The Sheep Detectives
[Showtimes and trailer at Tropiccinema.com]

Hugh Jackman (Song Sung Blue) stars in the “The Sheep Detectives” based on the novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. The film is a brisk lighthearted comedy that has heart and spirit with Monty Python at the edges.

This feel-good romp pokes fun at British mysteries as well as Jackman’s “Wolverine” persona. It is delightful, easy on the eyes and fun for all ages.

George Hardy (Hugh Jackman) works on his farm protecting his flock of sheep from business-minded Caleb (Tosin Cole) and a dispassionate butcher (Conleth Hill).

George is very mindful of the spirituality in his flock. To him, a sheep is on par with a human being, full of kindness, intellect and light. Every day, he reads to his fellow farm residents and they in turn enjoy it immensely.

One night during a rainstorm, George ends up dead.

After a stern lawyer (Emma Thompson) and George’s daughter (Molly Gordon) step in, Lily the sheep (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Sebastian the sheep (Bryan Cranston) sense something foul is a-hoof. The pair followed by other members begin investigation.

There are some good lines here and a little sheepish ribbing about Christianity. To sheep, God is a piece of bread, a ghost and a shepherd. Though this pokes fun, it is not mean spirited. Here, as well as in Scripture, God is in all things.

The film also pokes at Agatha Christie, but rather than ridicule it is a tribute to the author.

Above all, the film emphasizes the spirituality and the intelligence of the non-human world, and this cannot be understated. Meat eating is clearly eschewed.

A winter born lamb ( Tommy Birchall) treated as a scapegoat by the herd, will melt your heart.

With voices by Patrick Stewart, Chris O’Dowd and Regina Hall, these members are not mere sheep, but rather sentient and empathetic beings.

Buoyant, slightly irreverent, spiritual and energetic, this film bounds across the screen in great joyful and woolly smiles.

For once, both the human and the animal rise together on equal footing, coupled in battle and the active expression of beastly benevolence.

Write Ian at Ianfree1@icloud.com

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