Movie Review: ‘Migration’

Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito and Awkwafina are among those lending their voices to this duck-centric family comedy adventure

This holiday season, Illumination invites you to take flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other in the action-packed new original comedy, 'Migration.'

In theaters on December 22nd, ‘Migration’ is Illumination’s latest family-focused animated adventure which offers up some laughs but feels like it draws on situations we’ve seen in other movies such as ‘The Croods’ and ‘Finding Nemo’.

A likeable voice cast does their best with the material, but ultimately this feels like a lesser offering from the company, one that seems unlikely to spawn a franchise in the way that ‘Despicable Me’s Minions have taken over. But perhaps that’s no bad thing?

Is ‘Migration’ Decent Escapist Entertainment?

As the year draws to a close, we suppose close to Christmas is as good a time as any to release a movie where a family decides to escape winter and travel somewhere tropical to enjoy a different locale; after all, plenty of people will be making that choice in the coming days and weeks.

The twist here, of course, is that the family in question are mallard ducks who have lived in the same pond for years, which is just the way the dad of the brood likes it –– he’s fond of terrifying his ducklings with tales of danger lurking beyond their seemingly tranquil home. It’s a worthwhile setup for a family comedy, but it does rather feel like both DreamWorks and Pixar have both gotten their first with the concept of the scared father convinced that death awaits anyone foolhardy enough to step outside of their established boundaries. And of course, the lesson once again is that you need to find the bravery within to put that idea to the test, because perhaps it’ll lead to some fun and family bonding.

There’s not much that’s fresh here, but ‘Migration’ is inoffensive enough –– and may likely appeal to those parents who are sick of the chattering Minions (though they show up in a short film that plays before the movie in theaters).

‘Migration’: Script and Direction

Perhaps the most surprising element of the movie is the fact that Mike White –– currently best known for creating the spiky, subversive ‘The White Lotus’ on TV –– is behind the script for the movie. It’s far from his first family-friendly work; after all, he also wrote memorable live-action movies such as ‘School of Rock’. No, we’re surprised because this feels far more sanitized than that movie, as though the screenplay when through a buffing process once it left his hands to remove any interesting rougher edges.

One or two flashes of White’s style still remain, and they give the movie a little bit of extra flair. But for the most part, this is strictly factory standard stuff.

Director Benjamin Renner came up with the original story for the movie, and here he brings it to life alongside co-director Guylo Homsy. They get solid work from the cast and the Illumination animation team has given the movie a decently interesting visual palette, with a watercolor-infused background, some impressively designed buildings when the birds arrive in New York and well-crafted main characters.

‘Migration’: Performances

(L to R) Kumail Nanjiani and Elizabeth Banks star in 'Migration.'

A movie such as this lives and dies on the strength of its lead performances, and fortunately ‘Migration’ has some very funny people driving the dynamics. Kumail Nanjiani gives good nervous energy (at least as far as he’s allowed –– his character soon overcomes most of his quibbles, the better to get the plot moving), while Elizabeth Banks is typically spirited as mate Pam.

The kids are mostly called upon to be funny and weird, and both put in good, while Danny DeVito has less do as their uncle, but still makes the most of the role.

In supporting roles, Awkwafina is her usual sassy self as the leader of a group of Big Apple pigeons and carries the jokes with which her character is entrusted (a moment with her being struck by buses works thanks to a combination of well-timed repetition and Awkwafina’s committed voice work) . Keegan-Michael Key, meanwhile, is great as Delroy, the parrot that our heroes meet and ultimately help.

And then there’s Carol Kane, whose typically loopy energy is well served as Erin the heron, who the family isn’t sure whether she wants to help or eat them.

‘Migration’: Final Thoughts

If you can overlook the very familiar storyline (and life lessons that are less than subtly conveyed), then ‘Migration’ will certainly serve as a decent option for those after some family film time if the pressure of the holidays becomes too much.

Energetic lead voices, some diverting concepts and well-crafted animation are all in service of something that might have found a little more inspiration, but it’s at least got something to offer.

‘Migration’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Migration

"Odd ducks welcome."

PG1 hr 23 minDec 23rd, 2023

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Migration Online

What is the plot of ‘Migration’?

The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England Pond forever, mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks) is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax (Caspar Jennings) and duckling daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal)—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.

As the Mallards make their way south for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined.

Who is in the cast of ‘Migration’?

Kumail Nanjiani ('The Big Sick') as Mack Mallard
Elizabeth Banks ('Pitch Perfect') as Pam Mallard
Awkwafina ('Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings') as Chump
Keegan-Michael Key ('Wonka') as Delroy
David Mitchell ('Greed') as Googoo
Carol Kane ('The Princess Bride') as Erin
Danny DeVito ('Twins') as Dan
Caspar Jennings ('Sing 2') as Dax Mallard
Tresi Gazal as Gwen Mallard

This holiday season, Illumination invites you to take flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other in the action-packed new original comedy, Migration.