Missing Link

photo courtesy of variety.com

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

     Missing Link is the latest stop-motion animated feature from Laika, the company behind films like Coraline and the exceptionally wonderful Kubo and the Two Strings. Laika movies tend to perform modestly when compared to the big-budget Pixar or Illumination tentpoles, but they’re often worth checking out—and Missing Link is no exception.

     The movie follows Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman), an explorer with his eye on the next great discovery. Together with Adelina Fortnight (Zoe Saldana) and friendly bigfoot Mr. Link (Zack Galifianakis), Frost sets out on a mission to find Shangri-La, home of the Yetis. But if they want to find Shangri-La, they’ll have to shake off the arrogant Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry) and his greedy bounty hunters.

photo courtesy of variety.com

     Missing Link has a simpler disposition than a lot of the recent animated kid’s features; it’s quieter, less ostentatious. Rather than jostle to fill every spare moment with something giggle-worthy, it opts for an easygoing charm, a sharp wit, and a sense of adventure. It’s the kind of movie that should make both kids and adults laugh—just maybe not as frequently as the likes of, say, Despicable Me.

     Sir Frost and Mr. Link, the movie’s two main protagonists, grab most of the attention. Both characters are likeable and funny, and the movie makes sure to give them each clever character beats and a well-crafted, emotionally resonant arc. The chemistry between the two leaves something to be desired—not every scene pops the way it’s supposed to—but your kids should have no problem getting invested in them and their adventure.

photo courtesy of polygon.com

     Adelina Fortnight takes a back seat to the other two heroes; she doesn’t get the same amount screen-time or a well-developed arc. But the movie seems to be aware of the disparity, and the writers try to make up for it by positioning her as the team’s most competent member. She’s the one who can get the group out of a scrape or tell when someone else needs some TLC. And most importantly, she’s not in the movie to exist as a love interest for another character—a point the movie underscores with a delightful little jab in one of the final scenes.

     Missing Link also features stunning stop-motion animation, one of Laika’s hallmarks. I don’t think that Link comes up with anything as inventive as the best of Kubo, but it does sport some elaborate sets and beautiful images. In particular, the use of color (on display in a few especially vibrant locations) and the animation of the human characters (alternatively angular and aggressive or wrinkled and mirthful) make Missing Link a treat for the eye.  

     FINAL VERDICT: Missing Link makes a lovely, winsome addition to Laika’s filmography. It's rated PG for action/peril and some mild rude humor.

TRAILER