Stop motion clay-model animation is one of my favorite genres, and the Brits at Aardman are the undisputed masters of it. Their twee little kiddie films have a visual cleverness and richness that gives adults something to marvel over and laugh at as well.

“Wallace” has passed on, as have the beloved “Wallace & Gromit” films. But “Early Man” has a stellar voice cast, a witty setting and that unmistakable Aardman touch. It opens next Friday.