Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
ScreenwriterĀ Mike WhiteĀ (The White Lotus)Ā brings us on a hilarious trip through an endearing story of familial love and bonding.
Migration opens with a scary bedtime story being told by mallardĀ Mack (Kumail Nanjiani)Ā to his childrenĀ DaxĀ (Casper Jennings) andĀ GwenĀ (Trees Gazal). Mack tells his children about all the horrors that lurk just outside of their pond. Then weāre introduced to mother mallard PamĀ (Elizabeth Banks) who interrupts the story to put a happier spin on the outside world. Itās clear thatĀ MackĀ is terrified of the world beyond the oasis heās created for their family whileĀ PamĀ yearns to see it again. While their children, whoāve never left the pond, wonder about it.
They get their first chance to leave when a flock of migrating birds takes a rest stop in their home. The visiting flock invites the family to join as they head south for the winter butĀ MackĀ refuses. Thus, disappointing his familyās hope of experiencing the world. AfterĀ MackĀ has a conversation withĀ Uncle DanĀ (a pitch-perfect Danny DeVito) he changes his mind. Now the family are on their first migration trip south for the winterā¦but will Mackās rusty navigational skills get them to Jamaica?
MigrationĀ is equal measures entertaining and endearing. Its humour effortlessly works for all audiences, fuelled with jokes that land because they resonate on a personal level. They are about all families not just specific to this family. And each member of the family is relatable. They are so specific they become universal. For example,Ā GwenĀ uses her cute young charm to beg for what she wants (and she gets it ā of course).Ā DaxĀ wants his father to see him as the growing boy he is.Ā PamĀ seeks more adventure than the world thatās surrounding her. And allĀ MackĀ wants is to protect his family.
Nanjiani is excellent as the anxious father. His voice quivers even when MackĀ is attempting to act brave for his family. Thus, adding a level of nuance and humour to this role. The most hilarious character is one we meet along the familyās journey,Ā DelroyĀ (Keegan-Michael Key). Heās a bird stolen from Jamaica and caged by a sadistic chef. AllĀ DelroyĀ wants is to return to Jamaica and see his family. On paper,Ā the character seems straightforward butĀ KeyĀ steals the show with his uproariously funny performance.
Whiteās entire Script is about the examination of a father learning to loosen his feathers and the rewards that follow. Some of these rewards come from learning more about your children and some are learning more about yourself. Thatās what makes this story of a family of ducks going on āvacationā universal. Itās about learning to loosen the feathers we hold to allow those we love to grow. And in return, allow ourselves to grow.
MigrationĀ is soaring fun for the whole family.
Universal Pictures CanadaĀ releaseĀ MIGRATIONĀ onĀ Friday, December 22, 2023.
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