Critical response Drew Munhausen of
Nerdtropolis said the film was "full of wit, colorful visuals, and an absolutely delightful array of memorable sheep characters." Tim Grierson of
A.V. Club said Balda "leads us down one path for some time" but "the final reveal hints at the cleverness and care woven into the film from the start." Jim Vejvoda of
IGN said the film is "a very sweet, and often quite moving, family comedy about grief and death...with the broad humor of some of the human characters being the film’s weakest aspect. Kristy Puchko of
Mashable called it "a big swing for its bonkers ambition." Clarisse Loughrey of
The Independent said "the melodrama helps land the comedy" and "there’s some real charm to be found here." Harry Stainer of the
Empire said the film had an "abundance of pathos," which was "helped in large part by the voice cast that bring this adorable animated flock to life — especially
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Lily,
Chris O’Dowd’s soulful Mopple, and
Bella Ramsey’s high-energy, question-asking lamb." Guy Lodge of the
Variety said "the film delights" when "the sheep get to run the show" and Mazin's "script is shakiest when the action pivots to the village." Jo Berry of
Digital Spy says "Hong Chau and Emma Thompson are woefully underused, and Thompson's deliciously delivered put-downs only serve to highlight the fact that the movie is only mildly amusing, rather than uproariously funny, when she isn't around." Pete Hammond of
Deadline says "the starry voice cast delivers on all fronts, especially with lines provided by Mazin’s witty and wise script." Robbie Collin of the
Telegraph says the film "owes an obvious debt" to the
Babe films for it is "a profoundly odd viewing experience – entirely pleasant, lightly funny and easily absorbed." William Bibbiania of
TheWrap says it's a "remarkable family flick" that "will leave a lasting impression." Peter Bradshaw of
The Guardian says "the murder...doesn’t get swamped with sadness and shock." Adam Courtliff of
RedCarpetCrash says the film's "exploration of grief, memory, and the overall processing of losing loved ones is handled with incredible care, whilst also not shying away from the fact mortality is a thing." Joseph Holmes of World News Group said this film is "one of the most entertaining family movies I’ve seen in a while." Mark Keizer of
MovieWeb says Mazin’s script "runs along undemanding, traditional lines, but it’s often craftier than it seems." Nikki Baughan of ScreenDaily says Balda "knows how to effectively stage comedic set-pieces, and – crucially – keep things moving along briskly and the energy high." Frank Scheck of
The Hollywood Reporter said Jackman "proves so charismatic that it’s easy to understand why George’s flock would devote themselves to finding his murderer." Linda Marric of
HeyUGuys says it's "a warm, whimsical film with more depth than you might expect." ==References==