Claymation always had an important spot in my heart since my childhood;
either being on television - other Wallace and Gromit shorts; Chicken
Run, etc... - or computer games - "Neverhood". So it was a pretty big
deal, when a new short was made in 2008. Unfortunately, I haven't seen
this episode since then, so it was interesting to find out how my
feelings would change since then.
Needless to say, this story continues with the 'darkness' as the previous episodes. Here, the story circles around a serial murder mystery - while the titular heroes operate a baking company. Wallace quickly gets in the middle of the killing spree - naturally, being totally oblivious of it until the end, while it's up to Gromit to save his lad.
One of the biggest strength of the movie that it still kept the charm of the older episodes. The likability of the characters hasn't changed at all, and I watched it with the same childish grin as I used to watch the previous episodes. Since being newer, there "should be" a trend to put in more modern day references, but luckily, this one doesn't rely on cheap knock-offs from other movies or events; though, there are a still a few references as such, but it doesn't make these scenes as the main source of laughter and actually fit into the story. Furthermore the creators really stepped up their game, as their the expressions of the characters are still amazing to witness, especially with Gromit. The good old' British humour is still strong with this one, with more subtle jokes - and not the the "fall-on-your-butt" types of jokes, but that what we already got used to from Nick Park.
One small downside, I wish the story was darker. Besides the opening scene and the room with the mannequins - the latter being insanely effective and scary, though - I haven't had any chills down my spine during other scenes, like I felt almost the whole time during "The Wrong Trousers"; Thus, the villain isn't as memorable as Feathers McGraw; though, that's a high bar to jump over, but does bring some effectively uneasy moments, so doesn't become totally forgettable.
Other aspect I liked, was the romantic interest for Gromit. As an adult I could relate to it more, than to Wallace's "puppy love". It just becomes a stronger arch, because it's based on purely visuals, as the characters don't talk, the emotions being played through their expressions, and when we take abuse into the mix for the romantic interest, it's also more "human", more real and more sad. Naturally, it ends with a happy end for Gromit as well, but his story felt a little bit more mature and more tragic.
All in all, "A Matter of Loaf and Death" was a worthy possible final episode for Wallace and Gromit, especially after the passing of Peter Sallis. It does deliver each strengths of the series, though not on as high level as previous episodes; the brilliant "Wrong Trousers" will still be the best Wallace and Gromit short for me. However, the passion, the talent and the heart of the creators and voice cast - Peter Sallis still delivering his A-game - shine through it. It won't be as good as the previously mentioned short, still, this was a half- hour pure joy.
Needless to say, this story continues with the 'darkness' as the previous episodes. Here, the story circles around a serial murder mystery - while the titular heroes operate a baking company. Wallace quickly gets in the middle of the killing spree - naturally, being totally oblivious of it until the end, while it's up to Gromit to save his lad.
One of the biggest strength of the movie that it still kept the charm of the older episodes. The likability of the characters hasn't changed at all, and I watched it with the same childish grin as I used to watch the previous episodes. Since being newer, there "should be" a trend to put in more modern day references, but luckily, this one doesn't rely on cheap knock-offs from other movies or events; though, there are a still a few references as such, but it doesn't make these scenes as the main source of laughter and actually fit into the story. Furthermore the creators really stepped up their game, as their the expressions of the characters are still amazing to witness, especially with Gromit. The good old' British humour is still strong with this one, with more subtle jokes - and not the the "fall-on-your-butt" types of jokes, but that what we already got used to from Nick Park.
One small downside, I wish the story was darker. Besides the opening scene and the room with the mannequins - the latter being insanely effective and scary, though - I haven't had any chills down my spine during other scenes, like I felt almost the whole time during "The Wrong Trousers"; Thus, the villain isn't as memorable as Feathers McGraw; though, that's a high bar to jump over, but does bring some effectively uneasy moments, so doesn't become totally forgettable.
Other aspect I liked, was the romantic interest for Gromit. As an adult I could relate to it more, than to Wallace's "puppy love". It just becomes a stronger arch, because it's based on purely visuals, as the characters don't talk, the emotions being played through their expressions, and when we take abuse into the mix for the romantic interest, it's also more "human", more real and more sad. Naturally, it ends with a happy end for Gromit as well, but his story felt a little bit more mature and more tragic.
All in all, "A Matter of Loaf and Death" was a worthy possible final episode for Wallace and Gromit, especially after the passing of Peter Sallis. It does deliver each strengths of the series, though not on as high level as previous episodes; the brilliant "Wrong Trousers" will still be the best Wallace and Gromit short for me. However, the passion, the talent and the heart of the creators and voice cast - Peter Sallis still delivering his A-game - shine through it. It won't be as good as the previously mentioned short, still, this was a half- hour pure joy.