Film Review: "Shaun the Sheep Movie" 

The latest from Aardman Animations -- the stop-motion masters behind Wallace and Gromit -- follows the misadventures of the titular free-spirited sheep and his fleeced brethren when they attempt to secure themselves a day off from the dull routine of farm life. Through an imaginatively executed series of mishaps, the flock (along with their dog, Bitzer) get lost in the Big City, after the Farmer sustains a head injury that leaves him with an unfortunate case of amnesia. Without their owner, they're on their own to evade the villainous animal containment officer who wants to lock them away. This being an Aardman feature, it goes without saying that the story is impeccably animated, with sweetness and wit to spare. Completely without dialogue (though sound effects, music, and nonsensical gibberish remain) the film's humor calls to mind Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. More than just inspired silliness, it's a marvel of inventive visual comedy.