Universal Pictures’ animation department, Dreamworks is all set to wrap 2023 with one final family friendly outing. Migration is about a family of ducks that decide to leave the safety of a New England pond for an adventurous trip to Jamaica. However, their well-laid plans quickly go awry when they get lost and wind up in New York City. The experience soon inspires them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends, and accomplish more than they ever thought was possible. The film is directed by Benjamin Renner and stars Awkwafina, Elizabeth Banks, Kumail Nanjiani, Danny DeVito and Keegan-Micheal Key. We all know what to expect from a Dreamworks production. So, is this the perfect family picture releasing this Christmas? Will it steal Wonka’s audience? Let’s hear what the critics have to say.
Migration Reviews: Mixed Reactions All Around!
Migration has not opened up to critics love. It appears the only December films with critics’ stamp of approval are Wonka and The Color Purple. The Benjamin Renner directorial has a solid IMDb score of 7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 69%, so not ‘FRESH’. Different critics share varying opinions on the film. Some say it is good, others don’t. Decide for yourself after reading all the critics’ thoughts below:
Katie Walsh (Tribune News Service) – “It is a family-friendly, seasonal, nondenominational holiday movie option, but it’s more fun to pick out what makes this a Mike White project, and his influence gives it a slight edge over the rest.” Original Score: 2.5/4
Peter Sobczynski (RogerEbert.com) – ““Migration” may pass the time, but my guess is that those kids will retain more lasting memories of whatever their parents got for them at the concession stand than anything up there on the screen.” Original Score: 1.5/4
Odie Henderson (Boston Globe) – “This movie is the punishment I deserve for loving those Minions!” Original Score: 1.5/4
Kimberley Jones (Austin Chronicle) – “Thrillingly airborne and a riot of color, Migration’s many scenes of flying are an absolute joy.” Original Score: 3.5/5
Glenn Kenny (New York Times) – “In the end, “Migration” moves along at jet speed while often feeling labored.”
Zaki Hasan (San Francisco Chronicle) – “Don’t expect “Magnificent Ambersons”-style interfamily drama a la Orson Welles. But the character moments here resonate, and there are enough stakes to make the final scenes feel meaningful.” Original Score: 3/4
Jake Coyle (Associated Press) – ““Migration” is vividly animated with warm cartoon tones that would do Daffy proud. But it never quite spreads its wings.” Original Score: 2.5/4
Michael Ordoña (Los Angeles Times) – ““Migration” isn’t exactly unique, but it’s different enough. And in today’s factory filmmaking, that’s almost as unlikely as milking a duck.”
Lovia Gyarkye (Hollywood Reporter) – “Benjamin Renner’s new comedy Migration offers a winning combination of a charming narrative and distinctive animation style.”
Kate Erbland (indieWire) – “It may zing and zag in unexpected formations… but it all soars along at a genial enough clip.” Original Score: B-
Soren Andersen (Seattle Times) – ““Migration” is a most insistent picture. Characters deliver their lines with unmodulated insistence.” Original Score: 2/4
Aparita Bhandari (Globe and Mail) – “Unlike with many kids’ films, where it seems like two separate tracks are playing for the different generations, moments of sly parody amuse the adults while also engaging the young ones.”
Kristen Page-Kirby (Washington Post) – “Ultimately, “Migration” is probably going to fade from audiences’ memory faster than whatever lesson they learned in school the week before winter break.” Original Score: 2/4
Peter Debruge (Variety) – “Even at just 70-something minutes (before credits), the movie seems to take forever getting to its destination.”
Migration is playing in theatres near you.
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