'Missing Link' Doesn't Quite Feel Like a Laika Film

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.