Sheep Detectives Review Praises Charming Family Film with Hugh Jackman

A new family film follows a flock of sheep who turn detectives after their shepherd is murdered. Adapted from Leonie Swann's 2005 novel Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story, The Sheep Detectives centers on the animals owned by reclusive George Hardy, played by Hugh Jackman. Every night, George reads them murder mysteries, unaware that the sheep understand every word.

George meets a violent end just like the stories he shares. His flock sets out to solve the crime in the rural English town of Denbrook.

Lily, voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, leads the group with her sharp mind for puzzles. She earns respect from the others, including clear-headed Mopple (Chris O'Dowd), stoic Sebastian (Bryan Cranston), gossipy Cloud (Regina Hall), elder Sir Ritchfield (Patrick Stewart) and rowdy twins Reggie and Ronnie (Brett Goldstein).

Suspects abound among those George upset in town. They include rival shepherd Caleb Merrow (Tosin Cole), butcher Ham Gilyard (Conleth Hill), innkeeper Beth Pennock (Hong Chau) and George's estranged daughter Rebecca (Molly Gordon).

Other cast members include Emma Thompson as attorney Lydia Harbottle, Nicholas Galitzine as reporter Elliot Matthews and Nicholas Braun as bumbling Officer Tim Derry. The sheep guide Derry toward the truth.

The movie surprises with its emotional depth on grief and belonging. It evokes a simpler time in films, much like the 1990s hit Babe. Funny and heartfelt, it suits all ages.

The ensemble cast clearly enjoyed the production. Director Kyle Balda, known for Minions films and Despicable Me 3, leads the effort. Writer Craig Mazin, an Emmy winner for Chernobyl and The Last of Us, delivers his first major comedy since The Hangover Part III in 2013.

Quality family movies remain scarce. The Sheep Detectives stands out with strong performances, sharp writing that draws laughs and touches the emotions. Charming throughout, it merits a watch.

Three stars and a half. Rated PG for thematic material, some violent content and brief language. Running time: 1 hour, 49 minutes. In theaters now.