IT has a bit of a woolly plot, reusing familiar tropes from stories about visitors from outer space and UFOs.

But what Shaun the Sheep’s intergalactic film lacks in originality, it makes up for in charm.

Kids will love Farmageddon – the second spin-off, full length movie since the Wallace and Gromit character got his own series in 2007 – and it has just enough about it to keep parents entertained too.

The sequel sees Shaun (voiced by CBeebies favourite Justin Fletcher) and his flock up to their usual hijinks, under the watchful eye of sheepdog Bitzer (John Sparkes), when they have a close encounter with Lu-La (Amalia Vitale) at Mossy Bottom Farm.

The young junkfood-loving alien, with a knack for impersonations, has crashed on Earth and needs help to get back to her parents many light years away before a shadowy organisation, led by Agent Red (Kate Harbour), take her away for research and quarantine.

Meanwhile, farmer John (Chris Morrell) sees an opportunity as UFO fever takes hold and alien conspiracy geeks flock to Mossingham to launch a theme park called Farmageddon.

Directors Will Becher and Richard Phelan replace Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, who were at the helm for Shaun’s first film from Bristol-based Aardman Animation.

And although the sequel is lighter on visual gags there are many more action setpieces for Shaun and the other mischievous sheep.

What sets the movie apart from other kids’ films this year is the simple yet gorgeous clay models and the charming stop motion animation – techniques Shaun the Sheep creator Nick Park famously used to bring Wallace and Gromit into the world.

It is perhaps taken for granted these days but it is still incredible the life, expression and character that can be breathed into these finely sculpted models.

Also, for all intents and purposes, Farmageddon shares a lot in common with silent movies. There is no dialogue as such with animals and characters communicating in a series of mumbles and grunts and lots of pointing.

It adds another layer to the film’s distinctive style

With an overly big nod to the Spielberg sci-fi releases of the 70s and 80s, grown-ups may groan a bit and see it all coming.

But Farmageddon is a visually inventive extraterrestrial adventure and when it’s this fun you can easily forgive that.

RATING: 6/10

DAVID MORGAN