Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

For those familiar with my reviews, I hold Wallace & Gromit in high regard. Twenty years ago, their first feature-length film was released, instilling in me an everlasting love for stop-motion animation, British humor, and cheese. To round out the spooky season, it only feels right to take a step back and recount Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

In this good-natured lampooning of classic monster movies, Wallace and Gromit, now working as a humane pest control service, must stop an elusive rabbit monster from upending an upcoming giant vegetable competition. The task becomes far more complicated when Gromit makes a discovery about the monster’s true identity. Apart from the aforementioned twist being rather predictable, I have no criticisms whatsoever.

The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is arguably the funniest installment in the franchise. The multifaceted blend of cheeky wordplay, slapstick, and visual humor, topped with impeccable timing and vocal delivery, is guaranteed to leave you in stitches. The animation, revolutionary for stop-motion at the time, has retained its appeal, thanks in no small measure to the immersive camera work and immaculate set design. The soundtrack by Julian Nott and Hans Zimmer is arguably among my favorites in cinema, especially during the action sequences.

Regarding the cast, Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter both make for exquisite additions as Victor Quartermaine and Lady Tottington, respectively. Victor makes for a dastardly villain who remains comical while gradually transforming into a credible threat to the heroes. As for Tottington, her enduring empathy and chemistry with Wallace easily makes her the latter’s best love interest in the franchise. Hutch and the rabbits are utilized just the right amount to be cute and funny without overstaying their welcome. Gromit once more owns every scene he features in without ever saying a word. Finally, the late Peter Sallis brings an irreplaceable sincerity and affability to Wallace that prevents him from being overshadowed by his celebrity co-stars.

It’s easy to see how Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Give it a watch for a cracking good time.

Rating: 10/10