If you have been a fan of Wallace & Gromit before this you know that there tends to be a lot of slapstick style comedy. This short however takes a turn to the very dark, opening with a murder and ending (for the first time I recall) with the death of the villain. It is much scarier for kids than their previous work. In the making of feature, the producers talked about taking on a more noir style in this film and it shows. I'd be very cautious about showing this to younger kids. The previous 3 Wallace & Gromit shorts are a much safer bet.
Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death
(Rated NR, Family and kids, Starring Peter Sallis)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Always-charming claymation duo mix murder with romance.
Themes in this movie include: dating/crushes, gender issues, honesty, revenge
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death was written by Sierra Filucci
Parents need to know that this British claymation movie delves into
some darker themes, but with slapstick humor and even a bit of pathos. One main character gets involved with a deceptive love interest while the other hunts for a serial killer. In an attempt to fight off the killer,
the main characters endure tense moments, including being
kidnapped and threatened by a bomb.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about being pressured to make poor choices. Why did Piella Bakewell's dog turn against her? Why do you think she stayed with Piella in the first place?
- Families with older children can talk about media images of women. Why did Piella get fired from her job as a spokesperson? Do you think that kind of thing happens in real life? If so, why?
- Families can talk about gadgets. What kind of gadgets do you wish you had in your house? Have you ever invented anything?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death
What’s the Story?
Hapless Wallace and his trusty but silent dog Gromit have started a
bread-baking business, employing their trademark gadgets to help knead
and bake the bread. When fellow bakers start turning up dead and
Wallace meets the charming, if controlling Piella Bakewell, Gromit begins to
investigate the mysterious woman. Perpetually oblivious, Wallace becomes infatuated with the zaftig lady while
Gromit gets to the bottom of the murder mystery, but not before being
muzzled, kidnapped, and threatened with a bomb. In the end, it's Gromit
who finds a mate, instead of Wallace.
Is It Any Good?
Like other offerings from director Nick Park, this movie's offbeat and dark
humor sets it apart from other more mainstream titles. The wild
contraptions, unlikely capers, and death-defying stunts make for a high-energy, witty comedy with quirky details that can appeal to both adults
and children. A MATTER OF LOAF AND DEATH tips its
hat to classic noir films, beginning with the opening scene where a
mysterious attacker sneaks up behind a clueless baker and dispatches
the man with a swift (offscreen) whack to the head. Fans of Wallace and
Gromit's other work will find this movie chock full of the usual
quirky humor, like Wallace's appreciation for the tea Gromit poured
from the nozzle of a gas pump: "Lovely cuppa, Gromit. But with a slight
diesel-ly aftertaste." However, some of the less obvious concepts in the film
might trouble more sophisticated viewers, like the murderer's motive --
resentment toward bakers for weight gain.
Our Members Say
See all 2 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
More Violent, Still Funny
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
I liked it!
I love Wallace and Gromit but I found this entry in the series somewhat lacking. It wasn't as funny as previous films and was more sexual than any of them (I found that disturbing). There's nothing wrong with romance, but there were 4-5 direct references to sex that I can remember. That being said, I liked it, the worst Wallace and Gromit is still miles above most other kids movies in terms of creativity and just fun.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
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