You've probably seen the loveable Wallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, somewhere along the way. Up until now, they're most famous for their appearance in three short films -- A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, and A Close Shave. Their creator, Nick Park, was just 13 years-old when he dreamed up the pair.

Now they're hitting the big screen, and W&G fans around the world are cheering. Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and Gromit are cashing in with their humane pest-control business, "Anti-Pesto" (complete with a "SWAT" team van). With only days to go before the annual Giant Vegetable Competition, they're very busy! But their West Wallaby Street home is filling up with captured rabbits, and suddenly, a mysterious veggie-ravaging "beast" (the Were-Rabbit) begins attacking the town's sacred vegetable plots at night. Oh my.

Enter Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter), who commissions Anti-Pesto to catch the beast and save the day. But her snobby suitor, Lord Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes), would rather shoot the beast, become a hero, and secure the Lady's hand in marriage. She allows Victor to hunt down the veggie-chomping marauder, but little does she know that Victor's real intent could have dire consequences for her...AND Wallace & Gromit.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): This is one of those rare movies that appeals to both kids and adults. Even though pre-schoolers won't understand all the jokes, they'll love the adorable claymation characters and colorful scenes. And at just 85 minutes and with plenty of wacky hijinks, they probably won't get bored.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): Kids will love the quirky gadgets, including the soccamatic, the tellyscope, and the cartoony wake-up call. The plot rolls along quickly and will keep kids engaged from start to finish.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): This is a wonderful diversion from the formulaic films coming out of Hollywood these days, and something the whole family can enjoy together. Older kids will love the cheeky tributes to past sci-fi movies like Jaws and King Kong. The animation is top-notch, the writing clever, and the plotline fun. We could all use a good laugh these days, and this movie is sure to deliver.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries.