eginning with spooky notes of a Universal monster movie, this theatrical Wallace and Gromit entry makes the most of higher production values, larger sets, and numerous characters as the lead duo – cheese-loving Wallace (Peter Sallis) and his trusty pooch Gromit – engage in their latest business venture. Tackling the local rabbit population problem, they awake at all hours to nab destructive garden critters as anti-pest Ghostbusters of sorts, humanely capturing and removing the rodents (and then caring for them in a massive underground pen). Their job is essential for the community, as the coming weekend is the renowned giant vegetable competition at Lady Companula Tottington’s (Helena Bonham Carter) sprawling estate – and no animal nuisance can be allowed to interfere.

Fueled by superb little skits involving harebrained inventions (and batty ideas), as well as countless puns and dippy dialogue, the quaint little veg-consumed town will soon have to contend with a terrorizing were-rabbit – a misunderstood monstrosity that humorously lends to the light thrills of a minimally scary children’s tale. “The beast lurks in all of us …” With the greater resources comes a more complicated plot (there’s even a hint of a love story), along with notably upgraded music (Hans Zimmer was involved in its production), advanced camera movements, and a handful of bigger-named voice actors (including Ralph Fiennes as hunting-obsessed Victor Quartermaine). Even the claymation techniques enjoy an update; locations and props are more extravagant, while the look of everything exhibits considerable intricacy. Environmental components and all sorts of special effects appear remarkably embellished and advanced in comparison to the previous short films that put these likable personas on the map.

Its detailed premise also exhibits notes of grander stories, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Corpse Bride” (released a month before and coincidentally also starring Helena Bonham Carter), proving that Wallace and Gromit are quite capable of sustaining a lengthier script. And this one is thoroughly riotous, particularly with its creative visual humor and slapstick gags, resembling at times a 3D Looney Tunes cartoon, as the miming, voiceless Gromit must save the day when the less-intelligent humans fail to figure things out. “My mind’s just a rabbity mush!”

As it borrows notes from “The Wolf Man” and “King Kong,” this family-friendly, consistently genial, smashing adventure smartly relies on the signature gimmicks from the original short subjects – including wacky gadgetry and high-speed chases that cover longer stretches of territory than physically possible. It may utilize a few stalling tactics to stretch out an already quick runtime, but the procession of events is still largely engaging. And, like its briefer predecessors, it focuses on positive themes and satisfying conclusions, even if the solution to the were-rabbit curse is flimsy at best. “Cheeeeeeeeeese!”