Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!
Wallace & Gromit's latest outing is a warm, witty return to form that delights in its craft. The stop-motion cinematography remains exceptional — Aardman's tactile, handmade aesthetic is rendered with remarkable detail and expressiveness, earning a top mark. The plot is solid family fare with a fun tech-dependency theme and Feathers McGraw's return, though it doesn't push the franchise into new thematic territory. Voice performances and character work are charming and reliable. Novelty is good but not outstanding — it's distinctly Aardman and distinctly Wallace & Gromit, but feels more like a confident return than a reinvention. The ending wraps things up satisfyingly without surprising. Overall a polished, joyful entry in the canon.