This Christmas, the animated world is set to be dazzled with the release of “Migration“, a family-focused adventure produced by Illumination. As the festive season inches closer, the recently released trailer promises moviegoers a heartwarming journey of a duck family trying to find their way in the big city. And from what we can glean, it’s a story that promises equal parts humor, drama, and inspiration.
An Unexpected Detour Through New York
At the center of “Migration” is the Mallards family, a charming quartet of ducks who are living their routine life by a serene New England pond. The head of the family, Mack, is quite satisfied with their tranquil existence. However, his wife, Pam, craves a bit of novelty and excitement. Eventually, after much gentle persuasion, the duo, along with their adorable ducklings Dax and Gwen, decide to migrate south. Their destination? The sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica.
Yet, as they quickly discover, life rarely goes according to plan. Their anticipated smooth journey soon turns into a series of unpredictable events, with New York City’s concrete jungle becoming an unforeseen pitstop. Amidst the skyscrapers, they confront a plethora of challenges that keep their dream destination tantalizingly out of reach.
The brilliant script for “Migration” is the brainchild of the talented Mike White. After the resounding success of HBO’s “The White Lotus”, which bagged him Emmys for both writing and directing, expectations for his latest venture are sky-high. Many still fondly remember him for the 2003 hit, “School of Rock”, a testament to his storytelling prowess.
Bringing the characters to life is a roster of distinguished actors. Kumail Nanjiani, the Oscar and Emmy-nominated actor known for his roles in “Eternals” and “The Big Sick”, voices Mack. His counterpart, Pam, is portrayed by Emmy nominee Elizabeth Banks, recognizable from “The Hunger Games” and “Pitch Perfect”. The Mallard ducklings, Dax and Gwen, find their voices through Caspar Jennings and Tresi Gazal, with the latter marking her feature film debut. The film is further graced by Awkwafina, who assumes the role of a street-savvy New York pigeon gang leader. Accompanying her in the ensemble is Carol Kane, portraying Erin the heron, and other renowned names such as Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, and Danny DeVito.
Taylor Swift’s Musical Touch
Adding to the excitement, the trailer teases audiences with Taylor Swift’s revamped track, “Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version)”. This song, from her upcoming album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”, is set to release on October 27. Swift’s decision to re-record her tracks stems from a well-publicized disagreement concerning the ownership of her master recordings. After her catalog was sold to Ithaca Holdings, led by Scooter Braun, Swift opted to re-record her initial albums to retain control of her music.
In conclusion, “Migration” promises to be an unforgettable cinematic treat for audiences of all ages. With its captivating storyline, star-studded cast, and a touch of Taylor Swift’s magic, it’s poised to be a Christmas hit. Mark your calendars for December 22, 2023, and prepare to embark on a roller-coaster ride with the Mallards in New York City.
