Before audiences are welcomed to the colorful adventures of the movie Migration, they are treated to a whimsical prelude featuring a lovable villain’s lunar misfortunes. Presented as an eight-minute short film titled Mooned, the narrative picks up with Vector (voiced by Jason Segel), the antagonist who Gru (Steve Carell) stranded on the moon at the climactic end of 2010’s Despicable Me. Directed with playful vigor by Jonathan Del Val and brought to life through the clever scripting of Pierre Coffin, the short film sees Vector attempting a haphazard escape from his celestial confines with ‘help’ from the blue and yellow Minions, also voiced by Coffin. In a series of comically futile efforts, Vector remains blissfully unaware of the Minions’ assistance. Bright, amusing, and bustling with antics, Mooned effectively sets a lighthearted tone for the main event.
Migration introduces us to a quaint family of mallards residing in the serene forests of New England. Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) is the overprotective father whose life philosophy revolves around caution and inconspicuous living. His wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks), son Dax (Caspar Jennings), and daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal), however, carry aspirations beyond the quiet pond life. Enter a wanderlust-inspiring family of ducks en route to the warm embrace of Jamaica, and Dax becomes particularly enchanted by Kim (Isabela Merced), a delightful new acquaintance. Mack’s attempts to dismiss the visitors only underscore Pam, Dax, and Gwen’s longing for adventure.
It takes an unexpected nudge from cranky Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito) to set the webbed feet of the Mallard family towards Jamaican shores. A fierce storm deviates their path, leading them to find unlikely refuge with Erin (Carol Kane), a blue heron whose initial terror-inducing demeanor gives way to a kinder spirit, and her mate. Their impromptu journey soon sweeps them into the bustling heart of New York City, where they cross paths with a pigeon with attitude, Chump (Awkwafina), and the homesick Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), a macaw who knows the route to Jamaica.
Their odyssey is filled with encounters both humorous and harrowing, including a run-in with a gem-adorned chef. Chump astutely describes him as a predator who, instead of consuming his prey, caters them to even lazier predators. Through this escapade and the guidance of a yoga-practicing duck, GooGoo (David Mitchell), the family’s bond and resolve are tested and strengthened, leaving them ultimately awestruck by the sight of Jamaica’s blue mountains.
Migration thrives on the strength of its vibrant voice talent. Awkwafina’s raspy, commanding presence and De Vito’s portrayal of Dan add layers of depth and charisma to the ensemble. The vocal performances throughout the film strike the perfect pitch, brimming with personality and energy. The animation itself is a feast for the eyes; a palette of colors that pop with life and motion, beautifully escaping the oft-criticized clinical feel of computer animation. Everything in Migration is finely tuned—from the stylish aesthetics to the pacing, ensuring a journey that is as visually stimulating as it is engaging.
The triumph of Migration lies in its heartwarming narrative and the exuberant execution of its slapstick comedy, making it a film that transcends generational lines. It’s a testament to the joy of discovery, the value of family, and the unyielding spirit of adventure. A veritable treat, Migration is currently soaring through theatres, inviting audiences to take flight on jolly wings into the boundless skies of entertainment.
