‘The Missing Link’ A Charming Albeit Rushed Project from Laika

     Laika Animation Studios has easily been one of the most ambitious and creative studios in the animation industry in recent times. They create films that aren’t only impressive to look at but help elevate the medium of animation as more than just simple kids fare. Their newest animation effort, The Missing Link does continue on its track of impressive animation but does fall a little short on the story department. It is a film that is rushed when it comes to its narrative but has an undeniable charm that makes it still so likable.

So Short but Yet Should Have Taken Its Time

     Missing Link centers around Lionel Frost, an adventurous expert on creatures who wants to impress higher ups on the various mythical beings he has finds. His adventure goes even further when he comes across a Big Foot creature, which goes by the name of Susan, and he not only wants to showcase him as one of his great discoveries but also wants to help Susan find his original home of where he belongs. The set up does stand as pretty standard about finding one’s family and impressing a group of individuals who might not be the ideal people to impress. Unfortunately though unlike other Laika films where they seem to go a little more in depth with their themes similar to how Kubo and ParaNorman discuss themes of loss and regretful past, Missing Link is a very simple movie from beginning to end. While it does work to its advantage for a couple of reasons, it also feels a little lacking mainly due to how Laika handles themes in its films prior and also with this film’s pacing. The Missing Link is a very short movie however in execution it feels much shorter as the film doesn’t have a lot of moments where the characters take them to let certain moments sink in. The film constantly jumps from one set piece to another with very few moments were the characters reflect on events that happen within the film, even when they do, it still is very short and immediately go to another set piece for the film. It ends up making the film pretty rushed in some elements of the story; however there is an element that makes up for it. The film does have charm that comes from a lot of various humorous moments, neat animation set pieces and a likable cast of characters that make the film a joy to watch. It also ends up having some themes and although not as in depth as what other Laika films have done and are some themes seen prior before, it does have a good message about family and where you belong. It basically comes down to just because you have been told you are a part of this family, doesn’t mean they are necessarily right for you. It is message that has been told in the past but is still done rather decently here, and Missing Link does have some charm with its message, it just needed to take a little more time to getting to its end goal.

A Charming Cast of Characters.

     Missing Link really is elevated by a cast of very likable characters in their own right. The title character himself, Mr. Link a.k.a Susan, is a very humble leading character. Zach Galifianakis plays the character very subtly with not being too loud and playing him as he’s a gentle giant who wants to understand more about himself. The character is very smart and more sophisticated than the average animal animated character for sure. Sir Lionel Frost also manages to be a likable character in his own right, but in very different ways. Lionel Frost is a clever researcher that also manages to accomplish a lot of cool tricks in regards to big action set pieces in this film and Hugh Jackman portrays this character very well in the voice acting. Both characters also have a good arch with trying to realize the type of people they want to impress may not being worth it and it does add for some good character development. The rest of the cast do their job very well in providing moments that are humorous and engaging to watch, however they wouldn’t be considered the strongest side characters in an animated film. Not to say that they bad as a whole, but they are overshadowed in development and character compared to the two leads. With the two leads being so delightful to watch and the side characters being decent as well, Missing Link’s cast is certainly quite charming.

Laika Still Excelling in Stop Motion Animation

    One thing that anyone can say about Laika’s work is that they always manage to create some incredible visuals to their films. What stands Laika out from other animation studios is not just because they create stop motion animated films in an age of mostly CG Films, but also the fact that their films are animated so smoothly and beautifully in terms of character and backgrounds. You see all the hard work of some of these animators in every frame of a film from Laika and Missing Link is certainly no exception. The film is so bright and colorful when it comes to the backgrounds and characters, with every single design popping out big time in a great way. Characters like Suzanne and Frost have such a distinct design and every other minor character give for a lot of variety when it comes to how they look. The action set pieces are also excellent with so much fluidity in the animation and while it’s a simple film, some moments feel grander due to how much work was put into hand crafting these action set pieces. It is a gorgeous looking movie that reminds you why Stop Motion is important. If there was any downside to the film on a visual level, it could have benefitted from more creature design as early on, we are introduced to some amazing creature designs in the film that are so unique compared to other movies. The downside is you don’t get to see nearly as much as you would like, which is a shame because the film could have benefitted from even more awesome creature designs. It is not a big determent to the movie as the film is so impressive on visual standpoint, though it is an element that makes you wish for more.

    Missing Link is an all-around charming movie despite some short comings. It may be rushed in some areas and could have been a bit deeper, but it still has a great message, some likable characters and gorgeous animation. It won’t be a big game changer for Laika as animation studio, but it is definitely worth seeing to support very talented animators who have a skill for their craft. It is proof that Laika can still impress in the animation world even with one of their weaker films.