The Sheep Detectives – Review

Based on a book, this film has all sorts of fun ideas going for it and delivers on the murder mystery goods. As a shepherd George Hardy (Jackman) lives a slow leisurely life of sheep care and reading, his flock enjoy the time listening to books and trying to guess the mystery outcomes. As the sheep deliberate book details and bemoan how slow the farmer reads to them, they season themselves with sniffing out clues and motives, leaving them in good shape when disaster strikes their land!

As the sheep all of a sudden are faced with a bad situation, maybe they can work together to learn the realities of what rocked their worlds. When everyone in the small town is a suspect, and you are a four hoofed woolly animal, options are limited, and the investigation is tough.

The idea behind this film is very fun, but it easily could have gone astray had the script not been as strong. A core mystery is always a fun time, but this twist of dropping a flock of silly sheep in the mix was a total blast. Does this make it a kids movie? I mean, I guess in some ways, as in the whole family can likely enjoy this, but thankfully it’s not a cheesy toned-down slop fest either trying to get a 10-year olds’ attention.

The writing is fun, sharp and entertaining, while the story is serviceable enough to want to see it through. The more childish moments and plenty of sheep antics are still silly in good ways and bring elements that are hard to anticipate. With a fun setting and plot, as well as these good animal enhanced twists, the atmosphere is well crafted.

The humans are okay also, and feature some good actors in the ensemble roles. Voice work on the animals matches the tone necessary and enhances the woolen characters. Humor and mystery often go well together, but these natural additional flock-focused elements work seamlessly in this film. Check it out unless you are sheepish.