Perhaps a good part of the negative reviews stems from an expectation of either another cute talking animals movie for all ages or perhaps, or for the opposite category of viewer, a formula horror/slasher film. At first I was in that first group of viewers, impressed with the quality of the CGI of talking animals (as well as Ryan's versatility in voicing those critters) then transported to the second strand of viewers when the knifing began and I had to make a leap of consciousness/expectation to the dark side - a challenge mid-film.
But, my understanding came in rewinding to Fiona's death scene in the forest in trying to figure out why she was bloodied on bare earth one day then a day later angelically dead with white flowers growing around her (the white flowered dress also added to the revelation).
The film presents a psychologically disturbed individual's (Ryan as Jerry) view of what's happening (taking animals and heads), alternating with reality which included what he saw when he took his medication.
The film tries to show, in it's clever way, the life of someone who can pass as "normal" yet be dangerously psychotic or schizophrenic. For more stars I would have finished in a tone consistent with rest of the film such as the alternate ending shown in special features. Also worth watching in special features is how the CGI was created and Ryan practicing his character voices.
But, my understanding came in rewinding to Fiona's death scene in the forest in trying to figure out why she was bloodied on bare earth one day then a day later angelically dead with white flowers growing around her (the white flowered dress also added to the revelation).
The film presents a psychologically disturbed individual's (Ryan as Jerry) view of what's happening (taking animals and heads), alternating with reality which included what he saw when he took his medication.
The film tries to show, in it's clever way, the life of someone who can pass as "normal" yet be dangerously psychotic or schizophrenic. For more stars I would have finished in a tone consistent with rest of the film such as the alternate ending shown in special features. Also worth watching in special features is how the CGI was created and Ryan practicing his character voices.