A Town Called Panic

Based on a Belgian television series, A Town Called Panic is a deranged stop motion film by Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, creators of the instantly recognisable Cravendale milk adverts. Far from the smooth animation of films like Coraline, the directors' style is jerky and rough, deceptively primitive and all the more bizarre as a result. Following Cowboy, Indian, Horse and their friends through various madcap adventures stemming from a forgotten birthday present, A Town Called Panic is unlike anything seen before. As our heroes' exploits take them to the North Pole, the bottom of the sea and the centre of the Earth, the manic, surreal visuals are accompanied by a sharp, very funny script that will appeal to children and adults alike. It may seem short at 78minutes, but it stays dynamic and interesting because of it. Quite frankly, there's only a certain amount of crazy one can take, and this will push your mind to the limit. [Becky Bartlett]