A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon

IN BRIEF: A family film that has some funny moments in its sci-fi parody.

JIM'S REVIEW: (RECOMMENDED) From Aardman Animation comes its first British sequel to its 2014 feature-length film and popular character, Shaun the Sheep (a spin-off from the delightful Wallace and Gromit series entitled A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. Nominated for an Academy Award, the movie is diverting fun, but not up to the high standards from this studio.

This installment takes its title character and his flock, along with Farmer John and his dog, Bingo, into sci-fi territory. The story is slight, and like most animated films these days, does not come near the visual artistry on display. The plot spoofs and overuses the E. T. formula as it centers on a wayward alien named Lu-La and the gang trying to help her "phone home".

As always, the film has wonderful background details with its stop-motion characters caught in a havoc of sight gags and a bit of Brit wit. Everything on view relies on its visuals to tell the story as there is no dialog and the artisans are certainly up to the task to deliver enjoyable family fare for both young and old, even if the story is old and predictable.

Well directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is a silly entertaining romp. Be charmed by the whimsical antics and spend an evening with the kids, or just have "the kid in you" see this movie. (GRADE: B-)