"What the Cuss?"

I have posted a couple of times about successful and unsuccessful uses of profanity at the movies. Tonight I found a new form.

We went the the flicks a saw the second of the three George Clooney movies to be released this holiday season. We saw the animated movie, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox". It is the latest of a long string of animated movies that ARE ACTUALLY FOR ADULTS. Yes, it has plenty of gags that kids would like. It even has great life lessons. There are themes of acceptance, being true to self, and keeping promises. The movie is based on a novel by Roald Dahl who also wrote "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". It is rated PG because of action, smoking and slang humor! I will explain what they mean by slang humor in a bit.

The stars (voices) besides Clooney include Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson. The music includes the Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones! On the surface it is a Fox in the Hen House story about Clooney and others stealing from three farmers. There is a "Road Runner" feel but their is also a very contemporary adult world feel covering a family with teens. It just can't describe it. I will say though that if you are not willing to chance it now and are saving your movie time for the biggies, you must at least rent this. There is great fun to be had.

Back to the language: George Clooney's character, Mr Fox, likes to cuss but the dialogue is like this: Mr. Fox says, "I'll be cuss word." "This is crazy cuss!" "This is a cluster cuss!" and he says the title of this blog! It is very disarming. He talks fast and I feel certain that children won't catch on, but anyone over 13 will!

The movie by Wes Anderson is a combination of animation and sort of clay-mation. It is also great fun! If you are a Clooney fan you need to see it. Meryl plays his wife.

I give it ***1/2 stars and leaning towards ****.

2009 movie #77