Fusing supposedly incompatible genres can be tricky business, a practice whose results may seem like a surefire way to an inappropriate mix. Yet, every so often, moviegoers get pleasantly surprised by such unlikely ventures, as is the case in this latest effort from director Kyle Balda, a delightfully whimsical cross between a comical murder mystery and a live action talking animal feature. Shepherd George Hardy (Hugh Jackman) lovingly tends to his flock, treating them more like children than livestock. In fact, he raises his animals purely for their wool, not as fodder for the butcher’s knife. He lives a simple life, caring for their needs and making them feel happy and comfortable, even reading to them (mostly murder mysteries) every night before bed. But, despite his genial relationship with his herd and likeable personality as an upstanding citizen of his rural community, there are people in his world who don’t necessarily have his best interests (or those of his flock) at heart. And, when George ends up dead – apparently poisoned – everyone wonders how this could possibly happen to such a gentle, caring soul. That’s especially true for his sheep, who communicate with one another as if they were human (even if their singular perspectives on life are anything that we might consider conventional). And, because of the kind care he provided them for so many years, they’re committed to helping solve the mystery of his death. But how can a group of sheep make their suspicions known to human investigators? Therein lies the charm and wit of this release, one that’s fun, engaging and entertaining on many fronts. It’s quite insightful, too, especially when conveying interpretations for what it means to be “sheep” (in both literal and metaphorical terms). The film’s animation in depicting the talking creatures is truly superb and made all the more enchanting by the stellar cast of voiceover performers, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall and others. Then there’s the fine supporting cast of investigators and suspects, including Emma Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Hong Chau, Conleth Hill and Molly Gordon. This combination thus makes for a harmonious balance between man and beast as the conundrum is unraveled, a mix suitable for a wide range of viewers. But, if this genre fusion seems challenging to grasp, think about combining talking animal movies like “Babe” (1995) or “The Lion King” (2019) with humorous whodunnits like the “Knives Out” movies or Neil Simon’s “Murder by Death” (1976), and you’ll have an idea of what’s going on here. Admittedly, this is certainly not groundbreaking cinema (the editing could have been tighter in spots and the humor could have been amped up a bit more at times), but it’s pleasant enough fare when one is in the mood to watch something that won’t tax the gray matter too much and to get some modest chuckles along the way. And there’s nothing the least bit sheepish about that.Fusing supposedly incompatible genres can be tricky business, a practice whose results may seem like a surefire way to an inappropriate mix. Yet, every so often, moviegoers get pleasantly surprised by such unlikely ventures, as is the case in this latest effort from director Kyle Balda, a delightfully whimsical cross between a comical murder mystery and a live action talking animal feature. Shepherd George Hardy (Hugh Jackman) lovingly tends to his flock, treating them more like children than livestock. In fact, he raises his animals purely for their wool, not as fodder for the butcher’s knife. He lives a simple life, caring for their needs and making them feel happy and comfortable, even reading to them (mostly murder mysteries) every night before bed. But, despite his genial relationship
