Teringer
An Exercise In Nonsense
KnotStronger
This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Brenda
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Leofwine_draca
A MATTER OF LOAF AND DEATH is a Wallace and Gromit adventure without the charm that made the Claymation shorts so endearing in the first place. This is a fast-paced, Hollywood-style adventure packed with in-jokes and scenes copied from anything and everything; the bit that most stood out for me was Gromit's misadventures with the bomb which recall the old BATMAN movie with Adam West.The main plot is a copy of THE WRONG TROUSERS with a less endearing narrative structure and unlikeable characters. The cosy British feel has gone to be replaced with breakneck action, big scenery. mannered caricatures, and set-pieces. Sure, the quality of the stop motion is still very good, but other than keeping Peter Sallis in work, this has very little to recommend it.
Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
"A Matter of Loaf and Death" is another quality entry to the Wallace&Gromit franchise and we should be thankful to Nick Park that he added another chapter to their story, even if it was the first time that he lost at the Oscars (to Logorama). He won the BAFTA and Annie though, so it's not all bad awards-wise. When this one came out it had already been 13 years since the last Wallace&Gromit-short film. Of course, in-between was the full feature. Thankfully Peter Sallis, in his late 80s then, in his early 90s now, is reaching a Methusalem age and could once more lend his unique voice to Wallace.This film is mostly about a series of murders and the victims are all bakers. Now the problem is Wallace and Gromit have opened a bakery not too long too and when Wallace falls in love with a feisty lady (and Gromit with her posh poodle), complications arise pretty quickly. It's the usual formula of the well-written main characters accidentally being sucked into the world of crime and the outcome is a good one. The animation is tops as well, although that's pretty much a given with Park and Aardman. I think this may be my second favorite from the series. Wrong Trousers is unreached, but it's about the same league quality-wise like Grand Day out and superior to Close Shave, which I'm not really a fan of."A Matter of Loaf and Death" was Nick Park's last directorial effort to this day, but he's still at an age where we can hopefully expect a couple more chapters to the story. He's easily one of the most defining animation artists of the last 25 years and this is another excellent example.
Tommy Nelson
I could go on and on why the Wallace and Gromit shorts are some of the best short films ever made. "The Wrong Trousers" and "A Close Shave" are especially excellent, and are just amazingly made. They use the right amount of suspense, with music perfectly placed throughout, and they both have hilarious and original climaxes. This short...eh! It's funny throughout, and has some elements of those other two shorts, but there's very little suspense, mainly because we know very quickly who the antagonist is, what their plan is, and then just a lot of talking. It's good, but not nearly as perfect as the other ones.Wallace and Gromit are apparently now bakers, and at the worst time too as there is an unknown baker killer on the loose. Anyways, while delivering some bread, Wallace happens to save the life of a bread company model, Piella, and they fall in love. She even has a French poodle named Fluffles that Gromit finds attractive. But, Piella is hiding a secret, and Gromit will find out what.This is a very funny short. It has some good jokes and an amusing plot. It's just with the knowledge of the other films (especially the two mentioned earlier), this one is not nearly as good. The other films had emotion, with the scenes where Gromit leaves after being unwanted, and the scene where Gromit goes to prison, but here, there is very little emotion. It's almost like this was a pilot for a Wallace and Gromit TV show. It would be a good pilot for a show, but it's not cinematic so much. It's like a gag filled kiddie show.This sounds pretty negative, but actually this is a very good short. It has a lot of funny gags, an interesting plot, and features an action packed ending, in true with the other films. Kids will love it, adults might be mixed, but no matter, it's meant for the younger group, and will entertain.Nick Park has made another entertaining Wallace and Gromit film, though perhaps he should review the formula, because if he wants to do another one, maybe he can shoot for excellent instead of just good.My rating: *** out of ****. 30 mins. Not rated.
TheLittleSongbird
I do agree with the other commentators that it isn't quite as good as Wrong Trousers or Close Shave, but there is still plenty to enjoy here. I can see completely why it was the most watched Christmas programme on British Television. Technically, it is a wonder. Even after thirteen years, the claymation is so good. And there are plenty of visual jokes to delight even the fussiest adult or child, like Puppy Love by Doggy Osmond. I just have to mention the ending, it was hilarious, with Wallace shouting "Gromit I've got a bomb in my pants". It was so silly I couldn't help laughing, so much so my sides were really sore. Sally Lindsey was impressive as Piella Bakewell, and Peter Sallis still proves that at 87 he could still do a competent job as ever as Wallace. Gromit still delights with his priceless facial expressions, and the little dog was enough to make you go "awww!" The storyline was quite dark in tone, even more so than the predecessors, but the constant visual jokes kept my family entertained. If I had one quibble, it would be that the pace of the episode was a bit too fast, but overall this was hugely enjoyable. 9/10 Bethany Cox.
