7.05.00
Chicken Run

7.03.00
The Perfect Storm

6.19.00
Me, Myself & Irene

6.19.00
The Patriot

6.19.00
Shaft

6.19.00
Titan A.E.

6.09.00
Gone in Sixty Seconds

6.09.00
Grass

6.06.00
Road Trip

6.02.00
Small Time Crooks

6.02.00
Mission: Impossible 2

6.02.00
Dinosaur

5.16.00
U-571

5.09.00
Gladiator

5.09.00
Frequency

5.05.00
The Virgin Suicides

7/05/00 5:10 p.m.
The Real Summer Blockbuster
Go see a real hero this summer.

By Ben Domenech, NRO contributing editor----------------btdome@wm.edu

inally, this summer's must-see movie has arrived. Forget Russell Crowe's Roman honor, Tom Cruise's explosion fetish, Mel's blood-soaked Charleston patriotism, or two hours of Marky-Mark as a dripping fisherman.

Instead, go see a real hero this summer: Ginger.

For those of you who haven't met Ginger, she's the plucky, inspiring heroine in Nick Park's first full-length claymation escapade, Chicken Run. With Julie Sawalha (of Absolutely Fabulous) providing Ginger's wonderfully affected vocals, the British hen becomes an inspiring leader, organizing all sorts of escape attempts from the muddy farm that her fellow fowls inhabit.

Guarded by the villainous Mrs. Tweedy (Miranda Richardson), the poultry-farmer version of Otto Preminger's Oberst Von Scherbach from Stalag 17, Ginger's countless inventive methods of escape prove fruitless, despite the cooperation of her friendly inmates. Without fail, the brave hen finds herself caught in the act by Mrs. Tweedy's dim-witted husband (Tony Haygarth), who chucks Ginger into a darkened coal bin, where she passes the hours bouncing a Brussels sprout off the wall, a la "Cooler King" Steve McQueen in The Great Escape.

But then comes the arrival of Rocky the Rooster, a flashy and carefree Yankee bird (voiced by Mel Gibson) who might help the chickens overcome their difficulties, but struggles with his conscience over whether to aid in Ginger's quest or save his own neck.

While produced by the DreamWorks studio, Chicken Run's charming tone can primarily be credited to director Nick Park's dry British humor. Taking the cue from Park's trio of Oscar-winning films featuring that classic man-and-dog duo, Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run is sharp, witty, and understated throughout. Like TV's Rocky and Bullwinkle in their heyday, it has the jaunty conversation and cultural references that appeal to children and grown-ups alike.

Park is currently at work on a full-length Wallace and Gromit project for future release, which promises to be an even more glorious achievement. For the time being, though, forget the rest of the summer blockbuster fare, and settle down for some real heroism.  Bring the kids.

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