Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

It could have been a hit. Or should have. But it would have had to be written by someone who understood the magic of the first film, which even after 23 years is the best Aardman feature. Dawn of the Nugget is technically top-notch, but unfortunately there’s no story that can entertain young and old alike. The first film was The Great Escape with Chickens, but you could enjoy it even if you didn't know The Great Escape. This is a mediocre sequel that, while it briefly ventures into something like Mission: Impossible with chickens, is more of a slog. Too bad. Perhaps the best way to describe the change is the soundtrack, which Harry Gregson-Williams composed himself this time without John Powell. The playfulness has disappeared from the music too, leaving filler that at best is listenable as a backdrop. (25/12/2023)