Migration

Plot
Migration is a vibrant and visually stunning animated film that embarks on a thrilling adventure with the lovable Mallard family. The story begins on a serene pond in New England, where the Mallard family, consisting of Manny, the father; Penny, the mother; and their three rambunctious ducklings, Mellow, Midge, and Mitzi, return from their annual migration. The family has numerous stories of their diverse experiences, having traveled to far-flung places, captivating the imagination of the family's friends back at the pond. Among the family's enthralling tales are Manny's hair-raising accounts of nearly getting caught in a fierce storm and Penny's quaint recollections of discovering hidden oases in arid lands. Inspired by these adventures, the family's duckling, Mitzi, expresses her longing to explore beyond the familiar. Encouraged by her family's zest for wanderlust, the Mallards embark on a road trip adventure of their own. Determined to fulfill Mitzi's dreams and rekindle the sense of excitement in their own lives, Manny, Penny, and their progeny set out for Jamaica, passing through New York City along the way. This epic journey presents a myriad of challenges, but also extraordinary instances of kindness, camaraderie, and an undying love for their home and family. As the family traverses the urban jungle of New York City, they encounter an array of human characters, and through small acts of kindness, they warm the hearts of their new acquaintances. Among these acquaintances is Ms. Carmen, a struggling artist who finds the resilience of the bird family an inspiration for her own art. She creates a beautiful mural depicting their story, symbolizing the connection between nature and human society. While navigating the sweltering hot tarmac of New York streets, the Mallards also encounter their arch-nemesis, a menacing raccoon named Rexy. Initially menacing and hostile, Rexy, however, becomes entwilled in the life of the duck family. As his friendship with them deepens, he too embarks on the thrilling journey, discovering that family love and companionship is what makes the greatest adventures, not merely the spectacular destinations. As the family embarks towards their final destination, Jamaica, an unpredictable tropical storm arrives, intensifying their sense of urgency. With stormy weather battering them, the family faces its most daunting challenge yet, but with unwavering love and support, they help each other through adversity. The most magical part of the film unfolds as the family finds hope in an exquisite vision. During a moment of sorrow and contemplation amidst the towering storms, Manny has an epiphany and reminds Penny of the profound instance where the family truly came together in the arid deserts of their past migration. Penny starts singing an enchanting melody as Mitzi along with her brothers, take hold of her wings and gently gently sing, transforming their fears to moments of pure love, turning their hearts towards home and true soul bonding. Upon completion of the journey, the family finds themselves in the enchanting island kingdom of Jamaica. As the tropical landscape blooms and dances to the rhythm of their love, it becomes clear that the real adventure wasn't about reaching their ultimate destination, but about the profound, unforgettable moments experienced and cherished along the way. Having grown closer in recent years, the family slowly returns to the safety of their New England pond. They arrive to be greeted warmly by the community of ducks. The reunion fills the ducklings with immense happiness and finally fills the mother duck with satisfaction that she and her family are reunited. Ultimately, as the film closes, the family stays strong in the bonding they achieved on their soul-stirring adventure.
Reviews
Nina
If you're over 12, don't bother wasting your time and money going to the cinema specifically for this, especially in this freezing weather... and what's with that random Minions short at the beginning? I thought I'd bought the wrong ticket, walked into the wrong theater, or they'd started the wrong movie!
Josiah
Just another paint-by-numbers flick, churned out by the conveyor belt. Swap the ducks for chickens next year, and they could do it all over again.
Sawyer
A lighthearted, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable animated film perfect for the whole family, "Migration" is another triumph from Illumination after the Minions. This tale of a duck family's migration journey is a guaranteed feel-good story with a happy ending, yet you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the adventurous, twisty-turning plot. It’s so much fun and full of vibrant detail, it’ll keep you smiling from ear to ear. Each member of the duck family is distinct and full of life: Dad, Mack, bravely steps out of his comfort zone for his family, proving both clever and courageous; Mom, Pam, is steadfast and kind; teenage son, Dax, is full of energy and daring; and little Gwen is adorably charming, melting hearts – who can resist her "love hug"? The supporting characters are also brilliantly portrayed, with their unique sensitivities...
Esther
In the realm of fairy tales, adventure is always light and lovely, journeys are consistently exciting and fulfilling, and the distant lands are always waiting for the brave to arrive. Though I hate to admit it, I genuinely teared up when I saw them finally fly to that shimmering, starlit sea they longed for. Thank you to the world for still having fairy tales, and for those who still believe in them.
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