I was much younger get when the first Chicken Run film opened in the summer of 2000, but that film made me realize how enthralling stop motion animation can be. Twenty-three years later Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget still made me gasp and jump out of my seat numerous times. The legacy of the franchise holds true in its faithful brilliance to the brand and the invigoration of its animation technology. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a family film for both children and adults, and it has joyfulness that flows throughout the film.

The plot of the film begins on an island. Ginger (voiced by Thandiwe Newton) is back with Rocky (voiced by Zachary Levi). Ginger and Rocky have a daughter, Molly (voiced by Bella Ramsey). The other fun chickens are back ranging from Bunty (voiced by Imelda Staunton) and Mac (voiced by Lynn Ferguson), to Ferguson (voiced by David Bradley). The chickens have escaped the Chicken farm that was run by the wretched Mrs. Tweedy (voiced by Miranda Richardson) and have made a home for themselves many miles away from the farm. But Molly has her parents’ adventure gene, and the troubles return. Molly escapes the island and finds herself on a new type of chicken farm—one with huge high-tech air fryers! Ginger and Rocky must do what they can to save Molly, but the worst part is that Mrs. Tweedy is back and the War of the Chickens versus Mrs. Tweedy is on for a second time. Fortunately, the chickens are smarter than they previously were when Mrs. Tweedy tormented them for ages. But have they learned enough to make it out alive?

I love animations that have a semi-serious premise but know how to keep the funniness in tune. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget has that in spades. The creators know how to portray danger that keeps viewers on the edge of their seat while also keeping them rolling in the aisles with laughter. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget stands to bring the success of the franchise to new heights in this long-awaited sequel. Despite the long time between films, the writing of this film is faithful to the brand and the world they created is evolving of many wonders.

So finally, after far too long, the classy animation returns … and it makes for a rollicking fun time. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a journey where the impossible becomes possible. The chickens are even more savvy than before, making the film suspenseful, enthralling, and filled with laughter for all ages. Mrs. Tweedy still has her evil side, but it doesn’t prevail because although she’s still a psycho, she’s an absent-minded psycho. So twenty-three years after the first film, the chickens continue to be heroes. Three out of four stars for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.