A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGEDDON -- A Playful and Hilarious Sequel

Review by Camden Ferrell

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is the sequel to 2015’s Shaun the Sheep Movie. This follow-up serves as the feature length directorial debut for Will Becher and Richard Phelan. While this movie doesn’t quite live up to the standards of its predecessor, it is an undoubtedly playful and well-made film that will delight fans of all ages.
 
In this sequel, the titular sheep helps a young alien being find her way back home after she crash lands on Earth. This premise is the most ambitious and outlandish on which we have seen Shaun embark. The nature of its story can make it feel a little gimmicky, and its playful nature isn’t always rooted in realistic mechanics like his other adventures, but it’s very interesting nonetheless.
 
Like always, this film is a testament to the Aardman Animations’ penchant for effective storytelling. It’s truly impressive how a film like this is able to tell a coherent and easily consumable story without a single line of comprehensible dialogue. This is a feat that is pretty rare in feature length films, especially those which are aimed at children, but this movie does a great job at maintaining attention and focus. Becher and Phelan did a great job with the execution of this film and still staying true to the character.
 
The animation is also really great. Their style of claymation is distinct and instantly recognizable. The character and set designs are quite simple, but that is where a lot of its charm originates. Since it is stop-motion, all of the shots are done with care and attention to detail, and its execution is essential to the quality of the film, and the team did a great job with the animation of this movie.

This movie is great for younger audiences because of its themes. It tackles many themes of friendship and family, and the movie tugs on the heartstrings in typical Aardman style. Its playful style and physical gags are hilarious regardless of age. Their sense of timing is impeccable, and it’s a charm that never really wears off throughout the film.
 
However, there are some brief moments in the film that definitely drag down the pace and effectiveness of the film. There are some moments that feel a bit contrived and a little unnecessary. While the movie is already brief as is, these moments didn’t do much to progress the story or develop its characters.
 
Despite its few flaws, this movie will never go more than a few moments without reminding you of why you love Shaun to begin with. It’s a movie with a lot of heart that brings out a childlike joy for all who watch. Even if it doesn’t achieve the same emotional heights as the previous film, it is still a great movie with a strong message.
 
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is another success for Aardman animations. Hopefully, this is not the last we see of Shaun and all of our other favorite characters. This is a perfect movie for families, fans of animation, or anyone who needs a good laugh.
 
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is now streaming on Netflix.
 
Rating: 4/5