Review A Shaun the Sheep Movie 2015
Introduction
Before diving into my review of A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, I revisited A Shaun the Sheep Movie 2015 because I’ve been a longtime fan of this hilarious animated series. I also adore other comedic classics like The Simpsons, Oggy and the Cockroaches, Doraemon, Mr. Bean, and Pucca.
Typically, Shaun the Sheep episodes last just seven minutes per season, but due to its massive popularity, the character of Shaun, first introduced in A Close Shave, evolved into a full TV series and eventually two feature films: A Shaun the Sheep Movie 2015 and the more recent Farmageddon. Fans worldwide, including me, love the sheep for their adorable yet slightly goofy intelligence, which delivers both humor and charm.
Plot Summary
Before I get into the review, let me outline the plot of A Shaun the Sheep Movie 2015.
The story is simple: it follows the journey of Shaun, the clever, lanky sheep who’s fed up with the repetitive routine of farm life. One day, he spots a bus ad showing someone relaxing on an island and decides he needs a break. Shaun hatches a plan to put the farmer to sleep in a trailer so the flock can have a day off.
Unfortunately, the plan backfires. Bitzer, the farm dog, catches on and tries to intervene but can’t open the trailer door. The trailer rolls into the city, and during the chaos, the farmer hits his head, loses his memory, and ends up in a hospital. Bitzer chases after him but gets captured and locked in an animal pound.
Missing their farmer, the sheep set out to find him. Along the way, they encounter a scruffy stray dog but get caught by a ruthless animal control officer. Thanks to the other sheep, they escape the pound and continue their search. Finding the farmer, Shaun is heartbroken to learn he doesn’t remember them. Luckily, a discarded note from the farmer clues them in on his amnesia, so the sheep devise a plan to bring him back to the farm.
However, the animal control officer pursues them after they load the farmer into a vehicle. Just before plummeting into a ravine, the farmer’s memory returns, and he saves the flock and Bitzer. The scruffy dog is adopted by a kind bus driver, and the animal control officer is finally outwitted.
The story is geared toward kids but appeals to adults too. It contrasts rural and urban life, echoing the saying, “A day’s journey teaches a lifetime’s wisdom.” Shaun’s boredom with the daily grind mirrors how people feel stuck in endless work routines, too afraid to take a break, their bodies worn out. The film subtly highlights these themes, and dismissing it as shallow or dull misses its point. As a dialogue-free, comedic animated film, it’s meant to entertain, and for me, it’s deeply meaningful. As a fan of Shaun’s clever antics, I watched it with both joy and an objective lens.
The animal control officer represents those who obsessively despise animals, earning medals for his captures and relentlessly chasing strays. In the climax, he maniacally tries to push the sheep and dogs into a ravine, embodying extreme cruelty. The sheep, bumbling in the city, reflect rural folks navigating the overwhelming urban world—awkward yet endearing. The film weaves in humor and a touch of sadness, like when the farmer, amnesiac, shoos the flock away.
The scruffy dog, shunned for its appearance, carries a heavy sadness until the empathetic bus driver adopts it, highlighting society’s obsession with outward beauty over compassion.
Review
The first Shaun the Sheep movie doesn’t aim for the depth of other animated films, but it nails its goal: delivering laughter and joy. Some might find the story bland—honestly, even the series can feel that way—but I’d urge viewers not to be too harsh. It’s a lighthearted romp, not a profound saga, and that’s its strength.
Visuals
Visually, the film uses the same claymation style as the series, so there’s no groundbreaking leap in aesthetics, just a longer runtime. I won’t nitpick this choice—it’s part of the charm. Some might expect a visual overhaul, but frankly, there’s none. The movie’s appeal lies in the sheep’s cuteness and the tactile claymation, complete with visible fingerprints on the models if you look closely. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s lovable.
Sound and Music
The sound is the soul of this claymation film. With no dialogue, the music and sound effects carry the story, making them critical. My favorite moment is when the sheep, hiding in a junk pile, harmonize their “baa” sounds—it’s catchy and delightful. The audio perfectly complements the humor and heart.
Conclusion
If you’re expecting something grander than other animated films, I’ll be honest: skip this one. A Shaun the Sheep Movie 2015 wasn’t made to break molds or deliver deep insights. Its mission is to bring smiles to kids and adults craving a return to carefree joy. As the first feature film, it feels like an extended episode, which might leave some feeling it’s flat. But hold out for Farmageddon—the sequel steps up in visuals and story, and I promise it won’t disappoint. Happy watching!
