Should we lower the bah when discussing the latest feature from Aardman Animation? It's not that we would ever suspect the studio of woolly thinking or doing anything on the sheep. But Shaun the Sheep Movie is a spin-off from a spin-off. Ewe do wonder . . .
That’s enough of that. As you shouldn’t need to be told, the gorgeous big-screen version of Aardman’s TV hit has been carried off with faultless professionalism that will bring shear enjoyment to flocks of – Okay. We really will stop now.
In keeping with generations of cinematic expansions of British TV comedies, Shaun the Sheep Movie (the middle indefinite article is missing from the main titles) sends its heroes away from their usual environment. Shaun and his pals hatch a scheme to sedate the foolish farmer and secure a day off for disreputable fun.
The plan goes wrong and their benign boss gets biffed on the head and ends up wandering about the big city with classic broad-comedy amnesia. The flock must join forces with Bitzer the sheepdog and retrieve their pal from urban decadence.
It could be argued that Shaun the Sheep is not quite so much a movie-movie as were Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and the under- appreciated The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! Even if you were unaware of the TV show, you might accuse Sheep Movie of looking like an extended episode. This would, however, make you an idiot.
Exploiting Aardman’s gift for archaic charm to the full, the film, free of audible dialogue, essays a school of humour that, were it not so stubbornly English, might remind us of Jacques Tati at his finest.
The film does find its characters availing of social networks. We do hear a smattering of Rizzle Kicks on the soundtrack. But this is still the same postwar innocent idyll through which Wallace and Gromit moved with such cosy grace. Shaun the Sheep gives "fun for all the family" a good name.
It’s rambunctious. It’s mutton but good fun. Do the rest yourself.