The longer you go without creating a sequel, the harder it seems to pull it off – especially when it comes to Chicken Run, a film that is beloved by so many and has been ripe for a sequel for so many years, as it premiered way back in 2000 to great success. I can only imagine that a large reason why we never got an immediate sequel to Chicken Run has something to do with the split between Aardman and Dreamworks, on top of the fact that Aardman films infamously take years to complete as they are all handmade. But despite all these roadblocks in place, over twenty years after the original film released in theaters – we now have Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, a film that follows Ginger (now voiced by Thandie Newton) in the aftermath of escaping from Tweedy’s farm in the original film. She is now living her dream with Rocky (Zachary Levi) and their daughter Molly (Bella Ramsey) in a secluded paradise far from the city where she’s free with all of the other chickens. After Molly becomes curious about the outside world, she becomes entangled with a brand-new threat which forces our favorite chickens to break-in and save her!
The original Chicken Run was a deeply formative film for me in particular, as it really spawned my love for the craft of stop-motion animated films. I have always adored the aesthetic and craftsmanship that is in place within each and every frame; you can literally see fingerprints on each character and it just adds to how personal and precise these films feel. Dawn of the Nugget is no exception in this arena, as the animation is as impressive and inventive as its ever been – there are some truly inventive set-pieces and colorful sights to behold. The film also feels like it goes the extra mile both narratively and artistically in terms of making the threat the chickens have to go-up against even more threatening and menacing than in the original film – bigger doesn’t always necessarily mean better, but Aardman sure knows how to make it seem that way!
One of the most satisfying aspects of the original film was how, despite being such a big hit in America, it never felt like it compromised the style and tone that Aardman had become popular for across the pond. While Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a pretty entertaining and amusing affair from start to finish, it does feel like its lacking the same quality of originality and edge that made the first film truly impressive. For example, in the original film, there is a deep-running underlying theme about capitalism and selling your soul and body to a corporation that gives you very little benefit; quite a heavy topic for a film intended to be marketed towards children. Yet, Chicken Run defied expectations at every turn and managed to make these themes all the more prevalent with its exciting story, immersive action, and top-shelf humor. Dawn of the Nugget feels like it is constantly on the precipice of tackling larger themes like desensitization, social media, and generational trauma (I know!) but it never quite scratches past the surface in a way that feels significant like the original film does.
However, where Dawn of the Nugget succeeds is largely in being an entertaining and heartfelt romp that feels incredibly singular; like only Aardman could’ve and would’ve made it. The humor never quite matches the belly-laughs of the original, but it remains constantly amusing and a stitch above what you’d find in a lot of American fare. It also largely succeeds in being a pretty exciting heist film, yet again loaded with so much impressive animation and a gigantic scale that truly wows with its craftsmanship. Sure, there are some misgivings here and there – but Dawn of the Nugget had me falling in love with these characters all-over again, and I was thoroughly entertained the entire time!
3.5/5
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will release on Netflix on December 15th!
Films for Breakfast 
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