Storks

Storks is a delightful animated family comedy released in 2016, featuring a star-studded cast including Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, and Kelsey Grammer. The film is a heartwarming dive into the mythical storyline of storks delivering babies, a timeless narrative many of us heard as children turned on its head.

This fast-paced, beautifully crafted movie transports us to an imaginative world where Storks, once in the business of delivering babies, have now shifted their operations to handle packages for an international e-commerce giant, Cornerstore.com. This corporate restructuring, led by Hunter, the stork boss voiced by an exceptional Kelsey Grammer, poses new challenges and dynamics for our feathered friends.

Andy Samberg lends his voice to Junior, the company's top stork delivery bird who's on the brink of promotion. Samberg infuses Junior with his signature style of humor, making him lovable and funny. Meanwhile, Katie Crown voices Tulip, an earnest and enthusiastic human orphan who, due to a delivery mishap years prior, has been raised among the storks at the company.

When Tulip accidentally activates the long-dormant Baby Making Machine, creating a cute, pink-haired baby girl, it sets our protagonists off on a hilarious and heart-tugging journey. This unexpected development offers Junior and Tulip a unique mission: to deliver the baby to her rightful family before the boss finds out.

The narration of the story manages to balance humour with emotional elements. While the mishaps and adventure with the baby are handled comically, the underlying subplot delves into the yearning of families for children and Tulip's desperate search for her own family. The release of Storks also comes at a time when the definition of family has broadened, including same-sex couples, and it touches upon it subtly, making it a forward-thinking animation.

The film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, including interactions with a wolf pack led by the comedic duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, who are as hilarious as they are threatening, and quirky scenes featuring Pigeon Toady, an annoying but funny character. This brings a successful mix of comedy and action, appealing to kids and adults alike.

The movie's animation is a visual delight, with brightly colored landscapes and character models that add charm and charisma to the storyline. From the shiny, high-tech sheen of the stork factory to the lush landscapes traversed on the mission, the setting adds a layer of vibrancy to this captivating story about love, family, and belonging.

Storks is also a heartwarming exploration of the themes of teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of family, regardless of how unconventional it might be. It attempts to express the idea that family is not just about being related by blood but about love, care, and compassion.

What stands out in Storks, apart from its comedy and expert animation, is its emotional core. It manages to explore deep emotions without being overly sentimental, which is not a small achievement for an animated film. It's charming, fun, and has something for audiences of all age groups.

The dialogue is witty, the pace energetic, and the characters are brought to life with great voice acting. Samberg's comedic timing and Crown's heartfelt performance make the characters of Junior and Tulip likable and memorable. Similarly, Kelsey Grammer's voicing of Hunter adds a perfect touch of corporate menace to the story.

Storks has been directed by Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland, who have done a commendable job blending comedy with emotional moments. Stoller is known for his experience with comedy films, and it effectively translates into the movie's funny, chaotic energy. Meanwhile, Sweetland, with his experience in animation, magnificently orchestrates the visual narrative of the film.

In conclusion, Storks is a vibrant, energetic, and heartwarming adventure. It goes from slapstick humor to pulling on your heartstrings in a blink. The film is an amusing ride with a wonderful blend of comedy, action, and touching moments that make it a worthwhile watch for movie lovers of all ages.