bbaki-15022 Claymation always had an important spot in my heart since my childhood; either being on television - other Wallace and Gromit shorts; Chicken Run, etc... - or computer games - "Neverhood". So it was a pretty big deal, when a new short was made in 2008. Unfortunately, I haven't seen this episode since then, so it was interesting to find out how my feelings would change since then.Needless to say, this story continues with the 'darkness' as the previous episodes. Here, the story circles around a serial murder mystery - while the titular heroes operate a baking company. Wallace quickly gets in the middle of the killing spree - naturally, being totally oblivious of it until the end, while it's up to Gromit to save his lad.One of the biggest strength of the movie that it still kept the charm of the older episodes. The likability of the characters hasn't changed at all, and I watched it with the same childish grin as I used to watch the previous episodes. Since being newer, there "should be" a trend to put in more modern day references, but luckily, this one doesn't rely on cheap knock-offs from other movies or events; though, there are a still a few references as such, but it doesn't make these scenes as the main source of laughter and actually fit into the story. Furthermore the creators really stepped up their game, as their the expressions of the characters are still amazing to witness, especially with Gromit. The good old' British humour is still strong with this one, with more subtle jokes - and not the the "fall-on-your-butt" types of jokes, but that what we already got used to from Nick Park.One small downside, I wish the story was darker. Besides the opening scene and the room with the mannequins - the latter being insanely effective and scary, though - I haven't had any chills down my spine during other scenes, like I felt almost the whole time during "The Wrong Trousers"; Thus, the villain isn't as memorable as Feathers McGraw; though, that's a high bar to jump over, but does bring some effectively uneasy moments, so doesn't become totally forgettable. Other aspect I liked, was the romantic interest for Gromit. As an adult I could relate to it more, than to Wallace's "puppy love". It just becomes a stronger arch, because it's based on purely visuals, as the characters don't talk, the emotions being played through their expressions, and when we take abuse into the mix for the romantic interest, it's also more "human", more real and more sad. Naturally, it ends with a happy end for Gromit as well, but his story felt a little bit more mature and more tragic.All in all, "A Matter of Loaf and Death" was a worthy possible final episode for Wallace and Gromit, especially after the passing of Peter Sallis. It does deliver each strengths of the series, though not on as high level as previous episodes; the brilliant "Wrong Trousers" will still be the best Wallace and Gromit short for me. However, the passion, the talent and the heart of the creators and voice cast - Peter Sallis still delivering his A-game - shine through it. It won't be as good as the previously mentioned short, still, this was a half- hour pure joy.

Leofwine_draca A MATTER OF LOAF AND DEATH is a Wallace and Gromit adventure without the charm that made the Claymation shorts so endearing in the first place. This is a fast-paced, Hollywood-style adventure packed with in-jokes and scenes copied from anything and everything; the bit that most stood out for me was Gromit's misadventures with the bomb which recall the old BATMAN movie with Adam West.The main plot is a copy of THE WRONG TROUSERS with a less endearing narrative structure and unlikeable characters. The cosy British feel has gone to be replaced with breakneck action, big scenery. mannered caricatures, and set-pieces. Sure, the quality of the stop motion is still very good, but other than keeping Peter Sallis in work, this has very little to recommend it.

TxMike The Wallace and Gromit claymation videos are always interesting. For me it is a combination of two factors - the Claymation is extremely well done, with appropriate expressions, and Gromit, even unable to speak, is the more adult of the two in the relationship.Here in this 28-minute short they have opened a bakery, "Top Bun", and their motto is "dough to door delivery." But one day while on an outing they encounter a woman and her pooch on a bicycle, Piella Bakewell, who in Wallace's world is sort of a Paula Deen. He ends up saving her from her runaway bike, and soon they are fast friends, then more.But Piella hides a dark secret and Wallace is in her cross-hairs. The only ones who realize what is going on are Gromit and the lady's pooch. Good entertainment but it starts off sinister, a baker is murdered!SPOILERS: Gromit discovers a photo album at Piella's place, it has photos of her and different murdered bakers, with an "X" across the head of each. She has killed 12 of them, and Wallace is to be her 13th, a "baker's dozen" murders. Fortunately Gromit foils the plot and poor Piella ends up getting eaten by an alligator.

Robert This movie, obviously, had many improvements with the technology, the clay frame by framing, the special effects, etc. However, I feel that the plot has started to change a little from the classic stories that are simple and easy, to something with a bit more movie humor. And that isn't bad, if done correctly. But if pushed to it's limits, if movie references are taken, it starts to become more of a clique.Anyhow, the movie was still enjoyable. I feel that younger children may be scared by a few of the more intense scenes, but I wouldn't know since I'm way past that age. However, I am very impressed that the language is very mild. The violence, while intense, wasn't that terrible. Not that much blood. Just a few adult like jokes, etc.Overall a good movie, however a few of the comical movie clique jokes could have been minimized a bit.