Movies
“Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget” Is Easy Enjoyable Fun
But just because a movie is a slight disappointment doesn’t mean that it is bad.
“Having pulled off an escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has found a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new threat, and Ginger and her team decide to break in.”
Director: Sam Fell
Writers: Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell, Rachel Tunnard
Starring: Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Saunton, Romesh Ranganathan, Nick Mohammed, Miranda Richardson
Release Date: December 15, 2023
IMDB
An easy one to start the week. Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget is a sequel to Chicken Run which came all the way back in the year 2000. Yes, 23 years is a long time to wait to make a sequel that no one was really looking for…but I digress. Dawn Of The Nugget picks up with Rocky (Zachary Levi) and Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and a slew of recognizable faces following their initial escape from the concentration camp that was Mrs. Tweedy’s farm.
But just because a movie is a slight disappointment doesn’t mean that it is bad. Don’t get yourself twisted.
Is the movie a rehash? Yes. Is it still enjoyable? For sure. Dawn Of The Nugget is an brisk 90 minute watch that sees lovable survivors pulling off Macgyver stunts in order to save one they love and evade the demonic eyes of a villain thought long gone. The heroes of the original story have a daughter named Molly (Bella Ramsey) who escapes their secluded Eden and it’s up to Ginger and Rocky (well really Ginger) to make sure Molly and everyone remains safe. There are callbacks and relatively clever jokes written within the story, and while the subtext and deeper comedy isn’t evenly coated, the pop is still there at times.
The most important aspect of Dawn Of The Nugget is that it’s easy to watch. I don’t think it’s possible to have a bad time watching it. And you can have a bad time watching an animated movie. Trust me, I recently watched Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (2023). Very bad movie. Very bad.
Dawn Of The Nugget knows what movie it is and knows that stretching itself past anything else it should be. The movie is meant to be a quick laugh, thankfully to all the viewers at home, it is. Honestly, I think it best that this movie was released on Netflix and not in a movie theater. Claymation isn’t going to draw people into the theater, but a clever thumbnail and good word of mouth will make sure that people watch.
One other thing before I end, let’s put some trust in director Sam Fell. He was nominated for Best Animated Feature in 2023 for ParaNorman (2012) which is outstanding. Before that he made Flushed Away (2006), which is an animated movie I randomly recommend to anyone who wants that genre.
So yea, Sam Fell, you have a random new fan here.
As of January 2024, Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget is streaming on Netflix. Watch the movie, and if you have time, watch the short documentary about making the film as well. It’s interesting and quick. It’s worth learning about and deepening yourself.
Like I said, a quick one. This time I actually delivered on my promise.
STANKO RATING: B
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