The silver screen has been abuzz with avian adventures this month, as animated feature films take flight in theaters. First, the legendary Hayao Miyazaki graced us with “The Boy and the Heron,” potentially his cinematic swan song, offering a fitting conclusion to a remarkable filmmaking career. Following that, “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” the sequel to the beloved Aardman classic, fluttered into view, providing some amusing moments but falling short of its perfect predecessor. Now, the latest addition to the avian-themed lineup is “Migration,” courtesy of Illumination Studios, known for the “Despicable Me”/”Minions” franchises and the recent blockbuster “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Unfortunately, “Migration” fails to soar and lacks any real appeal for viewers beyond the age of 8, making even “Dawn of the Nugget” seem like Miyazaki’s magnum opus by comparison. The film revolves around the Mallards, a family of ducks led by cautious dad Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), adventurous mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks), teen son Dax (Caspar Jennings), adorable duckling daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal), and grumpy Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito). Confined to their New England pond due to Mack’s fears, their lives take a turn when another duck family, including a crush-worthy member (Isabela Merced), lands in their pond during their migratory journey to Jamaica.
What follows is a predictable yet mildly entertaining journey as the Mallards find themselves lost in New York City, encountering a gang of pigeons led by the irascible Chump (Awkwafina). To reach Jamaica, they enlist the help of a Jamaican parrot named Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), who is unfortunately held captive in a Manhattan restaurant. The Mallards’ adventure is filled with expected hijinks and mild conflicts, all while being pursued by a malevolent chef with a private helicopter.
The film’s narrative is thin, resembling more of a TV special than a feature film, a surprising revelation given that it was written by Mike White, known for works like “School of Rock” and “The White Lotus.” Co-directed by Benjamin Renner, whose past projects include visually striking animated features, “Migration” lacks the expected quirks and charm from these seasoned creators. The film’s formulaic nature, forgettable visuals, and a few borrowed elements from contemporaneous bird-themed animated films contribute to its overall blandness.
Despite its shortcomings, “Migration” unintentionally echoes themes found in other bird-based animated films. A peculiar encounter with a potentially dangerous heron and a visit to a seemingly idyllic duck farm with a dark secret hint at interesting moments, albeit fleeting. However, these glimpses are overshadowed by the film’s lack of originality, resembling a copycat version of its contemporaries.
While “Migration” may momentarily captivate younger audiences with its bright colors, slapstick humor, and straightforward storyline, it falls short of delivering the magical experience that children deserve from quality entertainment. Ultimately, it may be a forgettable distraction for kids, but their lasting memories are likely to revolve more around concession stand treats than the fleeting images on the screen.
“Migration” is currently playing in theaters, providing a feather-light diversion for those seeking a brief avian adventure.