Missing Link, the latest animation film from Aardman's American cousin, Laika, finds the studio raising the painstaking art of stop motion animation to new heights. With a story that sprawls across the globe, from far flung corners of the world to the middle of the sea, the numerous, vastly distinct environments are each rendered in a unique but equally visually striking manner. Yet, while undeniably charming and easy-going, the story, unfortunately, never rises above feeling like a skeleton used to prop up the film's exotic locations and showcase the beauty of the animation.
Following the trappings of countless adventure films, Missing Link charts the story of a pompous famed adventurer, Sir Lionel Frost (voiced by Hugh Jackman), in his quest to find the fabled mythical creature, Sasquatch. His discovery leads him to the bumbling Mr. Link (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), who enlists the help of the adventurer to seek a lost tribe of Yetis in the Himalayas that may provide the lonely creature with a new sense of belonging.
The relationship between the two dissimilar characters is the film's brightest spark. Mr Link is a charming goofball brought to life with humorous effect by Galifianakis' self-deprecating style of comedy. In contrast, Sir Frost is a self-serving aristocrat served by Jackman with a posh British accent. Seeing the two bounce off each other, while gradually evolving to care about each other, imbues the familiar story with a generous helping of both humour and heart.
In the end, Missing Link is a funny and charming adventure underserved by a slight and overly familiar narrative. Still, it's the type of adventure that stokes the imagination rather than simply providing an easy distraction for young minds, making the tease of more adventures an enticing prospect indeed.
Following the trappings of countless adventure films, Missing Link charts the story of a pompous famed adventurer, Sir Lionel Frost (voiced by Hugh Jackman), in his quest to find the fabled mythical creature, Sasquatch. His discovery leads him to the bumbling Mr. Link (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), who enlists the help of the adventurer to seek a lost tribe of Yetis in the Himalayas that may provide the lonely creature with a new sense of belonging.
The relationship between the two dissimilar characters is the film's brightest spark. Mr Link is a charming goofball brought to life with humorous effect by Galifianakis' self-deprecating style of comedy. In contrast, Sir Frost is a self-serving aristocrat served by Jackman with a posh British accent. Seeing the two bounce off each other, while gradually evolving to care about each other, imbues the familiar story with a generous helping of both humour and heart.
In the end, Missing Link is a funny and charming adventure underserved by a slight and overly familiar narrative. Still, it's the type of adventure that stokes the imagination rather than simply providing an easy distraction for young minds, making the tease of more adventures an enticing prospect indeed.