Illumination has already scored one of the biggest hits of the year with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but they’re hoping to go two-for-two with the release of Migration. The film about a family of mallards on a troubled vacation could be the next gigantic franchise for the studio, following the likes of Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing. These folks rarely miss, although buzz for this one has been a bit quiet, as it doesn’t have the instant splash appeal of their previous projects.
Migration centers on a family of mallards and their wild journey to the Bahamas. The Illumination film was penned by The White Lotus creator Mike White and features the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, Carol Kane, and Danny DeVito. Benjamin Renner directed, joined by co-director Guylo Homsy.
Here’s the synopsis:The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.
As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined.
Another big draw is the Taylor Swift track “Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version)” which comes from the re-recorded album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”.
Migration opens in theaters on December 23rd.
