Review of Fantastic Mr. Fox on DVD


Ok, so it's not out until March 23rd, but we had to tell you about this clever flick based on the book by Roald Dahl (you know, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author..) and starring the voices of superstars like George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson.

First off, it's a bit bizarre. The animation is superb, but at times leaves you wondering what exactly you're looking at. The way the characters are made to be so human-like is truly the key to why this film works. It's fun, funny, and very engaging for an animated feature.

The story line involves Mr. Fox, a former thief who goes straight so he can raise a family. When presented with the option to move across the way from 3 corrupt farmers, however, the tempation to pull off one last major heist is too much. He dives right into to his old life, thereby alienating his family and putting the entire underground animal world in danger.

What we loved: This film is hilarious. I loved the character development of creatures as simple as a possum (who frequently zones out with blank eyes like a real possum would) and how animal behavior is injected into people-like scenarios. There is a lesson to the madness that is Mr. Fox's life -- his wife threatens to leave him after he betrays her, and in the process of making amends to everyone around him, he finds value and worth as a father, husband, and leader -- even though it isn't an exciting or glamorous as a con man.

What we didn't love: This film is rated PG for some dangerous situations (Mr. Fox loses his tail in an altercation with a farmer, references are made that if the foxes get caught the farmers will "kill the children.") There is also a questionable use of swearing throughout the film. No, they don't say the words.. but rather substitute every swear word with the word "cuss." While I wasn't offended, personally, parents will want to decide how to treat this use of language. (If you don't want your 2-year-old saying, "What the cuss?" -- this may not be the film for you.) On the other hand, the creative use of slang led to a worthwhile discussion at our home about appropriate language and what constitutes swearing. Since the word "cuss" isn't all that memorable to young kids, my children have already forgotten about the specific terms, but remember what they learned about our rules for language.

We really enjoyed this film. My husband and I were rolling throughout. The kids were entertained, but much of the witty banter went way over their heads. I think that when you can find a film that isn't dumbed-down to the point that the parents are waiting for it to be over, you've got a winner. Fantastic Mr. Fox is that winner.

Check out this Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment film on Amazon (aff) or your favorite video retailer on March 23rd!

Wanna Win? We have 3 copies of this film to give away. To be entered, just comment on this post with why you think you might want to catch this flick! You have until March 10th at 11:59 am CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

* A DVD screener was provided for this review.


Comments

  1. We are huge fans of Dahl books in our house so I am thinking this one would be a hit!

    ajcmeyer at go dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love collecting DVDs

    droopydog63@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. My son read the book and really enjoyed it. He would love to see the movie.

    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. After watching the trailer for this movie, I just know my kids would love it, they're very into the stop motion style animation, thanks! leenburke@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd love to win because this is one of the rare animated films that truly works as entertainment for both children and adults without boring one or the other - Wes Anderson's sharp writing shines through, which will please the grown-ups, and the endearing storyline and funny characters are a delight for the kiddos. Thanks for the chance to win this terrific film on dvd!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I want to win this dvd! I saw this film and loved it. One of my fav parts was that the soundtrack included Bill Ives songs I remembered from my childhood!

    scarflady(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. it would be great to watch with my grandson mverno@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. My daughter read this book at school. We all want to see the DVD too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'd like to win because I think the animation is different from what my kids are used to, and I find that interesting.



    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would love to win because this is a cute family that the whole family would enjoy!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks like it would cute & great cast.

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I absolutely LOVED this in the theater. It was probably my favorite movie of last year!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I want to really see this movie. There has been so many rave reviews on the animated film blogs, that I just can't pass it up.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My son read the book, so i'm sure he'd like to see it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd like to win this DVD so I could watch this movine with my daughter at our family game night.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Today's entry!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Today's entry!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. My daughters (as well as myself) would enjoy watching this movie.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would love to see this DVD because I am a huge fan of animation. With stars like George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson it should be a good one.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Our family is fond of Roald Dahl's
    unique stories and I have seen the commercials for this film. One can always use a good laugh!
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'd like to see this because I really wanted to take the kids to the theater to see it, but we never got there. It got really good reviews, so I think we'd enjoy it. smhparent [at] hotmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  22. My nephew whnts to see it. It would be fun to watch it with him

    ReplyDelete
  23. I would love to win because my son wants to see this...plus it looks like a movie the whole family would enjoy. Thanks for the chance, justicecw@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. My hubs and I enjoy watching these type movies before we watch them with the grands, so I would love to win.
    gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. My son has a sticker book and the sound track and loves them. So I would love to win this for him!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'd like to win this movie because the cast is very talented and we are Dahl fans. Thanks
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. My son liked the book and he would like to see this.
    honeybeez80@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I wanted to see this in the theater but was afraid it was "too much" for my young daughter; I'd like to win it so I can watch while she's sleeping!

    ReplyDelete
  29. It has such a great cast I would love to see how it turned out!

    jmcharries@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  30. canneryrowdoc@yahoo.com

    I'd love to see it again , this movie was great.

    ReplyDelete
  31. My boyfriend is Owen Wilson's biggest fan. Well maybe not BIGGEST, but he definitely LOVES his work. He's seen almost every one of his movies, except for this! It'd be an amazing gift to show him how much I love him and consider him.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Today's entry

    Thanks for the great giveaway and for the chance to enter my name.

    ReplyDelete
  33. my daughter is an animation major and she would love to have a copy of this
    singermagic1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would like to see this because it is for kids and parents.

    ReplyDelete
  35. A friend saw the movie and said my family would enjoy it.
    traymona[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I want to win because I love George Clooney (he is so funny) as well as Owen Wilson, Meryl Streeo and Bill Murray so I am betting this is a great movie!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. my son is very much into animals right now, I don't think he knew anythign about this movie but I think he would love it.

    jennifer.lleras@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Today's entry. Thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. read great things and we did not get to see it at the theater
    michelejdaley at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. It looks just right for my nephew.

    ReplyDelete
  42. "Today's Entry!"
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think my son would like this!

    cookiert at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  44. Today's entry:

    I love these animated films. I can't believe I haven't heard of this movie until two weeks ago. And I call my self an animation fan. I should be ashamed.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'd love to own this because I've been a fan of Roald Dahl since I was a kid and this movie looks great!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. My daughter loved this movie. snytar@netscape.net

    ReplyDelete
  47. This is a great movie! I Woud love to own this. Thanks for the chance. mogrill@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  48. My son loves the book!

    ellewoods7777@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I would like to see this because it looks adorable.

    choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I think this looks like it would be a lot of film. I love animated movies and I adore anything with Meryl Streep.

    judy(dot)greenberg(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  52. because my great nephew would enjoy it thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  53. Today's Entry!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Today's entry

    dizzybloom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. "Today's Entry!
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I heard it got great ratings!
    Since my mom and i never get to actually take my younger sister to the movies from the pretty pricey rates, We'd love to watch this clay-animation type flick together!
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have read that this is an excellent animated movie, and since my daughter has a day care home, it would be great to have in her collection.

    clynsg at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Today's entry :)

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Today's entry

    Thanks for the chance at winning

    ReplyDelete
  60. today's entry.
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  61. I can't wait to see this movie. My husband took our six year old to see it while I stayed home with our two younger kids. They loved it and I think I will too.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Today's entry -- thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to see this as it was my favorite book to read when I was a child!

    ReplyDelete
  65. today's entry.
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am a big Dahl fan, as well as Wes Anderson being my favorite director. Fantastic Mr Fox is a match made in heaven, in that regard! :D
    melababy at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  67. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Today's enty:

    judy(dot)greenberg(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Today's entry.
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  70. This looks really funny I know my girls would love it

    ReplyDelete
  71. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Todays Entry! :D
    melababy at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  73. Todays entry

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. today's entry.

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Today's entry.
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. today's entry!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Today's Entry!
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Today's Entry!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I want to catch the flick so I can listen to George Clooney's sexy voice while my kids it. ;) I know my kids would really like it.

    ReplyDelete
  83. A friend of mine saw this film. He said it was just as clever and witty as Wes Anderson's other films, The Royal Tenenbaums and Life Aquatic. This is definitely a film I am looking forward to seeing. Thank you for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. It has a really great cast!! I think they probably did a great job!

    gmmerrell@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. This looked like one of the more interesting family movies to come out in a while (and then we missed seeing it at the theater !). My children are old enough now that it would be fine for them to see

    ReplyDelete
  88. It looks like a cool movie.
    TWBellamy@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Your review has me intrigued and now I really want to see this movie.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Today's Entry!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. today's entry

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Today's Entry!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Today's Entry!

    dizzybloom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Today's Entry.
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  98. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. We loved the book, would love to check this movie out.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. My kids would love this DVD. Mr. Fox is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  102. "Today's Entry!"
    Many thanks!
    Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I wanted to go see this movie and the local theater, but my husband said it was only for kids and wouldn't go--so I'd like to win it so I can watch it at home.

    farrell@crosslake.net

    ReplyDelete
  104. Today's entry.

    cookiert at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  105. today's entry

    Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

    bloggyig at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I would love to win this for my family to watch, we never saw it at the theatres and it looks like a good movie with the stop animation.

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. George Clooney voicing at fox? What is not to love about that :-)

    fozzy331@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Arrgghh! We so wanted to see this in the theater!

    ReplyDelete
  109. I always want to see an Academy Award nominee. Please accept my entry. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Today's Entry!

    its.a.hit at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I just want to see it because of all the great reviews

    ReplyDelete
  113. "Today's Entry!"
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  114. This is a movie I would LOVE to watch with my grandson

    brdgcombs at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I'd like to win this so that I could watch and enjoy it with my niece.

    ReplyDelete
  117. Our last name is Fox, so what better movie to add to our collection.
    shawnac68@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  118. my daughter is an animation majcor, love to give this to her

    ReplyDelete
  119. I've seen this and it is such a unique movie and I like the animation style.

    bookloon@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  120. Ronald Dahl is my hero and I love all his books. Would love to check this out and see how they did on the movie version

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  121. Both of my girls have read the book, and I think our whole family would enjoy the movie!

    ReplyDelete
  122. "Today's Entry!"
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  123. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I enjoyed this movie at the odea and would like to see it again.

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  125. I am a huge Roald Dahl fan plus I love stop motion animation. I'd love to win the movie on DVD.

    april77523@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. today's entry!
    (panicxduh@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  127. We haven't seen this movie, and I've heard great things about it. Would love to win a copy. Thanks for doing this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  128. I have been anxious to see this film ever since I watched the trailer of it online. Would love too to share it with my two little granddaughters...what fun that would be!
    kateswen(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  129. It looks like a great movie for the whole family, thanks for the chance!

    Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  130. I'd like to watch this with my DH, we haven't seen it yet (it sounds like it's not for the little one)

    stormraven at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. My kids would like this wackyness :)

    ReplyDelete
  132. I wanted to see this in the theater, but I missed it!

    ReplyDelete
  133. I would love to have my son see this movie!!!

    ReplyDelete
  134. George Clooney! I could listen to his voice all day and night! My friends have told me it's a really good movie.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Today's entry - thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. Today's entry.


    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I would love to win. My granddaughter would enjoy it very much. It is a great family film. garrettsambo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. this looks really cute and im still a kid at heart :)

    ReplyDelete
  139. I think I might want to catch this flick because it sounds very interesting!

    lilyk@mail2world.com

    ReplyDelete
  140. My daughter wanted to see this movie

    ReplyDelete
  141. "Today's Entry!"
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  142. I'd like to catch it because the kinder and I read it together last year. Time to watch it animated!

    ReplyDelete
  143. It's a good story so the movie should be good too.

    ReplyDelete
  144. I read the book to my son in 2 days when we found out about the movie. But then we never got to see it. :( So I'd love to have it so that we can finally watch it together!

    speechforme at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  145. I would like this because it looks like something different for the family!

    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  146. George Clooney and Meryl Streep provided their voices for this movie. Thats enough to make me want to OWN it!!!!



    clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  147. We missed this film in the theaters, but certainly want to see it. From everything i have seen, i expect it will be one that the family will see multiple times.

    ReplyDelete
  148. Would love to win because we like family movies

    dispatcher_kristy@Hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment