Illumination’s ‘Migration’ Review: A Unique Film Tailored for Bird Enthusiasts

From the animation studio known for blockbuster hits like ‘Minions’ and ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ comes a departure—a family comedy called ‘Migration,’ which centers on a group of mallards struggling to navigate south.

In a realm where animated tales feature chickens orchestrating elaborate escape plans, Illumination’s ‘Migration’ requires computer-generated ducks to do more than just relocate. The film, directed by Benjamin Renner, follows a fastidious duck dad overcoming his fear of flying. However, it seems to be a cartoon searching for a defining concept, with the most daring element being the departure from Renner’s signature watercolor style in favor of a standard digital approach. Despite this, the film boasts eye-catching backgrounds and a humorous narrative set amidst beautiful fall foliage.

The initial scenes tantalize with the prospect of what ‘Migration’ could have been if allowed to maintain its original aesthetic. However, as the film settles into its predominant look—painterly backgrounds with bulgy-eyed birds—it becomes apparent that it follows a common theme in 21st-century animation. This theme revolves around adults overcoming narrow-mindedness, a trend seen in recent animated films like “Encanto” and “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.”

‘Migration’ tweaks this formula by emphasizing that the protagonist, Mack, should value his wife’s opinion. The narrative, credited to Renner and screenwriter Mike White, transcends being solely about ducks, delving into the limitations of an inflexible “father knows best” mindset.

Mack, taught to stay close to the nest, embarks on a journey south for the first time, challenging conventional wisdom. The story unfolds as Mack, accompanied by his family, encounters various challenges, ultimately highlighting the capability of the family when working together. The film presents New York City from a duck’s perspective, introducing human characters that add a layer of complexity to the narrative.

Unexpectedly, a villain, Chef, emerges during the ducks’ journey, creating a reason for Mack to reconsider staying home. Chef’s appearance, however, has garnered criticism for being unappealing. The film also introduces Delroy, Chef’s pet parrot, who hails from Jamaica and becomes instrumental in the ducks’ quest to find their way south.

Despite its 70-something-minute runtime, ‘Migration’ feels extended in reaching its destination. The film incorporates a humorous short, “Mooned,” featuring the ‘Despicable Me’ character Vector in exile, bringing a touch of the beloved Minions to satisfy Illumination’s audience.

In summary, ‘Migration’ marks a departure from the studio’s usual formula, exploring a unique concept, albeit with mixed reviews. The film grapples with the challenge of balancing its original aesthetic with industry trends, presenting a tale that goes beyond ducks and addresses broader themes of family dynamics and overcoming preconceived notions.

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