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Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • 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 on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Gromit's goal is to protect Wallace from danger. He does everything he can, including risking his own safety to help his friend. Piella's dog chooses to stand up to her owner and fight against evil, thanks to the support of Gromit.
  • Role models:

    Gromit is the role model in this film. He's loyal, smart, moral, and a good friend.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    The premise is that a serial killer is loose and threatening the main characters. Both Wallace and Gromit face serious peril, always downplayed with slapstick humor.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Romance between Wallace and Piella is central to the movie, and a bit scary because viewers know she's dangerous. Funny romance montage includes ceramic wheel scene from Ghost. Gromit finds love with Piella's dog.
  • Language:

    Villian says "hates."

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?
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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.

Movie Details

Studio: Lionsgate, Director: Nick Park
Run time: 87 minutes
DVD release: 9/22/2009
MPAA Rating: NR

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    More Violent, Still Funny

    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.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • 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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