‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget’ Review

The following review was made possible by attending a Press and Industry screening of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget at London Film Festival 2023. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget releases on Netflix on December 15.

Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream: a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in!

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, like many films, has the difficult task of meeting the height and success of its predecessor. Its witty humour, family themes and all-around fun time allow it to challenge the 2000 hit film; however, its similarities to the first film, especially with its antagonists, prevent the film from bettering the first iteration.

Wingin’ It

It’s clear from the commencement of the bulk of the film’s action that the true inspirations lie. Whereas the first film looked to The Great Escape, this time around Sam Fell and Aardman Animations have used the iconic action series Mission Impossible for the main blueprint. Not only does the story and overall feel of the film feel inspired but the film’s score, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget sees Gregson-Williams reunite with Aardman Animations for the fifth time, after previously conducting the score for Early Man, Arthur Christmas, Flushed Away, and of course, the original Chicken Run. His score takes inspiration from many espionage films, including villainous Bond-esque cues for the imminent return of Mrs. Tweedy – out for vengeance following her defeat in the first film.

From the get-go, this film is hilarious. Both through its slapstick gags which Aardman seem to get right every single time, but also through its writing. Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell and Rachel Tunnard’s script takes no prisoner as it is littered with humour. The best of the film’s gags comes in the form of a new style of iPad… used by Mrs Tweedy’s security.

We also are treated to a wonderful musical number as the Chickens head on a “Summer Holiday” – I had the biggest smile in the theatre… easily one of my favourite movie moments of the year.

The writing suffers a small hiccup as it approaches its climax, with the film seeming as if it abruptly hit the brakes and feels as if things are slowing down when indeed the pace should be raised a tempo or two when it’s needed the most. Perhaps less similar conventions and plot points used this time around would have given the film a bit more mojo, However, I was having so much fun that it didn’t bother me too much.

The bulk of the beginning takes place in the Chicken’s new safe haven on Chicken Island, seen in the closing moments of the first film. Its warm colours, utopian environment and homely feelings make it the perfect setting to reintroduce us to some beloved characters. Whilst all the voice cast from the old film do not return, I must admit that it felt like something was missing throughout, but commend the new addition Zachary Levi, in the role of Rocky.

This Chick Flick’s Got A Great Cluster Of A Cast

Levi proved it when he voiced Flynn Ryder/Eugene for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled almost a decade ago, but I believe he is a great voice artist. Unlike his recent venture in the Shazam franchise, and more recently Spy Kids: Armageddon, Levi’s performance is emotive enough that you could be under the impression that he is very much a chicken – it’s rather impressive.

Controversy struck the internet when it was announced that Julia Sawalha, the voice of Ginger in the first film had been recast. An unfortunate series of events, I must admit – especially with no context given for the recasting whatsoever. Whilst it is a shame not to have Sawalha’s presence throughout the film, Thandiwe Newton does a sufficient job of embodying the iconic character we’ve known and loved for over 20 years, now.

New to the brood this time around is Molly, the daughter of Ginger and Rocky, who is voiced by The Last of Us lead Bella Ramsey. Molly is an adventurous and curious chicken, taking the best parts of both her parents as she explores the Island, desperate to find out what occurs on the other side of the lake. It is this curiosity that puts her at risk, causing the rest of the cluster to begin their rescue mission.

Never in a million years did I expect to see a scouse chicken, but here we are. On her journey to explore and find her very own bucket, Molly meets a young chicken, named Frizzle. The exuberant, excited and purple chicken is voiced by Josie Sedgwick-Davies and is a hilarious addition. Despite most of her lines not being incredibly funny, it is her performance and incredibly thick accent which is the most entertaining thing. I never knew I needed to hear a chicken with a scouse accent until today.

Jane Horrocks as Babs returns in top form, having just as many laugh-out-loud moments as the first film, including a lovely callback to the panic scene, which is so fondly remembered.  Fowler – now voiced by David Bradley is another hilarious performance. Fowler, the war veteran takes a prominent backseat for most of the film but ends up cracking a few jokes when able to, including when he meets an unexpecting snail… unlucky for him.

A Masterclass In Animation

There is always something so fascinating about watching animation, especially when it has been produced with stop motion. As I mentioned in my review of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio last year… “Every frame is put together with care, and requires the highest attention to detail to produce a seamless vision and atmospheric world. Everything has been taken into consideration and it looks absolutely wonderful.”

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is no stranger to this statement, and I applaud every single creative responsible for the look of this film. From the Fun Land Farm location, to the already-mentioned Chicken Island as well as The Compound. All have distinct identities whilst still feeling connected in some way.

Every single Aardman Animations title delivers on the high expectations set by its standard of filmmaking every time, and I will always be seated for one of their films, especially as I anticipate their Wallace & Gromit film next year which is seemingly teased during the film’s closing moments…

An Eggs-Eptional Villain Returns

I, like the rest of the world, was shocked to discover the villainous return of Mrs Tweedy, following the release of the film’s first teaser trailer.

I’m happy to report Mrs Tweedy is up to no good once again, as the film’s second half reveals she’s out for vengeance. Alongside her is Dr Fry – a clear replacement for Mr Tweedy, who is voiced by Nick Mohammed. The highlight of his character is when he dresses up as a chicken, parading around his Bond villain lair and visits the chickens within the walls of the battery farm.

The dynamic of the two does feel incredibly repetitive, with Tweedy being the clear leader of the two – I would have loved to have seen Aardman go in a different direction; it feels as if Dawn of the Nugget had no issue with repeating the Mr and Mrs Tweedy character pairing, however, replacing the now-seaweed farmer with a neurologist-type character. What could have really enhanced this film was introducing a new character who ends up being more nefarious and more terrifying than Mrs Tweedy, resulting in her becoming terrified of them? Should Chicken Run get a third film, Aardman have their idea right there…

‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget’ – Final Thoughts

Set to release at the beginning of the Christmas holidays, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will be the perfect film for the festive season. Its heavy narrative theme of family and loved ones is a key one for the holidays, and I think all families will respond to it well. There’s plenty of silly humour for younger audiences, whilst older references will keep adults entertained too.

I’ve written about it many times before, but Christmas is such a perfect time for streaming services to release these kinds of family, warm films, and I can see the film performing really well.

I look forward to being able to experience Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget again, the next time, of course, with family, which the bulk of the film is aimed at. When it works well, the film’s hilarious jokes, lovable characters and adventurous inspirations make for a truly enjoyable watch, though its villains and some similarities to its predecessor become the film’s real antagonist.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget debuts worldwide on December 15 on Netflix. Check out a trailer for the film below:

Check out my most recent review from London Film Festival here: ‘The Holdovers‘ (Review)