Watch A Matter of Loaf and Death

A Matter of Loaf and Death is a 2008 animated movie, directed by the legendary British animator, Nick Park. The movie is part of the Wallace and Gromit franchise, which consists of four previous shorts and one full-length feature. The movie features the iconic claymation characters, Wallace, a clumsy and well-meaning inventor, and his intelligent and loyal dog, Gromit.

The story of the movie is centered on a mysterious killer who is murdering bakers in the area, just as Wallace and Gromit decide to start a new business, Top Bun Bakery, to compete in the annual baking contest. The movie is a hilarious blend of murder mystery, baking competition, and romance.

From the very beginning, the movie sets a humorous tone, as we see Wallace and Gromit delivering bread to their customers in their old fashioned bicycle cart, but with a modern and grotesque take on the bread-making process. The details of the claymation animation are nothing short of impressive, as we see each hair on Gromit's body moving independently, and the landscapes and backgrounds modeled with intricate detail.

As the plot progresses, Wallace falls in love with Piella Bakewell, a former model and the spokesperson for Bake-O-Lite, a diet bread company. Sally Lindsay voices Piella Bakewell, and her performance is outstanding, bringing humor and depth to the character's duality. Piella invites Wallace to design a giant bread sculpture for the baking contest, which he accepts wholeheartedly.

However, Gromit becomes suspicious of Piella's behavior, and her alleged dog, Fluffles. Sarah Laborde voices Fluffles with a perfect blend of sassiness and unpredictability. The mystery behind the killer and the connection to the baking contest, Piella, and Wallace's business, peels layer by layer, with hilarious twists and turns.

Peter Sallis reprises his role as the voice of Wallace, and his performance shows the character's growth and range. Wallace is as endearing and charming as ever, with his love for cheese, gadgets, and animals driving the story. However, the movie also shows Wallace's vulnerable and sensitive side, as he interacts with Piella and confronts the killer.

The humor in the movie comes from the absurdity of the situations, the idiocy of some of the characters, and the attention to detail in the animation. The puns and wordplay are delightful, and the sight gags are ingenious. The music by Julian Nott is playful and melodic, complementing the action and the emotions of the characters.

The movie also has a heart, as it explores themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, and love. The bond between Wallace and Gromit is unbreakable, as they rely on each other's strengths and weaknesses. The romance between Wallace and Piella is sweet and funny, with both characters finding solace in each other's quirks and passions.

In conclusion, A Matter of Loaf and Death is a fantastic addition to the Wallace and Gromit canon, and a testament to the creative genius of Nick Park and his team at Aardman animation. The movie is a masterclass in animation, storytelling, and humor, with memorable characters, iconic scenes, and a killer soundtrack. Whether you are a fan of claymation, murder mysteries, or baking competitions, this movie is a must-see.