Director:Â Nicolas Stoller, Doug Sweetland
Voice Cast: Andy Samberg, Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Kelsey Grammer, Katie Crown,  Danny TrejoÂ
Running Time: 88 mins
Rating: U
Release Date:Â 14/10/2016
With the jury still out on the DC faction of Warner Brothers’ theatrical output, which is going to be defined by both the upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE and WONDER WOMAN entries into the blockbuster arena, it is going to perhaps weigh a little bit more on the Warner Animation sector of the studio to deliver above-average product. Until superheroes return, people can still be satisfied with STORKS.
After the terrific success of the magnificent LEGO MOVIE, writers Christopher Miller and Phil Lord have returned to be Executive Producers here. In a year when all the key animation competitors are hitting out of the park with the likes of Laika, Pixar and Disney all having spectacular offerings on show (KUBO, FINDING DORY and ZOOTROPOLIS), Warners are certainly in with a shout with this film, which utilises the same wacky style and zany qualities that helped THE LEGO MOVIE become a favourite – and provides great pleasure to both adults and children whilst remaining inoffensive and accessible. The traditional animation themes are all here, but there is a touch of the Marx Brothers about the humour and slapstick on show, adding an air of gentle sophistication.
The age old question of ‘Where do babies come from?’ is the start-off point for STORKS. Cornerstone, a bit like Royal Mail, have moved on from stork/baby deliveries to postal service solely. Top delivery stork Junior (Andy Samberg) is touted as the next Boss of Cornerstone by current CEO Hunter (Kelsey Grammar), provided he can relieve the last product of the stork/baby initiative, Tulip (Katie Crown), from her duties within the company, as she was never delivered to her family by her designated stork, Jasper (Danny Trejo). Tulip is sent down to the inactive letter department of Cornerstone, just as an enthusiastic kid, Nate Gardner (Anton Starkman), the son of estate agent parents Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) and Henry (Ty Burrell), sends a letter asking for a baby brother. The letter is thrown into the machine where Tulip is based and in the process a baby which Tulip and Junior name Diamond Destiny is created via a metal container. Tulip is insistent on delivering the package to it’s rightful parents, so Junior reluctantly joins in the journey….
Animation, like that on show in STORKS works at it’s best when the inevitable takes priority in its story. Here, definitely, is a winning combination. Lord and Miller have worked their magic onto this production. The themes of family and bonding are prominent, as befits a story about babies and evolution. The storks remind one of Orville in the 1977 Disney classic THE RESCUERS and new parents will certainly fawn over Diamond Destiny like the birds (and animals) in this film. The voice talents are perfectly poised and provide faultless emotional involvement for the audience.
Although Lord and Miller also on board for the upcoming STAR WARS / HAN SOLO movie, it goes without saying that they may just have found the breakout vehicle there for their creative output. However, one hopes that they remain and retain their own bond and connection to the animation world. Warners certainly will need their talents, considering the fluctuating fortunes of BATMAN V SUPERMAN – DAWN OF JUSTICE and SUICIDE SQUAD this year.
Verdict
[…] STORKS hits cinemas on October 14th, 2016 Check out our review of the film here. […]
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