Considering how creatively freeing animation is, it’s disappointing that so many recent releases are all too bland, such as Zootropolis 2 and The Land of Sometimes. But considering the time and costs that come with such projects, the safe option is understandable, if not appreciated.

The latest project from British studio Aniventure however, throws a lot of caution to the wind, with a brilliantly bonkers tale, of a bounty hunter pig.

After being raised by Bertha (Lorraine Ashbourne), who taught him his profession, Hitpig (Jason Sudeikis) is now going it alone as a solo bounty hunter, getting paid the bucks to find missing animals and return them to their owners.

Despite getting wiped out financially by animal rights activist Letícia dos Anjos (Anitta), Hitpig is hired by the Leapin’ Lord of the Leotard (Rainn Wilson), a rotund showman in Las Vegas, to get his dance partner back, Pickles (Lilly Singh) the elephant.

After an international chase, he finally catches up with Pickles, promising to get her to her destination India, where she hopes to be finally reunited with family, but with the real intention of giving her back to her obnoxious owner.

After spending time together though, Hitpig starts to consider if he’s doing the right thing, as their very kooky adventure continues.

This is a follow-up to Aniventure’s funny 2022 release Paws of Fury, and it continues their streak of original animations.

The characters and story originate from a 2008 children’s book Pete and Pickles, by Berkeley Breathed, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

It’s a brand-spanking new IP, with a charming bunch of oddball characters, which take part in an admittedly ludicrous plot, which even sees them in space, but is also thoroughly entertaining too.

It’s a film that embraces its silliness, paying homage in sorts to classic cartoons à la Looney Tunes, resulting in what could be described as an animator’s fever dream. For instance, it stars Hitpig, a pig as the name suggests, who earns his crust being a bounty hunter, but also has dreams of being a chief, as he cooks a mean omelette.

And it’s this quirky creativity that will not only be lapped up by a young audience, but also savoured by the grown-ups who are often forced to sit and watch with them.

With the likes of mega studios Pixar and DreamWorks underperforming, why not root for the underdog – or underpig in this instance – and support this creative British studio, who are bringing home the bacon in style.