A Matter of Loaf and Death (2010)

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

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.

Under rated, I feel, by a sizable amount. Yes it was a bit different to the more innocently silly Wrong Trousers but it was both a post-Wererabbit feature and a clear spoof of Murder mysteries. I loved the cartoony menace rumbling away as the plot thickens. Brilliant references, a great (cartoon) murder thriller atmosphere and the usual fantastic animations and characters. I found it the most gripping and compelling of all W&Gs. There's just enough silliness and action in it for W&G purists while IMO giving a much better, more involving story and a far slicker narrative. I thought it was pretty near to perfection and am surprised so many seem not to be as impressed.It is a bit different, definitely darker than the early ones but this came after the darkish Wererabbit movie, so this progression is to be expected. Yes it's not as charming and may be on the dark side for young kids, but you have the early ones for eccentric charm. This is post-Wererabbit and is an excellent little murder thriller.

Even though it debuted on British television in 2008, Nick Park's newest installment in the (mis)adventures of his claymation pals Wallace and Gromit finally hit the States last year, just in time to be nominated for an Animated Short Oscar. I never had any interest in checking the work out, no matter how fun it appeared, but relented when Curse of the Were-Rabbit was released as a feature length film. Suffice it to say, my first foray into the world was not very good as the film fell flat for me and plodded along to its end. However, now having experienced A Matter of Loaf and Death, seeing how the material works in a condensed medium, I have to admit that the result was much better. By compacting all the humor in less than thirty minutes, the warm-hearted antics of naïve and imbecilic Wallace with stoically intelligent dog Gromit really do excel.The premise is pretty stripped-down, concerning the duo in their new bakery, right in the midst of a serial killing spree of bakers. There have been twelve deaths thus far and no evidence in sight to find who is behind it all. To be honest, it doesn't take very long to discern who is the culprit, so the fun really becomes watching Wallace bumble through life and Gromit do his best to save him. Once the Bake-O-Lite singer enters the fray, the plot continues on at a quick pace, never feeling slow or unwelcome. An ex-commercial model for the brand, Piella just happens to be bicycling down the road our titular bakers are delivering bread on, door-to-door like newspapers. She loses control and speeds down a hill where Wallace puts caution to the wind to save her, eventually beginning a budding relationship that never quite seems right—especially after Gromit inspects the bike post-accident.What really makes this work succeed, besides the endearing voicework from Peter Sallis as Wallace and Sally Lindsay as Piella, are the massive amounts of sight gags. Sure it is always entertaining to watch Gromit work in his silent, but very expressive way, however, I hadn't known how subversive the comedy really was. I don't think a lot of that mature subject matter traveled across the Atlantic when the feature film was released, probably needing to tone it down a little to make it palatable to a broader audience. Being that A Matter of Loaf and Death was created specially for English television viewers, Park and company was able to keep their subtle innuendoes intact. Even those seemingly simplistic instances of bread rising and oven temperatures increasing become so much more than sheer bakery visuals when inter-cut with the blossoming romantic courtship of Wallace and Piella. It isn't as though the references are too obvious for a younger audience, but they do make it a tad more fun for the adults watching. The inclusion of a Ghost homage definitely put a smile on my face too.Completely deserving of a nomination—even though I believe it should have come last year, dealing with actual release dates rather than whenever Hollywood decides to allow us Americans to watch—Park seems to be back in the swing of things after the devastating fire that destroyed much of his clay constructed worlds at Aardman Studios. I would never suggest that he stay away from features and stick specifically to shorts, but I do believe something can be said on the subject. Perhaps Were-Rabbit just didn't have the depth to succeed, and maybe it originated as a short and later was wrongly expanded, I really don't know. Unless a plot is fleshed out that can handle the extra length, hopefully Wallace and Gromit will continue on with their adventures in small increments—staying relevant and always working their somewhat family-friendly magic.

Roald Dahl knew as much as anyone that kids love things a bit darker, a bit more menacing. Nick Park seems far removed from Dahl, but the truth is the dark has always been there, it's just people haven't bothered to look.Matter Of Loaf And Death was great BECAUSE it pushed the boundaries. It would be so easy to coast and take Sony's Yankee dollar. But Nick Park isn't like that.I admire him because this is his creation and he always seems to come up with something surprise him. The clever film references, the delightful puns (Citizen Canine!) all well handled.And seriously, didn't anyone else find Fluffie's relationship with Gromit sweet? Or perhaps I'm getting sentimental in my old age. Anyhoo, I loved it.