Early Man

History aficionados probably shouldn’t nitpick the prehistoric revisionism of Early Man, because this delightful animated adventure doesn’t warrant such scrutiny.

Instead, revel in the charm of the latest project from British director Nick Park (Chicken Run), whose throwback Claymation style is nothing compared to the era in which it’s set.

The story takes place during the days of cavemen, specifically following a Stone Age tribe whose hunting and gathering routine provides a steady diet of small mammals. But among the simplistic Neanderthals is Dug (voiced by Eddie Redmayne), an enterprising youngster who tries to convince the tribal chief (Timothy Spall) to pursue more glamorous game, such as woolly mammoths.

Such disagreements are put aside, however, during an invasion by a technologically advanced army from the Bronze Age, led by Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston), who wants to mine the tribe’s lush territory for precious metals and isn’t in the mood to negotiate.

Exiled to the desert, Dug infiltrates Nooth’s compound and desperately agrees to challenge the Bronze warriors to a high-stakes soccer match, with the disputed land going to the winner — except the ragtag group of cave dwellers doesn’t know anything about sports, outside of what’s suggested by drawings left by their ancestors.

Those who appreciated the past creations of Aardman — most prominently known for the “Wallace & Gromit” franchise — will best appreciate this amusing if familiar effort that translates the same cheesy yet endearing sense of humor to a new setting.

The screenplay by newcomer James Higginson and regular Aardman collaborator Mark Burton isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel. Its wide-ranging influences run the gamut from past to present, with a “Flintstones” vibe somehow jibing with a predictable sports underdog saga, and even a subtle commentary on colonialism, all with a distinctly British sensibility.

Excellent voice work and appropriately rudimentary visuals compensate for many of the narrative shortcomings. If nothing else, you can certainly appreciate the painstaking effort to create the sight gags and slapstick in this post-Jurassic world frame-by-frame.

The result has enough fast-paced antics for children without pandering or sacrificing more sophisticated gags for adults. That balance keeps Early Man from feeling like a relic from a bygone era.

Rated PG, 89 minutes.