Migration (2023)

"Mack" and wife "Pam" live contentedly on their pond and are preparing for winter when some migrating ducks break their journey and infect their kids "Gwen" and "Dax" with the travelling bug. "Mack" is adamant that staying home is the best strategy, but the arrival of "Uncle Dan" and his daughter's persistence soon persuade him that a trip to Jamaica wouldn't be a bad idea. Off they go and en route encounter the dangers of the big city. That's where they meet the scrawniest but meanest of pigeons "Chump" who, after a bit of tussle over a sandwich, agrees to introduce them to the only bird that might know the way to the Caribbean. Snag? Well, he's caged up in a restaurant and the terrifying master-chef keeps the key on his jacket at all times. Can they get the key, free "Delroy" the macaw, and then escape the pursuing vengeance of the tattooed, pony-tailed, man with the kitchen knives? The animation is detailed and it's quite watchable this film, but it reminded me quite a lot of "Ratatouille" (2007) meets "Chicken Run" (2000). There's plenty of colourful action and the narrative does imbue some character into the two children, particularly, but otherwise it's all just a wee bit procedural. It's at the better end of the Illumination factory production line, but it's not a film anyone will likely remember and it did rather shout sequel at me too.