Illumination has undeniably mastered the art of crafting animated films that seamlessly blend humor, heart and an infectious sense of joy. From the irreverent charm of the Minions to the heartwarming tales of unlikely friendships in films like Sing and The Secret Life of Pets, Illumination consistently delivers animated adventures that resonate with audiences of all ages. The ability to create visually stunning worlds, coupled with engaging storytelling and a stellar cast of characters has solidified the studio as a powerhouse in the realm of animated filmmaking.
As a fervent admirer of its work, diving into an Illumination movie is not just a cinematic experience; it’s a journey into a world where laughter reigns supreme, leaving audiences with a profound appreciation for the studio’s unique ability to capture the essence of pure, unadulterated fun on the big screen.
The success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie marked a watershed moment for the studio, propelling it into a realm of animated filmmaking where it seemed virtually untouchable. With a seamless blend of nostalgia, innovative animation and a compelling narrative resonating with longtime fans and newcomers alike, Illumination demonstrated an unparalleled ability to bring beloved video game characters to life on the big screen. The film’s triumph showcased the studio’s ability to adapt iconic franchises and solidified Illumination as a force to be reckoned with.
The triumph of Super Mario Bros. not only set a new standard for the studio, but also ignited anticipation for future projects, leaving audiences eager to witness what imaginative worlds and beloved characters Illumination would bring to life next.
So, what happens when expectations meet reality?
Migration marks Illumination’s latest cinematic endeavor, directed by the accomplished Benjamin Renner, the recipient of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Ernest & Celestine. Centered around the Mallard family — a charming clan of ducks — the film introduces Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), the family patriarch whose apprehension of the outside world confines them to the safety of their modest pond. Wife, Pam (Elizabeth Banks), daughter, Gwen (Tresi Gazal), and son, Dax (Caspar Jennings), navigate the delicate balance of wanting adventure, while respecting Mack’s anxieties.
The catalyst for change appears one day when a migratory duck family, en route to Jamaica, visits the pond. Their encounter fuels the family’s desire for exploration, leading the Mallards, accompanied by Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), on a journey. Along the way, they befriend a pigeon named Chump (Awkwafina), and a parrot named Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), encountering mishaps and mirth.
However, their odyssey takes a perilous turn when they are captured by a New York City chef with a penchant for the renowned Duck à l’Orange dish, putting the Mallards in serious danger.
(from left) Gwen (Tresi Gazal), Dax (Caspar Jennings), Pam (Elizabeth Banks), Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) and Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito) in Illumination’s Migration, directed by Benjamin Renner.
Upon seeing Migration‘s trailer for the first time, my initial assumption leaned toward another collaboration between Illumination and Nintendo, envisioning a potential connection to the classic game, Duck Hunt. Despite lacking prior knowledge of any such partnership, a sense of disappointment crept in, as the trailer revealed the film’s actual title. Nevertheless, the preview painted an enticing picture, hinting at what seemed poised to be another triumph for the animation powerhouse.
Regrettably, Migration diverges sharply from the established tropes within Illumination’s filmography. Let’s delve into the comedic aspect.
While the film did elicit occasional chuckles, the majority of jokes failed to land. Kumail Nanjiani, typically a comedic force, struggled to infuse humor into his portrayal of Mack. Despite Nanjiani’s comedic prowess in other films, his efforts in Migration fell flat. Awkwafina, a talented actress known for her humor, seemed to channel a recycled character template, rendering her indistinguishable from her previous roles. Whether it be Scuttle from The Little Mermaid, Sisu from Raya and the Last Dragon or Chump from Migration, the humor remained predictably uniform. This lack of variety contributed to the film’s comedic staleness, evoking more cringes than genuine laughter throughout its duration.
The animation style of Migration emerges as a redeeming quality in an otherwise underwhelming cinematic experience. In typical Illumination fashion, the film boasts impeccable design, showcasing breathtakingly beautiful art and cutting-edge visuals. The talented team of animators and artists serve as the lifeblood of the company, deserving unequivocal praise for their contributions to Migration. Their unwavering dedication and hard work are evident, elevating the film from what could have been relegated to the discount rack at your favorite retail store to a production worthy of the silver screen.
The meticulous craftsmanship and artistic prowess displayed by the animation team undoubtedly lend credence to Illumination’s reputation for delivering visually stunning animated features.
Migration is a two-out-of-five-stars film, grappling with a lackluster narrative, cringe-inducing writing and humor that consistently falls flat. Despite its concise runtime of 90 minutes, the film manages to stretch into what feels like an eternity of disappointment. Even the commendable performances and comedic talents of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina and Danny DeVito couldn’t rescue the film from the abyss of mediocrity.
The only saviors are the exceptional animators working diligently behind the scenes, preventing Migration from becoming a complete time waste. However, this stumble does not signal the demise of Illumination as a force in the animated film arena. Every studio encounters its share of downturns, and Migration serves as a valuable lesson. While this film may be a misstep, there’s no doubt that Illumination will regroup and persist as Disney’s principal competitor in the animation genre for years to come.