I've liked a decent amount Nick Park's work. I grew up on _Wallace & Grommit_ and _Chicken Run_ and enjoy them even now, but I think that maybe you have to like other things if you want to enjoy _Early Man_, things I personally, don't. _Final rating:★★ - Definitely not for me, but I sort of get the appeal_.
I'm not so fond of the Aardman full length features. The standard of stop-motion animation is always great, but the stories and characterisations can prove to be a bit on the thin side - and that's certainly true here. Some prehistoric folks are harmlessly going about their business when an asteroid strikes the planet. Aside from robbing them of their dino-dinners, this presented them with a glowing sphere that they realised they could kick about - the beautiful game is born! Years later, "Dug" and his pal "Hognob" are caught up in an hunt for mammoths that introduces them to the sophisticates that are the "Bronze Age" warriors who live in a fortified city under the ruthless dominion of the "Lord Nooth", who is bent on world domination! The cavemen must abandon their homes and flee for their lives - all except "Dug" who is mistaken for a footballer and a bet ensues. His team versus the bronzies. If he wins, then they can return home in peace. If not - then it's the mines for all of them. There's not much going on with the plot: that's fairly predictable, and the comedy is very much in the slightly slap-stick vein of "Wallace and Gromit" but to be fair to Nick Park, if it ain't broke.... The simple characters are engaging and the dialogue and action scenes keep the film moving along steadily for what ought to have been just an hour or so. I did like the football action replay hut - shades of "Saint & Greavsie" for the Brits who recall Saturday lunchtimes. What this isn't, is a kids film - which is good news. There is a bit of double-entendre in the humour and though not their best work, it's still easily worth a watch.
Roadkill is a stop-motion animated thriller. One alpha male deer goes for an evening car ride and has an unfortunate car accident.
Two animated fables by La Fontaine "The Old Lion" ("Le lion devenu vieux") and "The Lion and the Gnat" ("Le Lion et le Moucheron").
It is the beginning of the school year. At 13 years old, Ben discovers the effects of puberty on his classmates who have changed a lot. Especially Claire, who is now really pretty. Ben would like her to notice him, but he is hung up by his weight and even the school nurse worries about him. Despite his passion for cooking, Ben decides to go on a long and difficult diet. To face the bullying from Max and his gang, Ben can count on the support of his crazy family and his friends Claire, Eric and Sonia. Together, they start a band for the Christmas show, at the end of a year that will have made them all grow up, gain confidence in themselves, in life and in love.
A football team who has differences and ego problems must win an International underground football tournament in order to save their own lives.
Travel along with Thomas for a wonderfully wobbly and wheel-spinning good time! The No. 1 blue engine has bridges to cross and tracks to uncover in these exciting adventures. When Victor gets overloaded with too many tasks, can Thomas help him let out steam? And while trying to get Scruff as clean as a whistle, will Thomas have to get his own wheels dirty? Just when things seem to be rolling along, will Ol' Wheezy make a wobbly mess of Thomas' special delivery? Hold on for exciting surprises waiting to be delivered just for you! Featuring the episodes: Jumping Jobi Wood!, Thomas and Scruff, Victor Says Yes and Toby and the Whistling Woods. The Australian release contains two additional episode; Creaky Cranky and Tickled Pink.
Aging baseball star who goes by the nickname, Mr. 3000, finds out many years after retirement that he didn't quite reach 3,000 hits. Now at age 47 he's back to try and reach that goal.
Divorced father without custody Torben, a former pro soccer player, concentrates on his talented son David's juniors poorly performing team. When the coach suddenly accepts another position, Torben gets his change 'for the time being'. He becomes a substitute father for several of the boys. He's opposed by many parents, but finds love again with one player's single mother. Yet the greatest reward comes from David, in a twisted way.
Its Barbershop for Rednecks. Bill is a bait shop owner who has to make a balloon payment of $15,000 or else the bank will close his shop. Unable to make the payment from the proceeds of the shop, Bill must compete in the annual Bass Tournament, which he pathetically loses every year, to win the money.
Thomas is bubbling with excitement as he delivers special cargo to the picnic extravaganza! His friend Percy joins in on the fun for a game of Hide and Seek and Emily goes full steam ahead to cheer on the Sodor soccer team! Join Thomas and your favorite engine friends as they explore the sights and delights of Sodor in these exciting episodes. Features the episodes: Pop Goes Thomas, Jitters and Japes, Thomas' Crazy Day and Pingy Pongy Pick Up.