait for DreamWorks/Aardman's next production "The Tortoise & the Hare" which comes summer 2002.

At the end the audience went wild with a huge applause for at least half a minute. Way to go Aardman and DreamWorks.

What do you think of the film or my review? Post your thoughts on Talk Back.

Fo r more on this film, visit DreamWorks SKG Fansite-Chicken Run.


by Jawad Mir