Opened: June 23, 2000

Directed by: Peter Lord & Nick Park

Starring: Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Miranda Richardson, Tony Haygarth, Benjamin Whitrow, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, Jane Horrocks, Lynn Ferguson & Imelda Staunton

A fantastic Claymation film with a bit of a dark premise, Chicken Run is still a delight to watch over 20 years after its release.

Stuck on a chicken farm run by the evil Mrs. Tweedy (Miranda Richardson), Ginger (Julia Sawalha) is desperate to break free of her egg-laying life and lead her fellow chickens to freedom. When Rocky (Mel Gibson) flies into their pen, Ginger believes flight is their best way out.

The chicken characters are beautifully done. While they aren’t feathered, it barely registers. Each chicken is completely unique so you’re never wondering whom you’re looking at.

With fast-paced action, there’s rarely a dull moment. Slightly scary images for kids come up when a chicken is brought to the “chop” and when the pie machine is tested, but neither are shown in great detail.

Final say: Fresh poultry. ★★★★☆