Illumination Entertainment are best known for Gru and his Minions, but it’s always nice to see them take a step into more original waters, and Migration is one of Illumination’s best films to date.
An animated adventure following a family of New England ducks, as fearful father Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) is rather happy at home in his safe secluded pond with his family, while his adventurous at heart wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks) and their spirited kids Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal) would like to see what lies beyond. And when a passing migrating flock of birds further kick start this thirst for adventure, Mack begrudgingly sets off with the family, alongside uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), for a flight to Jamaica!
Films like Rio have touched upon some of the same things, a fearful bird opening their eyes to the wider world and going on an adventure, while the story does occasionally hit many familiar beats for any fan of animated family films. However, Migration is constantly charming and warm-hearted, with a collection of lovable (and eccentric) characters, who grow alongside the story.
The animation is beautiful, the voicework is snappy and some of the dialogue is very funny and rather touching at points. While the narrative also – like last year’s Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget – touches upon some quite intense subjects of animal captivity, the realities of food production and the impact of street life.
Migration is a winning choice for the family, and likely to entertain viewers of any age. Though, they had us at the duck call Universal logo opening to be fair! Quacking stuff!
Migration is in cinemas now!
