The title grammar may be baaaad but Shaun The Sheep Movie isn’t the black sheep of the Aardman movies

It’s unlikely the target audience of the latest family-friendly stop-motion feature from Aardman will be as bothered by the grammar of the title as I am (not The Shaun The Sheep Movie or Shaun The Sheep: The Movie, just Shaun The Sheep Movie. Huh?) but if you’re looking for something to keep your little ones entertained, then Shaun is the definite article.

The story kicks off with Shaun deciding that he’s due for a day off. To achieve this, he hatches a plan to put the farmer out of commission, giving himself and his friends a chance to relax and enjoy some well-earned leisure time. Predictably, things don’t go as smoothly as Shaun had hoped. The plan goes awry, leading to the farmer ending up in the hospital with amnesia. With their caretaker out of action and in a vulnerable state, it’s up to Shaun and his gang to embark on a rescue mission and save the day.

At its core, this film is essentially a modern-day silent movie. It relies heavily on the charming animation and delightful character design that Aardman is known for to convey the story. The characters are as adorable as one would expect, bringing a warm and endearing presence to the screen. The film is filled with potty humour and slapstick comedy that is sure to entertain younger viewers, eliciting plenty of giggles. For the adults in the audience, Aardman has included a few clever gags and knowing winks that won’t go unnoticed, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

However, while the film is undeniably charming, it doesn’t quite reach the same levels of wit and energy found in Aardman’s previous works, such as Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!, or even the somewhat underrated Flushed Away. The simple story and gentle pacing may struggle to hold the attention of older children, who might find it lacking in excitement compared to other animated films. Nonetheless, as a vehicle to bring these beloved TV characters to the big screen, Shaun The Sheep Movie succeeds in delivering exactly what it promises: a pleasant and enjoyable experience for its intended audience.