Migration is a 2023 computer-animated adventure comedy film directed by Benjamin Renner, co-directed by Guylo Homsy, and written by Mike White (creator of The White Lotus). Produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film features the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Carol Kane, Casper Jennings, Tresi Gazal, and Danny DeVito. The story follows a family of mallards who try to convince their overprotective father to go on a vacation of a lifetime and attempt to migrate from New England, through New York City, and to Jamaica.

Illumination announced Migration in February 2022, with Renner, Homsy, and White attached as director, co-director, and writer, respectively. Renner, who had previously helmed traditionally animated films, was tasked with adapting his simple drawing style for a computer-animated film. In hiring Renner, studio head and producer Chris Meledandri sought to focus on a filmmaker's vision for the project in comparison with Illumination's recent films. John Powell will compose the score, marking his second collaboration with Illumination following The Lorax (2012).

Migration made its debut in theaters on December 22nd, courtesy of Illumination.

THE GOOD

I had been looking forward to Migration for a while now not only because it just looked like it would be a really good animated film, but because it was an opportunity to once again share my love for cinema with my two boys. My little guys are 3 and just turning 5, and they had seen the trailers at least 30 times, watching them on repeat on several occasions. They couldn’t get enough of the part where the pigeon (voiced by the hilarious Awkwafina) gets hit by a bus, laughing uncontrollably at this part every single time. It put a smile on my face seeing how excited they were for this movie, so as soon as it hit theaters we grabbed our Minions: The Rise of Gru (our full review here) popcorn pale and made our way to the theater. So, was our latest movie outing a success or did we have to make an early exit to the arcade? Keep reading to find out!

Great news! We did find ourselves in the arcade eventually, but not until after we enjoyed what turned out to be another great animated comedy from the crew over at Illumination! Migration is hilarious, exciting, and heartwarming, and for me, that is the recipe for success when it comes to a good old-fashioned family film. I was immediately drawn in by the incredible chemistry between the cast of voice actors, as well as the vibrant and expansive animation style of the film. Just as the story is about seeking adventure and allowing yourself the opportunity to experience new things, the film feels like it opens up to this big and exciting new world allowing viewers to experience all of the feelings right along with the characters.

I liked the great underlying message as far as the story, and I felt like they did a fantastic job giving each character their own special moment. My 3-year-old and 5-year-old never took their eyes off the screen during the entire film, and that alone is an achievement. Granted I continued to shovel popcorn into their bowls at a moment’s notice and my 3-year-old had to sit on my lap during one of the “scarier” scenes, but all in all pretty damn good if you ask me. After a very positive experience taking my oldest to see Minions: The Rise of Gru and now with how much we enjoyed Migration, it is safe to say Illumination is winning over my household.

What I felt was unique about Migration was the fact that even though the list of voice actors is on the smaller side in terms of recognizable names, it is still one of the film’s biggest strengths. I feel like these days so many of these animated films try and overwhelm viewers with big names to the point where the poster looks like the end credits with just name after name after name to make you think it is worth watching. Migration instead hones in on a select group of voice talent that brings immense chemistry to the screen making for a very special cinematic experience. I am a big fan of Kumail Nanjiani and have been since he did the hilarious HBO comedy Silicon Valley. He has since blown up quite a bit as an actor, starring in The Big Sick (2017), Stuber (2019), The Lovebirds (2020), and Eternals (2021). Now as a comedian turned actor humor is his biggest strength, but he has proven he does have the ability to be versatile as an actor. In Migration, he is perfect as the protective and very overbearing father with a big heart. I just love how energetic Nanjiani’s voice can be which makes him quite an asset for a film like this.

Starring alongside Nanjiani is the talented Elizabeth Banks, who voices his wife Pam. I feel like Banks is a bit underrated as an actress when it comes to overall talent as well as the fact that she now also directs, including the films Pitch Perfect 2 (2015), Charlie’s Angels (2019), and the recently released ridiculous action comedy Cocaine Bear (our full review here) - now streaming on Prime Video. As far as her part in Migration, her chemistry with Nanjiani was a huge sell for me as their relationship as parents was a big reason why the film worked so well. They played off of each other perfectly, and I just loved how everything came together for them. I mean sure we are talking about animated ducks here, but it all just felt so genuine to me. The rest of the supporting cast was awesome as well, with Tresi Gazal and Casper Jennings voicing the kids Dax and Gwen, Awkwfina as the fast-talking pigeon Chump, and my guy Danny DeVito as Uncle Dan, who as always is incredibly recognizable as far as his voice. Also a well-deserved shoutout to Keegan-Michael Key, who has been on a run lately after also starring in Wonka (our full review here).

On the technical side of things, I thought Migration was damn near flawless as expected. Illumation has a great grasp on their style of animation especially when it comes to appealing to young kids, and once my little guys became obsessed with the trailer I knew it was going to be a winner. Everything just looks so good and feels so immersive, making sure that eyes stay glued to the screen which is always a plus for parents. I feel like most kids’ movies these days rely on the musical element to help keep kids engaged, but Illumination has proven that they can be just as effective with great animation, a good balance of humor, and quality storytelling. So yeah, for my money the film looked fantastic. And as far as the soundtrack is concerned, the talented John Powell (How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Don’t Worry Darling), crushed it yet again in his second collaboration with Illumiation after 2012’s The Lorax.

THE BAD

Although I won’t sit here and act like this is the next great family film, Migration does everything that matters well. The story is fun and immersive, and viewers will have a blast with the incredibly likable characters, and that is what you hope for with these movies. It just won’t be mentioned when it comes to the conversation of the next great animated film as it doesn’t do anything exceptionally well as they didn’t try to reinvent the wheel sort of speak as far as the style of the animation etc, and honestly that is more than okay.

Illumination successfully delivered a damn good film that I will surely add to my Blu-ray collection. Now with younger children who tend to struggle during the “scarier” scenes in these films, they had a few moments where my 3-year-old wanted to sit in my lap but they were few and far between. Mostly just a chef who looked like he worked in a restaurant in Portland, Maine, trying to turn the cute ducks into an entrée. Nothing like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (our full review here), which may have scarred my kids for life thanks to that damn wolf, although it was a fantastic film and highly recommended. Sure I am exaggerating slightly, but it did keep them from going to the theater for several months.

THE VERDICT

A hilarious and heartwarming story featuring incredible chemistry from the cast of voice actors, Migration soars into the clouds as yet another fantastic family-friendly adventure from the talented team at Illumination. I had a great time with this film, but more importantly, my kids loved it, and having the ability to share my love for cinema with them always melts my heart. Migration quite simply serves up all of the important ingredients that you need for a successful family comedy while dashing in just enough of the grab-the-tissue moments along the way. So do yourself a favor and load the kids up in the old minivan to give momma a break and head to the theater, everyone will thank you later.