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Christian Hamaker (Crosswalk) writes, "Viewers don't have to be politically correct to be uncomfortable, if not offended, at the preponderance of ethnic stereotypes on display here. Even if one finds such jokes humorous, they might also feel underwhelmed by a story that never coalesces. While boys might enjoy some of the chase scenes and sly humor—many of the gags are funny—there's not much here for young girls. Rita's self-sufficiency and care for her family are admirable, but Roddy isn't much of a suitor. The duo's mixed motives—like the movie itself—leave something to be desired."

Adam R. Holz (Plugged In) says it's "neither epic nor awful." He notes "an engaging emphasis on friendship" and a "pro-family" message. He concludes that it reminds him "of Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes cartoons of yesteryear. Replace 3-D computer-generated images with hand-drawn caricatures, tone down the modern insults, insert a bit more smoking and drinking, and this story could have been told 50 years ago."

While Kathy Bledsoe (Past the Popcorn) finds "no great morals or deep, hidden meanings," she raves that it's "just plain hilarious. … From the opening moments the viewer is literally assaulted with sight gags and visual puns that seem to include everything that could be thought of to lampoon." And she praises "masterful writing and editing." She also writes about how much she enjoyed the animated slugs.

Mainstream critics are happy to welcome the Aardman team back to the screen, even if they aren't as happy with Flushed Away as they were with Wallace and Gromit.

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