The latest release from the US animation studio Illumination (best known for all things Minions-related), Migration is a perky, inoffensive family crowdpleaser and the studio’s first original (nonfranchise, non-IP) title since Sing in 2016. But although it is technically a new story, this tale of a family of mallards who leave the safety of their small pond to see the world recycles some fairly well-worn themes and plot devices. Most notable are the similarities between this film and the recent Chicken Run sequel Dawn of the Nugget. Both feature risk-averse, overprotective dads (here, it’s duck patriarch Mack, voiced by Kumail Nanjiani); both feature villains who have needlessly complicated and overly technical schemes in place to cook our brave heroes (an ego-crazed chef with his own customised duck-catching helicopter).
Fortunately, a screenplay by White Lotus creator Mike White elevates proceedings with an enjoyably sardonic bite. Highlights include a chaotic restaurant kitchen heist and the rescue of a depressed parrot (Keegan-Michael Key).
