Flushed Away stands out amongst the influx of computer-animated movies we’ve had in the last couple of years for two reasons; firstly, due to Dreamworks teaming up with Aardman (the company behind Wallace and Gromit), the animation style is something unique – not claymation but somehow indefinably different in appearance to the host of other animated movies. Secondly, the association with Aardman has produced something rare among animated movies – one with a truly British feel. The settings, the characters, the humour – all very British. (In fact, if there was one downside to this wonderful film at all, it would have to be that those not British probably won’t understand all of the jokes.)

The story begins with a city mouse called Roddy (Roddy St James of Kensington, to be precise), rich by mouse standards but somewhat eccentric due to having no company, meeting a rough-and-tumble mouse called Sid who’s just been vomited out from the sewers. Wanting to get rid of Sid as quickly as possible, Roddy tried to convince him that the toilet is a giant Jacuzzi – but ends up being flushed away himself (thus the film’s title). Having just about survived the journey he finds himself in an underground full of mice – and quickly finds himself on the run from an evil toad with a female mouse called Rita. Thrown together somewhat unwillingly they team up, but soon romance starts to rear its head. However, what about the Toad’s evil plan and his sinister cousin, Le Frog (groan)? What about the evil henchmen.. er, henchmice? – and what on earth does England playing in the world cup final have to do with anything?

The plot is excellent and flows very well, the pacing is pretty much perfect. There are a lot of laughs in this movie, many from the singing slugs that inhabit the sewers – they are not overused though – and the dialogue. Much of the humour comes in subtle or unexpected ways, though, and you really have to keep your eyes and ears open. There are plenty of in-jokes too. For instance, in an early scene when Roddy is choosing what to wear, next to the wardrobe you will see a stuffed toy Gromit, and one of the costumes he picks through and discards is Wallace’s familiar trousers and waistcoat. There are lots of moments of humour that both children and adults will enjoy, along with a few that the kids are unlikely to pick up on.

The voice acting is superb, and when you look at the talent involved it’s not surprising – Hugh Jackman (who surprised me by sounded authentically English!), Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Bill Nighy, Andy Serkis… The musical score is well suited to the film and quite fun. The quality of animation is superb, and as mentioned earlier it somehow looks unique…. a little like claymation I suppose, but not… it’s had to explain but it doesn’t look just like any other animated movie this year. The Aardman influence is also quite evident in the character design – look closely at Roddy’s face and you can definitely see an element of Wallace in there.

Overall, Flushed Away was hugely enjoyable, practically flawless, and an instant contender for best film of 2006. USA rating is PG for some crude humour and some language, but it’s harmless enough that the UK rating is U (Universal – suitable for all). At 84 minutes (90 in the USA – perhaps that’s why it’s a PG there) it feels maybe a bit short but only because it’s so enjoyable.

Quotes

With sidekicks like these, who needs enemies?

[Talking about Spike's hands]
Spike: They're small but these are lethal weapons, these are.
Whitey: You got your mother's hands.

It’s a shame…

Slug: High five!
[He realizes he has no hands]
Slug: Oh, yeah.

Cultural jokes

Toad: You find my pain amusing?
Le Frog: I find everyone's pain amusing, except my own... I'm French!

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Le Frog: To action!
Henchfrogs: We surrender!

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Le Frog: We leave immediately!
Henchfrog: What about dinner?
Le Frog: We leave... in five hours.


Every mouse has a past…

Whitey: From up top, eh? I used to work at a lab up top. I tested shampoo. I used to be a lovely dark grey. My dandruff's gone, though.

Was this a jibe at Finding Nemo?

Goldfish: Have you seen my dad?



Related Links

Top Ten Animated Movies

A Grand Day Out - Wallace and Gromit's first adventure.
The Wrong Trousers - the second and my favourite W & G short film
A Close Shave - the third W & G films, featuring sheep!
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit - the dynamic duo’s first feature-length film!


See also: My Top Ten Movies of 2006

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Family Movie