‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ has such personality, such boldness, such heart, that it’s somewhat impossible not to love it. Directed by Wes Anderson, who’s done ‘Rushmore’ and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’, ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ was made with stop-motion, a pain-staking process of making a clay environment and moving it slightly for each frame of film.

Based on Roald Dahl’s childrens book, it’s the story of two con foxes, Mr. & Mrs. Fox, voiced by George Clooney and Meryl Streep. After a near-death experience, they decide to settle down and raise a family. Years later, they’re living underground with an awkward, angry son named Ash (voiced perfectly by Jason Schwartzman). They live near a farm run by three sadistic farmers, Boggis, Bunce & Bean. Mr. Fox decides to plan one final con: To rob the farmers of their produce.

I can’t praise the writing for this film enough. Wes Anderson has always been a master of witty, offbeat dialogue, and he is in top shape here. The visual style is gorgeous. Not one second of the film looks authentic, but every second captures your imagination. The faux world is so incredibly detailed, so ruggedly beautiful. George Clooney and Meryl Streep make great voice actors, lending personality and charm to their respective characters.

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ is really entertaining, extremely well-written, hilarious, and best of all, gorgeous to look at. An animated masterpiece.