Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Foul"

Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosted by NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour Team: Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris
Guests: Regina Barber (NPR Science Podcast Short Wave) and Christina Escobar (Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Latina Media Punto Company)

Introduction

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the team dives into the latest installment of the beloved stop-motion animation series: "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Foul." Joining host Glenn Weldon are special guests Regina Barber and Christina Escobar, who share their insights and critiques of the film.

Overview of "Vengeance Most Foul"

Glenn Weldon opens the discussion by setting the stage for the new film. He describes the plot, highlighting Wallace's latest invention—a robotic garden gnome named Norbit—and the return of the sinister penguin villain, Feathers McGraw, portrayed once again with his characteristic malevolence (03:42).

Glenn Weldon [03:42]: "Wallace is a kindly but dim inventor, and Gromit is his silent but soulful and extremely resourceful beagle."

The episode emphasizes the film's continuity with previous installments and its availability on Netflix.

Stephen Thompson’s Perspective

Stephen Thompson offers a positive take on the film, appreciating its lightheartedness compared to darker animated movies like the Paddington series.

Stephen Thompson [04:01]: "This is an utterly frictionless, kind, funny, joyful, silly moviegoing experience."

He applauds the movie's accessibility, noting that it doesn't require prior knowledge of the series to enjoy.

Stephen Thompson [04:26]: "You don't have to know any other films in the series. You don't have to really know Feathers McGraw's backstory."

Christina Escobar’s Critique

Christina Escobar shares a more critical viewpoint, praising the film's entertainment value but expressing disappointment in its lack of depth and meaningful commentary.

Christina Escobar [05:46]: "I thought the movie was fun. Super fun to watch."

However, she criticizes the absence of substantial lessons or commentary, contrasting it with the emotional depth found in previous films.

Christina Escobar [06:37]: "I felt like this movie had no lesson, no commentary. Like, there was stuff about AI but, like, what did they have to say?"

Regina Barber’s Reflections

Regina Barber reflects nostalgically on her childhood love for the series, particularly "The Wrong Trousers." She echoes Christina's sentiments about the film's superficial take on themes.

Regina Barber [06:45]: "Wallace and Gromit was very formative in my childhood. Really, really loved it."

She questions the film's narrative choices, such as Wallace's persistent financial struggles despite his inventions' failures.

Regina Barber [07:54]: "I did not like the anti-robot propaganda that they put out there. I am pro robot and didn't like that message."

Technical Marvels and Humor

Glenn Weldon shifts the conversation to the technical prowess of Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace and Gromit. He marvels at the stop-motion craftsmanship and the expressive characterization achieved with minimal movement, particularly praising Gromit and Feathers McGraw.

Glenn Weldon [09:01]: "How are they conveying so much with so little movement?"

The hosts discuss specific humorous moments and set pieces that contribute to the film's charm, such as the "rebooting of the robots by throwing boots at their back" (10:34).

Themes and Messaging

The discussion delves into the film's underlying themes, or lack thereof. While Stephen Thompson argues that the movie subtly comments on artificial intelligence and modern life's reliance on technology, both Christina Escobar and Regina Barber feel these themes are underdeveloped.

Stephen Thompson [16:00]: "This movie has more to say about technology and AI than you're giving it credit for."

Contrastingly, Christina Escobar believes the film fails to engage viewers on a deeper level, leaving her with little to ponder post-viewing.

Christina Escobar [15:34]: "The best movies ask questions. Even the best kids movies don't necessarily impart a lesson, but have you walking away thinking about something. And I did not walk away thinking about anything other than this is stop motion animation."

Comparisons to Other Animated Films

Guests draw comparisons between "Vengeance Most Foul" and other animated features like Despicable Me 4 and Kung Fu Panda, highlighting the former's lighter touch and lack of a strong moral lesson.

Christina Escobar [12:31]: "I felt like I would say something similar about this movie because unlike in other Wallace and Gromit's where the central thing is their relationship, right? Friendship, what it means, what it doesn't mean, what is forgiveness?"

Concluding Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Glenn Weldon summarizes his enjoyment of the film's humor and technical execution, despite recognizing the divergent opinions among the guests.

Glenn Weldon [14:43]: "It just sets to work being funny. Not kid Funny, not kid funny with some spicy things for the adults. Just funny to everyone."

Christina Escobar and Regina Barber express their mixed feelings, appreciating the animation's beauty but yearning for more substantial storytelling and emotional development.

Christina Escobar [16:02]: "I think this still works on a kid level... making fun of the adult world."

The episode concludes with Glenn Weldon encouraging listeners to share their own thoughts on the film via social media, ensuring a comprehensive wrap-up to the discussion.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Glenn Weldon [03:42]: "Wallace is a kindly but dim inventor, and Gromit is his silent but soulful and extremely resourceful beagle."

• Stephen Thompson [04:01]: "This is an utterly frictionless, kind, funny, joyful, silly moviegoing experience."

• Christina Escobar [05:46]: "I thought the movie was fun. Super fun to watch."

• Regina Barber [06:45]: "Wallace and Gromit was very formative in my childhood. Really, really loved it."

• Stephen Thompson [16:00]: "This movie has more to say about technology and AI than you're giving it credit for."

• Christina Escobar [15:34]: "I did not walk away thinking about anything other than this is stop motion animation."

Final Thoughts

"Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Foul" emerges as a visually stunning and humor-rich addition to the series, balancing nostalgia with contemporary themes. While it delights in its technical finesse and comedic moments, it receives mixed reviews regarding its depth and thematic execution. Pop Culture Happy Hour provides a well-rounded discussion, offering listeners diverse perspectives to consider before streaming the latest adventure of Wallace and Gromit.

For more insights and discussions, tune in to the next episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, available on all major podcast platforms.