Prepare for an adventurous flight of fancy with the new animated movie Migration. Directed by Benjamin Renner and featuring a star-studded voice cast including Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, and Danny DeVito, Migration tells the story of a family of ducks who embark on a daring journey from New England to the warm shores of Jamaica.
With stunning visuals, plenty of laughs, and themes of family and overcoming fear, Migration looks set to capture the hearts of audiences this holiday season. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this film soar.
The Story and Premise
Migration centers around a family of ducks – anxious father Mack, free-spirited mother Pam, adventurous son Dax and curious daughter Gwen. They live contentedly in a pond in New England under Mack’s strict rules to never venture out into the wider world.
Their sheltered lives are disrupted when a flock of migrating ducks lands in their pond en route to Jamaica. Mack politely rejects their invitation to join them, but Pam and the kids are drawn to the allure of travel and exploration. Eventually Mack relents and the family embarks on a perilous journey down south, discovering new sights and facing various dangers along the way.
With its classic premise of overprotective parent and rebellious kids seeking adventure, Migration promises family-friendly entertainment. The film explores universal themes of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and the importance of sticking together as a family.
Cast and Crew
Voice Cast:
| Role | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Mack | Kumail Nanjiani |
| Pam | Elizabeth Banks |
| Dax | Caspar Jennings |
| Gwen | Tresi Gazal |
| Uncle Dan | Danny DeVito |
| Chump | Awkwafina |
| Delroy | Keegan-Michael Key |
Crew:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Benjamin Renner |
| Writers | Mike White, Benjamin Renner |
| Producers | John Cohen, Catherine Winder |
| Studio | Sony Pictures Animation |
Things That Make Migration Stand Out
Stunning Animation and Visuals
Right from the opening frames, Migration impresses with gorgeous, painterly visuals reminiscent of storybooks. The animated world bursts with color, from the deep greens of the New England forest to the vibrant hues of Jamaica. Sweeping camerawork takes viewers across vast landscapes. The ducks and other creatures are animated with plush, endearing designs.
Top-Notch Voice Cast
Migration boasts a talented ensemble of vocal performers like Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key and Danny DeVito who bring heart and humor to the duck characters. Their expressions and timing enhance the appeal of the animation.
Action-Packed Adventure
Set-pieces like the family evading a dangerous heron, escaping from a human chef, and braving a perilous storm ensure Migration balances its heart with adrenaline. The journey has enough thrills and spills to enrapture children.
Humor and Heart
Laugh-out-loud moments like Awkwafina’s headstrong pigeon Chump coupled with emotional family drama makes Migration a film for both parents and kids. It explores thoughtful themes beneath the humor.
Catchy Musical Numbers
From upbeat opening track “Take Flight” to Dr. Dre and TLC-inspired “Feel the Light”, the soundtrack features fun, vibrant songs by artist Kings Elliot. The score by Mark Mothersbaugh also pops.
What to Look Forward to
Spectacular Settings
From the autumnal beauty of New England to colorful Jamaica, Migration features gorgeously rendered backdrops. Sequences like the glowing bioluminescent bay promise to dazzle viewers.
Adventurous Action
Nail-biting aerial chases, close shaves with predators, a dangerous storm – the journey south offers plenty of peril to keep audiences hooked. The risks the ducks take make for engaging viewing.
Great Comedic Voice Acting
Comedians Kumail Nanjiani, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key and Danny DeVito get ample scope to flex their vocal chops for laughs. The ducks’ dynamics and dilemmas will resonate with families.
Universal Themes
Beneath the animation and comedy, Migration explores timeless motifs like family bonds, overcoming fear, and experiencing new things that provide food for thought for both kids and parents.
Stunning Visual Effects
From weather effects like rain and lightning to textured landscapes, the visual effects in Migration are cutting edge. Special effects like the glowing algae in Jamaica amp up the eye candy.
Why Migration is Special
Relatable Family Story
Migration taps into universally relatable family dynamics – the overprotective dad, rebellious kids, and the squabbles and bonds that ensue. This lends the film emotional resonance.
Positive Messaging
The film promotes positive themes like having the courage to come out of one’s shell, trusting those you love, and embracing new experiences that make it feel-good yet thoughtful.
Ambitious Animation
Sony Pictures Animation has crafted richly detailed environments and fluid, expressive characters in Migration that represent technical excellence in animation.
Crossover Appeal
With likeable characters, laughs, adventure, and emotion, Migration strikes the sweet spot between children’s animated film and family entertainment making it engaging for all age groups.
Holiday Season Release
Releasing during the festive December season, Migration promises to be a heartwarming theatrical experience for families seeking entertainment to enjoy together.
How to Watch & Stream Migration Movie Online
Migration releases exclusively in theaters on December 29, 2023. Viewers looking to watch from the comfort of home will have to wait for it to become available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like:
- iTunes
- Amazon Prime Video
- Vudu
- Google Play Movies
It is expected to be available for digital purchase in early 2024, about 3-4 months after its theatrical debut. The typical price to purchaseMigration on digital platforms is $20 for SD quality and $25 for HD.
Later in 2024, the movie will also arrive on subscription streaming services like:
- HBO Max
- Peacock
- Disney+
So movie lovers eager to embark on this heartwarming adventure with the duck family will have to flock to theaters when Migration opens on December 29!
Additional Details About Migration
- Migration is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor.
- The film was animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, whose credits include Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.
- Mike White of The White Lotus fame co-wrote the script along with director Benjamin Renner.
- Pop artist Kesha performs an original song titled “On Our Way” for the end credits.
- The duck family was designed by character artists Daniel Lopez Munoz and Armand Baltazar.
- It is Benjamin Renner’s feature directorial debut after the animated short Piper.
- Migration was originally slated to release in November 2022 but got pushed to December 2023.
- The voice actors recorded their dialogue separately due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A short film titled Mooned featuring the Minions characters plays before Migration in theaters.
Box Office Prospects
Family animated films have performed well at the post-pandemic box office as parents seek entertainment options for kids. Recent examples like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Sea Beast found success.
Trade analysts predict Migration could earn a $25 million domestic opening weekend given its holiday release. Its total U.S. box office run is projected at $90 million to $110 million if it attracts families.
Internationally, Migration is expected to gross over $200 million boosted by key markets like China where animated films thrive. A worldwide total above $300 million seems achievable based on projections.
While not Pixar-level numbers, Migration box office prospects look promising. Lack of competition among family films will also boost its theatrical run.
Final Takeaway
With dazzling animation, endearing characters, plenty of humor, and universal themes of family and adventure, Migration delivers wholesome entertainment for viewers of all ages. Stunning visuals combined with a touching story make it enjoyable for both children and adults.
While the plot sticks to a familiar formula, the film compensates with charm and emotional resonance. Migration may not reinvent the wheel, but it provides a fun, heartwarming time at the movies this holiday season. So gather your family and flock to theaters to take flight with these adventurous ducks.