Missing Link is the latest film from Laika, arguably the premier
studio for stop-motion films today. It
follows Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) – a gentlemen adventurer who is fixated
on proving the existence of cryptids, and dreams of becoming a member of the
Optimates Club – and “Mr.
Link” (Zach Galifianakis) – the last Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest – as they set out on an intercontinental journey toward
the mythical land of Shangri-La.
Per their agreement, Mr. Link
will provide Lionel with incontrovertible proof of his existence – hair
samples, a tooth, nail clippings, feces – so that Lionel can win his wager with
his rival Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry) and finally join the Optimates
Club. In exchange, Lionel must escort
Mr. Link to the Himalayas, where the latter – who has grown sad of being alone –
hopes to find and join his relatives (a.k.a. the Yeti). But in order to do that, they must first
recover a map from Adelina Fortnight (Zoe Saldana), a former flame of Lionel’s.
Meanwhile, Piggot-Dunceby sends out the ruthless bounty hunter Willard
Stenk (Timothy Olyphant) to kill Lionel.
As usual from a stop-motion animated
film, Missing Link is pretty
good. It entertains significantly. It has high aesthetic quality. It has clever humor. And it has heart.
But as Laika’s follow-up to the masterpiece
that is Kubo and the Two Strings, it’s actually kind of disappointing. It doesn’t quite measure up
with Laika’s benchmark – Kubo, Coraline, and ParaNorman. Heck, I think I
even enjoyed The Boxtrolls – which is
generally considered Laika’s “weakest” (until now) – a little bit more.
For me, Missing Link doesn’t quite feel like a Laika film. It’s a tad too bright, goofy, and conventional. My theory is that Laika tried a little bit
more to appeal to mainstream sensibilities this time around so that it can be
more profitable. I can’t really blame
them; they desperately need a box office win (Laika films have never been known
for enjoying much financial success, and thus, the studio has struggled to be in
the green). Nevertheless, as an effect thereof,
even though the film is generally thoughtful and endearing, it lacks the kind
of depth and edginess that I’m used to in a Laika film.
It also doesn’t help that aspects
of its plot are reminiscent of All Around
the World in Eighty Days, which somewhat compromises its sense of
originality.
The craftsmanship, dedication,
and hard work put into its difficult animation process deserve much praise, of
course. There’s even an argument to be
made that this is the best Laika has ever been at this end. Unfortunately, few people will really
appreciate this feature. And to be
honest, the fabulous, detailed production alone doesn’t truly make up for my
issues with it.
By itself, Missing Link is a reasonably heartwarming, technically gorgeous, and fun animated film. However, it also falls victim to the high standards that Laika has set for itself in the past. Thus, it comes off as less worthwhile than it really is.
It’s a film I generally liked. But it won’t end up as one of my favorites of 2019.
By itself, Missing Link is a reasonably heartwarming, technically gorgeous, and fun animated film. However, it also falls victim to the high standards that Laika has set for itself in the past. Thus, it comes off as less worthwhile than it really is.
It’s a film I generally liked. But it won’t end up as one of my favorites of 2019.
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