“We’re all different. Especially him. But there’s something kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there?”

It’s always such a treat to come across an experience such as Fantastic Mr. Fox. From the warm atmosphere to the charming story and eccentric animation, Wes Anderson leaves one at a loss for words. In some ways it’s easier to write about things that you didn’t love. There is nothing else like Fantastic Mr. Fox, and this rings true about most Wes Anderson films.

To me, Wes Anderson films are always the greatest contradiction to Chekhov’s Gun. Creating a pleasing atmosphere, dialogue directly for jokes or visual humor, and having its own identity are all essential elements of Anderson’s films. His iconic symmetry creates a dream-like charm, vital for establishing the atmosphere of whimsy his films often center around. Fantastic Mr. Fox is no exception, exhibiting wry humor and lively, symmetrical aesthetics. It feels impossible to watch this film without a smile on your face.

The main character, Mr. Fox (George Clooney), is not a good “person,” but does he need to be? I’ve seen criticism online that there is no real character arc and Mr. Fox is just a horrible person who puts the animals around him in danger because he is bored. I see this as being the point. He’s not a horrible person; he’s just blissfully unaware of how good he has it. He has a family, a home, and a job, but he wants more excitement. This is just mimicking human nature. Many real people spend their entire lives trying to get more and more, enough never being enough. People get bored and try to spice things up. I would also argue Mr. Fox does see growth, and, while it’s true Mr. Fox is never really punished for his bad choices, I believe it’s implied he has a new perspective at the end of the film. Everyone is entitled to a midlife crisis.

I have no real criticisms for Fantastic Mr. Fox. It may very well be the best animated film I’ve ever seen. It is extremely charming and just an enjoyable watch, which I think is very important to have in the film scene. Not everything needs to be overly dramatic, and not every character needs to be crucified for selfish choices. The Grand Budapest Hotel is one of my all-time favorite films, and Fantastic Mr. Fox solidified for me that any Wes Anderson film is undoubtedly the choice for a pickup on a rainy day.

★★★★★ 5/5