THE MAGNIFICENT CUCKOLD: Claudia To The Rescue

THE MAGNIFICENT CUCKOLD (Blu-ray)

1964 / 125 min

Radiance Films

Review by Mr. Paws😽

Time to confess yet another lifelong celebrity crush. 

I don’t remember when I first saw Once Upon a Time in the West, but do recall two distinct takeaways. One, that Henry Fonda made one hell of a bad guy, and two, that Claudia Cardinale was the most striking woman I’d ever seen on the big screen. Sure, the likes of Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida have always been gorgeous, but Cardinale’s beauty was almost intimidating, and depending on the film, maybe even a distraction.

I'm pretty sure if I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Ms. Cardinale in her prime, I’d end up being as tongue-tied as Goofy, only managing a bashful “gawrsh!” before clumsily stumbling away. 

But while Claudia has always been a distant object of infatuation, she was never an obsession. I never sought out any particular movie she starred in, though I’ve since seen plenty that were made more aesthetically enjoyable because of her, such as The Day of the Owl and The Red Tent. And on occasion, she has been the only reason a movie was worth watching. One of those is The Magnificent Cuckold, recently restored and released by Radiance Films.

This is an Italian sex comedy made during a time when they were quite popular, with a plot that those in toxic relationships might relate to. Andrea Artusi (Ugo Tognazzi) is a well-to-do business owner with a young wife, Maria Grazia (Cardinale), who’s not only beautiful, she’s charming and well-liked by their entire circle of friends and acquaintances (with some of the male persuasion clearly enamored with her).

Gawrsh!

Then, in a move that nudges The Magnificent Cuckold into the realm of science fiction, Andrea cheats on her with a friend’s free-spirited wife, Christiana (Michele Giardon). Christiana’s casual attitude toward infidelity soon has him realizing that Maria, too, could be having an affair, even though she’s said or done nothing to arouse his suspicion. While he had no qualms about cheating himself, Andrea becomes obsessed with the idea that she is. He begins to suspect and question her every move, especially if they involve interacting with other men, culminating with a complete meltdown at a housewarming party.

Some of this stuff is funny, some of it isn’t. Andrea’s behavior is even kind of distressing at times, not helped by the fact he is not all that sympathetic to begin with (to say nothing of hypocritical). But that isn’t the real problem. To be honest, the movie is less interesting whenever Cardinale isn’t on-screen. When she is, though, it’s hard to take your eyes off her. Fortunately, director Antonio Pietrangeli appears aware that she’s the film’s biggest asset, and indulges us with a couple of sexy sequences presented as Andrea’s overactive imagination at work (including Maria’s lengthy striptease before a gaggle of ogling onlookers).

While the narrative manages to throw in an amusingly satisfying twist at the end, The Magnificent Cuckold is occasionally kind of an endurance test, since we’re spending way too much time in the company of an increasingly unlikable protagonist. However, Claudia Cardinale ultimately makes it worth the effort, saving the film with her indelible presence. Gawrsh!

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTERVIEW - With Italian cinema expert Richard Dyer, who seems to know his stuff.

VISUAL ESSAY - By Remi Fournier Lanzoni.

ALTERNATIVE COLOR SEQUENCE 

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET - Includes an essay, “This House is Not a Home: Love in the Time of Economic Boom,” by critic Phuong Le.

REVERSIBLE COVER - With new and original poster artwork.

THE BLACK BELLY OF THE TARANTULA (4K): Ginormous Giallo

THE BLACK BELLY OF THE TARANTULA Limited Edition (4K + Blu-ray)

1971 / 98, 88 and 84 minutes (3 cuts)

Available exclusively at Celluloid Dreams

Review by Mr. Paws😺

Last year, I had the opportunity to review the Blu-ray of A Hyena in the Closet, a weird, obscure and campy Giallo film restored and released by the newish boutique label, Celluloid Dreams (who appear dedicated to preserving some of the genre’s lesser-known films). While it was a solid release, it pails in comparison to this one.

Not only is The Black Belly of the Tarantula a much better film, this beautifully packaged, four-disc set includes multiple versions, excellent supplemental material and some fun physical goodies. And as an added bonus, I learned the best way to smuggle cocaine into the country.

The movie’s twisted premise is pure Giallo. A mysterious figure is stalking and killing various beautiful women in a horrific manner…using an acupuncture needle to render them paralyzed, so they’re fully conscious while being carved up. As the murders continue, Inspector Tellini (the great Giancarlo Giannini) leads the investigation. What the victims have in common is that all were being subjected to blackmail by the purveyors of a local spa. Atypical of the genre, the narrative also establishes Tellini as a happily married man who’s uncertain he’s cut out to be a homicide cop (which is certainly put to the test here).

As the story unfolds, a few suspects are thrown our way, some who also meet unfortunate demise. Speaking of which, any Giallo worth its salt includes plenty of stylish, brutal death, and starting with the opening shocker, this one serves up some doozies. While seldom overly graphic, the nature of the murder sequences is inherently unnerving. One particular highlight has a store owner, Mirta, trying in vain to evade the killer in a roomful of mannequins, which is masterfully shot. 

"Uh...waiter?"

On an amusing sidenote, Mirta had a side gig trafficking cocaine. This leads Tellini to one of her acquaintances, an entomologist who’s been importing tarantulas…with cocaine taking the place of sand in their boxes. Tellini realizes out loud the genius of such a trick. After all, what customs agent is gonna try taking a venomous critter out of a container just to check the contents? And though it isn’t discussed in the film, I gotta wonder just how crazily wired a giant spider would be from scurrying around in a box of blow. Now that I think about it, if the producers of Cocaine Bear should ever decide to do a sequel, I suddenly have a great idea for one.

Suspenseful, stylish and sometimes surprisingly funny, The Black Belly of the Tarantula is one of the better ‘70s era Giallo obscurities, with a vivid aesthetic, good performances, a lotta former Band babes and another evocative score by Ennio Morricone. The movie doesn’t quite scale the heights of Argento or Bava at their best, but is certainly worth discovering (or rediscovering) for fans of the genre. 

This boxed set features a terrific 4K restoration. On both the 4K and Blu-ray discs, the overall video quality is excellent, nicely capturing the unique “look” that all of Italy’s Giallo and Poliziotteschi movies seem to have (which I’ve grown quite fond of over the years). The original Italian version also boasts a nicely remastered audio track, which is the best way to experience the film, especially since the included English cut runs 10 minutes shorter. Conversely, fans of celluloid sleaze will get a kick out of the “Grindhouse” cut, which is left intentionally aged, damaged and haphazardly edited for that 42nd Street experience. And for historical context, it's hard to beat the abundance of bonus features (outlined below). In terms of bang for your buck, this is one of the best boxed sets of the year.

EXTRA KIBBLES

3 VERSIONS OF THE FILM - Original Italian, English dub (which runs 10 minutes shorter) and the “Grindhouse” version (Blu-ray only).

2 ASPECT RATIO OPTIONS - The original 1.37:1 full frame version and the ‘modified’ 1.85:1 widescreen version.

2 VIDEO ESSAYS - What a Tangled Web We Weave is by Andy Marshall-Roberts who summarizes the history of giallo before focusing largely on Black Belly of the Tarantula; The Uncanny Peephole is by The Flying Maciste Brothers (mostly Howard S. Berger), which sums up director Paolo Cavara’s history before delving into an analysis of Black Belly of the Tarantula. Both are very interesting, bordering on 

INTERVIEWS - New individual interviews with Pietro Cavara (son of director Paolo Cavara), film score vocalist Edda Dell’Orso; Archival interviews with Pietro Cavara and Lorenzo Danon (son of producer/writer Marcello Danon).

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By critic Guido Henkel.

TRAILERS & CLIPS - English & German trailers; 2 English TV spots (including a hilarious ‘grindhouse’ version); ‘Censored’ Japanese VHS clip (which doesn’t appear to be too censored!).

IMAGE GALLERY - Posters, lobby cards, publicity photos, newspaper ads & articles.

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET - While it features a couple of pretty good short essays, most of its 80 pages are photos of shooting locations then & now.

16 PUBLICITY PHOTO REPLICAS

6 FULL-SIZE LOBBY CARD REPLICAS

THE POOP SCOOP: Musical Monsters Edition

UPCOMING KIBBLES THAT MAKE US PURR!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on 4K and Digital October 6 from Warner Bros. An adaptation of the off-Broadway musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, the film features an all-star ensemble cast starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Academy Award Nominee Vincent Gardenia and Steve Martin and featuring Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, Jim Belushi, John Candy, Christopher Guest and Bill Murray. The film was nominated for Best Original Song and Best Visual Effects at the 59th Academy Awards. The newly remastered film will include both the Theatrical and Director’s Cuts, as well as new bonus content featuring cast and filmmakers reflecting on the making of Little Shop of Horrors 40 years later. 

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS on Blu-ray, 4K and DVD November 3 from Criterion Collection (seriously!). Few films have taken the world by storm quite like KPop Demon Hunters, an Academy Award–winning sensation overflowing with dazzling animation, unforgettable characters, and tenaciously catchy songs. At the film’s center is the chart-topping girl group HUNTR/X, whose three members—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—have been busy juggling the pressures of stardom with their secret duty to shield their fans from supernatural forces. When their demon enemies suddenly take the form of a rival boy band, the trio must overcome their deepest self-doubts and use their music to protect humanity. Richly layered with references to Korean culture both ancient and modern, this generation-bridging phenomenon has inspired millions of fans with its message of friendship and self-acceptance.

SCARY MOVIE on Blu-ray, 4K and DVD September 22 from Paramount. Twenty-six years after the original massacre, Cindy, Brenda, Shorty, and Ray get dragged back into the chaos by a brand-new masked killer who clearly never learned when to quit. Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall reunite, alongside returning favorites, for the wildly unhinged return to the franchise’s original roots — where every target is fair game and every line gets crossed.

PASSENGER on Blu-ray and DVD September 8 from Paramount. After stopping at the scene of a gruesome accident on a remote highway, a young couple realizes they didn’t leave alone. A demonic presence known as the Passenger has hitched a ride, turning their van-life adventure into a nightmare they can’t escape. Directed by André Øvredal.      

The Original MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Movie on 4K and Blu-ray September 15 from Toy Robot. The release also includes hours of special features and newly commissioned extras. A 2-Disc Blu-ray version will also be available.

MINIONS & MONSTERS on Digital Now and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 9 from Universal. Illumination expands its joyful Minions universe with a riotous chapter featuring all-new characters in the biggest global animated franchise in history. 

The Original INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE: THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES on 4K September 15 from Warner Bros. The newly remastered film will also include new bonus content featuring filmmakers reflecting on the making of the film over 30 years laters.

Not Quite Sensurround, but the next best thing…ROLLERCOASTER on 4K +  Blu-ray September 29 from Kino Lorber. An unnamed young extortionist (Timothy Bottoms) sets off a bomb on an amusement park roller coaster, and he will do it again unless he's paid one million dollars. 

  

EVIL DEAD BURN on Digital Now and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 18 from Warner Bros. EVIL DEAD BURN unleashes the franchise’s most savage and terrifying ride to date with an all-new chapter of carnage and demonic mayhem.

SUPERGIRL on Digital Now and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 8 from Warner Bros. In its inaugural flight into the new DC Cinematic Universe, “Supergirl” reveals the origin of the interplanetary nomad Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, cousin of Kal-El, better known as Superman. 

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE on 4K, Blu-ray & DVD October 20 from Alliance Entertainment. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicolas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). e.

Nominated for Multiple Oscars, THE SECRET AGENT Comes to 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 22 from Criterion Collection. With an electrifying blend of kinetic punch and elegiac historical sweep, Kleber Mendonça Filho connects life under Brazil’s twentieth-century military dictatorship to the living present, delivering a kaleidoscopic period thriller pulsing with resonance. 

GONE WITH THE WIND in 4K and Digital November 3 from Warner Bros. The film quickly became an “Instant Classic” when it was first released over eighty-five years ago and now returns newly remastered with extraordinary picture and sound and includes new bonus content. 

Guillermo del Toro’s FRANKENSTEIN on 4K and Blu-ray October 27 from Criterion Collection. A decades-in-the-making triumph of darkly ravishing visual invention and operatic storytelling, Frankenstein is a deeply personal statement from a director who has long been drawn to the realm where men and monsters merge.  

STAR TREK: THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES 60th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray and DVD September 8 from Paramount. Blending action, philosophy, and visionary storytelling, the series remains one of the most influential sci-fi shows of all time. .

POWER BALLAD on Blu-ray (+DVD & Digital) August 25 from Lionsgate. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition. 

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES on Blu-ray and DVD August 25 from Alliance Entertainment. The film holds a staggering 95% ‘Certified Fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and audiences agreeing that The Sheep Detectives is a film the whole family will be coming back to for years to come. 

FORBIDDEN PLANET Limited Edition on 4K September 28 from Arrow Video. For the very first time, Forbidden Planet is presented in its original Cinemascope aspect ratio of 2.55:1 with its theatrical "Perspecta" stereo soundtrack in an eye-popping brand new 4K restoration. 

THE COMPLETE KUBRICK Coming to 4K + Blu-ray October 20 from Criterion Collection. Collected here for the first time are Kubrick’s thirteen features and three shorts, all restored in 4K, over twenty-five hours of interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes materials; and deluxe packaging.

Catnip Reviews: PAST MIDNIGHT, MUTANT GENESIS and EVIL DEAD (2013)

Snack-sized opinions from the frisky felines at Free Kittens…

PAST MIDNIGHT (Blu-ray) - This one has kind of an interesting history, in that the original screenplay underwent significant (and uncredited) rewrites by none other than Quentin Tarantino (before anyone knew who he was). While you can kinda see his unique touches here and there, this is mostly the kind of direct-to-video thriller that shared shelf space with lots of similar ones back in the day. Rutger Hauer, playing somewhat against type, is Ben, a parolee who just spent 15 years in prison for murdering his wife. However, his case worker, Laura (Natasha Richardson), becomes increasingly convinced of his innocence. She also ends up falling in love with him, despite warnings from friends that this is a bad idea. In more ways than one, as it turns out. Past Midnight is a sporadically entertaining but ultimately unremarkable mystery-thriller that gets a bit of a boost from its two leads (though both have obviously done far better work before and since) and a few steamy love scenes. More or less forgotten after all the Blockbuster stores closed up shop, the film is no lost classic, but certainly fitting for inclusion in Alliance Entertainment’s ongoing Retro VHS series. (1991/100 min/Alliance Entertainment).

KITTY CONSENSUS: 😼😼

MUTANT GENESIS (DVD) - Maybe you’re like me and consider Terminator Salvation to be the worst film in the franchise. Now imagine a much cheaper film that appears to be primarily inspired by that one…with a little Transformers thrown in for bad measure. Mutant Genesis is a shamelessly derivative Chinese knock-off that takes place in a post-apocalyptic future after a malevolent AI has decided to wipe out all of humankind. A small band of resistance soldiers, as well as an enigmatic female asskicker, decide to fight back. But a complete lack of originality is the least of this movie’s problems. Not only do the hyper-edited action sequences defy all sense of plausibility, they’re largely rendered with laughable CGI that wouldn’t have passed muster 30 years ago. And amid all this largely cartoony pew-pew-pew action is a charming scene where a robot hangs a pregnant woman and yanks the dying baby from her womb. What the hell? While even rip-offs can be fun in the right hands, this one makes your typical mockbuster from Asylum look like the work of James Cameron. (2024/95 min/Cleopatra Entertainment).

KITTY CONSENSUS: 😺

EVIL DEAD (Blu-ray) - In 2013, Fede Alvarez’ Evil Dead joined a very short list of horror remakes that managed to top the original, and I’m assuming it’s being reissued to coincide with the release of the franchise’s most recent entry, Evil Dead Burn. A decade-and-change later, this film still plays like the kind of movie Sam Raimi would have made back in 1981 if he had the financial resources of a major studio at his disposal. The plot’s more-or-less the same…several twenty-somethings venture to a cabin in the woods and one of them comes across the Book of the Dead, which raises unholy demons if one were to foolishly recite the words. Of course, someone does. Once the mayhem begins, we’re too busy fastening our seatbelts to care about any character’s well-being, which is ultimately Evil Dead’s greatest virtue. It may not always be scary, but it moves at a lightning pace, a virtual symphony of truly disturbing, visceral scenes, thrown at us so unrelentingly that it becomes more of a thrill-ride than an actual movie. Onscreen carnage aside, Evil Dead is simply better than the film which inspired it…better direction, better FX, better dialogue & much better performances (even though the characters are still pretty bland). In addition to a few bonus features, this reissue includes both the theatrical and unrated versions. . (2013/97 min/Sony).

KITTY CONSENSUS: 😼😼😼😼

FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER: An Anthology of Estrangement

FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER (Blu-ray)

2025 / 111 min

MUBI

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

As I write this, I keep wanting to type MOTHER Father Sister Brother because it’s something I’ve often shouted-out when public decorum prevented me from using an expletive that also starts with ‘mother.’ Perhaps some of you have, too. As for writer-director Jim Jarmusch, maybe his title is an intentional play on the phrase, maybe not. For all I know, it simply signifies the film’s individual chapters. 

After all, Jarmusch can be one ambiguous motherfathersisterbrother at times.

How much one gets out of Father Mother Sister Brother largely depends on one’s appreciation for the director’s style and sensibilities. This is an anthology film comprising three stories, all of which center around reunions of estranged family members. “Father” has siblings (Adam Driver & Mayin Bialik) visiting their reclusive dad (Tom Waits), who initially appears to be in mental decline. In “Mother,” two sisters (Cate Blanchett & Vicky Krieps) make their annual visit to their mother (Charlotte Rampling), a famous author. Finally, “Sister Brother” features a brother and sister returning home following their parents’ deaths.

"I've highlighted all the naughty bits for you."

The film is loaded with the kind of superfluous small talk people engage in to avoid uncomfortable silences, and we get the impression everyone’s trying really hard to get along with those they love…but may not actually like. Aside from the ongoing theme of estrangement, these stories are tenuously connected through recurring imagery (skateboarders, watches, similarly colored clothing, etc) and dialogue (variations of “Bob’s your uncle”). What any of it symbolizes is largely left to the viewer to figure out, which is typical Jarmusch. For some, this’ll feel like a whole lot of nothing going on.

On the other hand, some of this will resonate with anyone who’s experienced similarly strained familial relationships. If nothing else, these characters feel real, largely due to their deceptively mundane conversations and, more significantly, outstanding performances by the entire cast. If forced to choose who stands out the most, I’d choose Driver, who masterfully depicts his character’s internal conflict with a minimum of actual dialogue. 

Overall, Father Mother Sister Brother (dammit, I still accidentally typed ‘mother’ first) is watchable, but not as profound as Jarmusch (and his admirers) might think it is. He accurately and admirably serves up examples of family estrangement, but doesn’t really have anything substantial to say about it.

THE SAINT and ENEMY AT THE FATES in 4K: Love Stinks

THE SAINT (4K) and ENEMY AT THE GATES (4K)

Paramount

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

These two titles have a few things in common. Though I’m sure each has its share of admirers who’ll appreciate the 4K SteelBook treatment, neither film would ever be mistaken for a classic. But more significantly, the narratives of both are dragged down by similar subplots that ultimately keep them from being great.

Val Kilmer...Ninja Turtle.

The character of Simon Templar has been around since the 1920s, appearing in novels, radio serials, TV shows and movies. In this version of The Saint (1997/116 min), Val Kilmer wisely passed on another Batman debacle to star as the main character, a high-tech thief for hire. In this one, Simon steals a formula that enables cold fusion, developed by chemist Emma Russell (Elizabeth Shue) and coveted by a megalomaniacal Russian billionaire 

The Saint plays like a film with franchise aspirations, perhaps hoping to establish something akin to the James Bond series. As such, it’s not half bad. The action is fun and the primary story is fairly intriguing, while Kilmer certainly exudes the devil-may-care “cool” required make Templar engaging. However, the romantic subplot between Templar and Russell is godawful, with cringeworthy dialogue and love scenes that bring the momentum to a screeching halt...more than once

EXTRA KIBBLES: 

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Phillip Noyce.

"Hi-diddle-dee-dee...a sniper's life for me."

Based on a book about the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II, Enemy at the Gates (2001/131 min) begins like gangbusters with a Russian & German conflict that’s more of a slaughter than a battle. Afterwards, one surviving Russian soldier, Vasily Zaitsev (Jude Law), emerges as a national hero with his sniper skills, his exploits championed by political officer/friend Commissar Danilov (Joseph Fiennes) in the press. The Germans try to stop Vasily by bringing in a legendary sniper of their own, Major Konig (Ed Harris), to take him out.

When focusing on the duel between Vasily and Konig, the film is exciting, with tension filled cat-&-mouse action sequences, immersive production design and convincing performances. Even though he’s a willing participant, we sympathize with Vasily because he’s obviously being exploited for propaganda purposes. While that’s all the story a movie like this needs, someone decided it also needed a love triangle involving Vasily, Danilov and Dania (Rachel Weisz). It isn’t as intrusive or embarrassing as the one The Saint serves up, but does tend to suck the viewer out of an otherwise compelling film.

EXTRA KIBBLES: 

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

FEATURETTES - Through the Crosshairs and Inside Enemy at the Gates both feature numerous cast & crew interviews.

DELETED SCENES

Both films are being released on 4K for the first time, with overall video quality that’s a bit of an improvement over their Blu-ray editions, while the 5.1 Dolby True HD audio track is the same. Each also includes a smattering of vintage bonus features. The SteelBook packaging is nice for those who are into that sort of thing, though the artwork is largely the same.

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Fun For The Entire Flock

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES (Blu-ray) 🐑

2026 / 109 min

Alliance Entertainment

Review by Princess Pepper😺

I generally don’t watch a lot of family films. Not that I have anything against them per se, but now that my daughters have since grown up, sitting through those aimed squarely at children are usually a chore to endure. And that’s what I assumed The Sheep Detectives was going to be…cute and cloying, with talking CGI sheep. My first thought was that Hugh Jackman’s Marvel residuals must have finally dried up. 

But The Sheep Detectives is not what I was expecting. While Jackman gets top billing, he probably has less screen time than anyone else because his character is killed within the first 20 minutes (though he’s really good in his role). Sure, the film is chock full of CGI sheep, and yeah, it’s pretty cute at times. But it’s also a genuine whodunit, and a pretty intriguing one at that.

Jackman plays George Hardy, a reclusive, dedicated shepherd who really loves his flock (not that way, LOL). Not only does he prefer their company over his neighbors in the nearby village of Denbrook, he’s named each one and reads murder mysteries to them every evening. When he’s later found dead near the camper where he lived, Denbrook’s dimwitted lone cop, Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun) believes George died of a heart attack. 

George's selection of The Silence of the Lambs didn't go over well.

However, his flock, led by the ‘smartest’ of them, Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), suspects foul play, as does newspaper reporter Elliot Matthews (Nicholas Galitzine). Meanwhile, George’s lawyer, Lydia Harbottle (Emma Thompson), arrives in town to read his will, and in attendance are numerous potential suspects, including Rebecca (Molly Gordon), the daughter he once gave up for adoption after her mother died during childbirth.

Using what they learned from murder mysteries, Lily and two other sheep, Sebastian (Bryan Cranston) and Mopple (Chris O’Dowd), dig up clues and discreetly coerce Derry and Matthews to investigate each suspect further, eventually accusing Rebecca, who stands the most to gain from George’s death. Along the way, these animals reveal unique, charming personalities, as well as some interesting views and beliefs, such as their understanding of the concept of death. While the film’s overall tone is affably whimsical, its narrative does occasionally venture into some dark territory with its depiction of death and the flock’s reaction to its reality (which is contrary to what they’re always believed).

But for the most part, the emphasis is on fun. Not only are the characters and  investigation engaging, The Sheep Detectives is full of good humor that’s never pandering or overly broad. With clever writing and good cast (both onscreen and those voicing the individual sheep), this is an enjoyably sweet-natured film for kids and adults alike.