The beloved eccentric inventor and his trusted canine companion, more popularly known as Wallace and Gromit, have returned to the big screen with their sequel, "Vengeance Most Fowl". The new feature sees the resurgence of a foe from their past – the diamond-stealing master of disguise, Feathers McGraw. The nostalgic sequel brings fresh chaos for the pair after quite some time of relaxed living.
Despite the long gap since their last outing, titled “A Matter of Loaf and Death”, there doesn’t seem to be a lull in their charm as Wallace and Gromit still evoke a satisfying blend of nostalgia and comedy under the craftsmanship of director Nick Park and co-helmer Merlin Crossingham. Wallace, now voiced by Ben Whitehead following Peter Sallis' demise, and Gromit retain their mutually dependent old-married-couple dynamics that has captivated audiences for years.
The sequel hasn’t deviated much from the lo-fi, hand-crafted aesthetic that Park is renowned for, employing sparing CGI while retaining the charmingly jerky aesthetic. A key trajectory of the Wallace and Gromit narrative is Wallace's dependency on Gromit, a fact underplayed by Gromit's inability to speak and Wallace's penchant for neglect. This narrative is reinforced as Wallace introduces Norbot, a voice-activated, AI-driven garden gnome designed to revamp their garden.
Feathers, the notorious antagonist from "The Wrong Trousers", returns with his charming simplicity, comically malicious gestures and a strong soundtrack backing his antics. Under his influence, Norbot develops a brigade of clones posing a threat to Wallace's other love - inventing. In comparison to previous Aardman features, “Vengeance Most Fowl” offers a more intimate setting, packed with allusions to the duo's past adventures.
The film culminates in a Mission Impossible style finale, an apt metaphor for their progress from toy trains in Wallace’s living room to grander adventures. "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" is slated for a selective theatrical release in December before making its way to the Netflix platform in January 2025 in the U.S. Moreover, a festive UK release timed for Christmas is planned by BBC.
