Movie Review

Stop motion animation takes flight in new Wallace and Gromit movie

Gromit, Norbot, and Wallace in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Of all the characters that Aardman Animations has produced over the years using their stop motion clay animation technique, Wallace & Gromit have proven to be their most enduring. First seen in a 1989 short film, they have gone on to star in three more shorts, two TV series, and two feature films, including the new Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead) has always been known for his zany inventions, but he’s arguably at his zaniest in this film, which opens with a Rube Goldberg-like sequence featuring multiple machines that do all the work to get Wallace out of bed and down to the breakfast table. All of the contraptions are clearly unnecessary, but Wallace is oblivious to that fact, as well as to how they often negatively impact his dog/partner, Gromit.

His latest big thing is Norbot (Reece Shearsmith), a smart robot he designed to help Gromit with the drudgery of tending to his garden (even though Gromit likes doing the work). Feathers McGraw, a penguin imprisoned after Wallace & Gromit caught him trying to steal a large diamond, uses his technical skills to start a revenge plot, taking over Norbot’s programming and unleashing it to do his bidding.

Directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham and written by Mark Burton, the film is yet another reminder of the brilliance Aardman is able to conjure through their dedication to an arduous animation technique and clever storytelling.

It can not be overstated how much effort goes into making even the smallest character movements, something that takes uncountable hours to craft a 79-minute film like this (watch this video for just a taste of that work). And then consider that it’s not just characters, but things like shuffling papers, steam coming out of a boat engine, and water(!). The skill they have for this very specific artistry is on full display throughout, making each frame a joy to see.

But all of that labor would be for naught if they didn’t pair it with a great story. Feathers, making his long-awaited return after appearing in a short film 31 years ago, is a fantastic bad guy, with the lack of expression on his face somehow making him seem even more villainous. The film also has a sly commentary on how modern technology offers conveniences that are often more trouble than they’re worth, a fun addition to Wallace’s litany of superfluous inventions.

It’s the small details that really put the film over the top, though. In addition to the animation, the filmmakers insert numerous blink-and-you’ll-miss-it touches that aid the humor. They include an allusion to Cape Fear when Feathers is put in jail, a hilarious list of options when Feathers switches Norbot from good to evil (including “Pleasant,” “Boorish,” and “Bit Selfish”), and many more. All of them show the thought put into every second of the film, making viewers have to pay constant attention to catch all the little jokes.

Aardman’s recent film efforts like Early Man and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget have not been their finest work, but going back to the well of Wallace & Gromit proves to be the boost they needed. The familiarity of the characters, the incorporation of the modern world into one that’s a little more old-fashioned, and the staggering animation is a combination that proves difficult to resist.

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Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl debuts on Netflix on January 3.

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weekend event planner

Here are the top 15 things to do in Houston this weekend

Courtesy of Don Toliver

Don Toliver will perform at the Toyota Center on Thursday, May 14.

Bowls! Bowls! Bowls!

The annual Empty Bowls Houston event is just one of many things Houstonians can dip into (sorry) this weekend. We got a few musical events, from a hometown rap star headlining the Toyota Center to a spring concert from the Treble Choir of Houston, as well as some interesting stage productions. This weekend also offers a fashion show, two crawfish collabs, and a belly flop contest.

And always remember: If your family tree forks, you might be a redneck.

Thursday, May 14

Asia Society Texas presents Runway to Asia
Runway to Asia honors Asian and Asian American innovators on the global fashion scene. Presented in partnership with Fashion Presenter Tootsies, this second year of Runway to Asia will spotlight the talent of international fashion designer Bach Mai, a Vietnamese American artist born and raised in Houston. Guests will enjoy lunch and a fashion experience blending cutting-edge designs with a celebration of artistry, passion, and journeys. 11:15 am.

Party on the Plaza: Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph
Party on the Plaza will feature an evening of funk, soul, and Gulf Coast grooves led by New Orleans collective Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph, a band steeped in the unique sounds of their city. Known for pushing the boundaries of funk with influences spanning jazz, rock, and soul, Galactic brings its electrifying live show to downtown Houston, alongside local favorite Bayou City Funk, with their horn-driven blend of blues, jazz fusion, and high-energy rhythm. 7 pm.

Don Toliver in concert
Don Toliver is one of Houston’s own. Signed to Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Records, the psychedelic rap star has been crushing it as of late. Earlier this year, he dropped his fifth album Octane, which became his first number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart. All 18 tracks have also charted on the Billboard 100. Most recently, he brought the house down as a headliner at Rolling Loud Orlando. And, now, he’s coming home to do the same thing over at Toyota Center. 7:30 pm.

Friday, May 15

Empty Bowls Houston Preview Party
Empty Bowls Houston, one of Houston’s best-loved grassroots fundraising events, will return for the 20th year on Saturday. At the Empty Bowls Houston Preview Party, attendees can enjoy light bites, beer and wine, live music, and have the first opportunity to see and purchase the array of handmade bowls for the event. There will also be a pottery throwdown event with local potters. BTW, all of the ticket sales ($50) and bowl sales will benefit Houston Food Bank. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Our Land
Filmmaker Lucrecia Martel (The Headless Woman) explores the 2009 murder of Javier Chocobar, a member of Argentina’s Indigenous Chuschagasta community, who tried to defend himself and his community from being forcibly evicted by a local landowner and two former police officers. The documentary triangulates the murder trial, the lives of Chocobar and the Chuschagasta people, and the colonialist legacy of land and property theft across Latin America. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

The Ensemble Theatre presents Who All Over There?
When Dean, a young professional, and Danya, an aspiring singer, go on a refreshingly candid first date, they keep it real about the dynamics of a potential interracial relationship. As they grow comfortable in their budding love, the real world brings a whirlwind of inflammatory race relations, opinionated family and friends, and troublesome pasts. This production shines a light on the story of what happens when cultures clash in the name of love in today’s times. Through Sunday, May 31. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Theatre Suburbia presents An Evening of Favorite Carol Burnett Skits
The Carol Burnett Show entertained audiences for more than a decade and was celebrated for its humor and chemistry among the cast members. It has been recognized as one of the greatest television shows of all time, influencing future comedy programs. This weekend’s two shows will be the last chance to catch Theatre Suburbia’s tribute to a beloved part of television history, featuring a variety of favorite sketches. 8 pm.

Saturday, May 16

Alley Theatre presents Dear Alien
After captivating audiences nationwide with her what-if Shakespearean scenario Born with Teeth, playwright Liz Duffy Adams returns to the Alley in her thought-provoking world premiere, Dear Alien. An isolated advice columnist races the clock to make one last deadline before facing financial ruin. In this existential comedy, we ask ourselves: What will we do when it all becomes too much? Through Sunday, May 31. 2 & 8 pm Saturday (7:30 Thursday; 8 pm Friday; 2 & 7 pm Sunday).

River Oaks Theatre presents Steal This Story, Please! With Amy Goodman and Carl Deal Live
Journalist Amy Goodman has reported some of the most consequential stories of our time. Steal This Story, Please! is a gripping portrait of the trailblazer whose unwavering commitment to truth-telling spans three decades of turbulent history. From the frontlines of global conflicts to the organized chaos of her daily news show Democracy Now!, Goodman broadcasts stories and voices routinely silenced by commercial media. Goodman and director Carl Deal will be around for a post-screening Q&A. 3:45 & 7 pm.

Heidi Vaughan Fine Art presents “Vivian Wise: Growing Up Wise” opening reception
Heidi Vaughan Fine Art will present an exhibition of paintings, photographic image transfers, assemblage sculptures, poetry, and original music by artist/poet/songwriter Vivian Wise. This exhibition marks a turning point for Wise, who was once bedridden for 198 days and diagnosed with seven autoimmune diseases a decade ago. She returned to what she loved most: poetry, visual art, and songwriting. She credits all three disciplines as the reason she is still creating ten years later. Through Saturday, June 20. 5 pm.

Little Woodrow’s Tomball presents Belly Flop Contest
Little Woodrow’s in Tomball is making a big splash this summer with a high-energy belly flop competition. Participants will showcase their best flop and compete for prizes including a wrestling-style championship belt and cash — $500, $150, and $50 for the first, second and third-place winners, respectively. Flops will be judged based on splash size, wow factor, and creativity. Contestants are encouraged to register in advance for the competition but can sign up at the event. The $10 entry fee will be donated to a local fire department. 6 pm.

Sunday, May 17

Best Regards and Hot and Buttered present Crawfish Sundays
Heights cocktail lounge Best Regards is teaming up with Hot and Buttered for a two-part crawfish collab this spring. Expect Hot and Buttered's signature boiled crawfish, seasoned in-house across a spice spectrum from mild to "lip burn," paired with craft cocktails – Frozen Paloma, Crawfish Bloody Mary, Blood Orange Margarita, Berry Spritz – from the Best Regards bar program, built to match the heat. 2 pm.

Josephine's presents Backyard Boil with Evan LeRoy
Evan LeRoy, pitmaster and co-owner of Austin's Michelin-starred LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, will be in Houston to serve up some crawfish alongside Josephine's executive chef Lucas McKinney. In addition to boiled crawfish, LeRoy will serve four dishes — Smoked Crawfish Boil Sausage on a Stick, Brisket and Cheddar Croquettes, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Smoked Salsa Matcha with Beef Tallow — all priced a la carte. Tickets are free, but reservations are required via Resy. 2 & 4 pm.

Treble Choir of Houston presents Spring Concert
The Treble Choir of Houston, under the direction of founder and artistic director Marianna Parnas-Simpson, will present its annual Spring Concert. The concert celebrates the choir’s accomplishments of the past year, featuring songs from the 2025-26 repertoire, as well as vocal and instrumental solos from the choristers. The Treble Choir of Houston is an ensemble of young women in grades 6-12, dedicated to transforming lives through excellence and choral singing and music education. 3 pm.

Smart Financial Centre presents Jeff Foxworthy
Jeff Foxworthy is the redneck king – and we mean that in the kindest way. The Atlanta-born comic is one of the most successful comedians in America, the best‑selling comedy recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy nominee, and the author of more than 26 books. And let’s not forget when he got his Original Kings of Comedy on and headlined the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Ron White, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy. He’ll close the weekend out by doing what he does best: telling redneck jokes in Sugar Land. 8 pm.

Courtesy of Don Toliver

Don Toliver will perform at the Toyota Center on Thursday, May 14.

things to do houston weekend events event-planner