Missing Link

Missing Link

Starring Zach Galifianakis, Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, Timothy Olyphant

Directed by Chris Butler

The Story:
Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) is a loner adventurer who's constantly out to find the mysterious and unknown, and desires more than anything to be a part of the stuffy, stuck-up society the Optimates Club, led by Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry).  He comes across a letter that tells him of the fabled Sasquatch in the United States, and sets sail to find it so he can become a member of the club, while Piggot-Dunceby hires assassin Willard Stenk (Timothy Olyphant) to kill him so he won't complete his mission.

Arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Frost manages to find the Sasquatch (Zach Galifianakis), and is stunned to learn that he speaks English and he wrote the letter for Frost's help - he's the last of his kind, and wants to find the Yeti in the Himalayas because he believes they're his cousins, and he doesn't want to die alone.  Frost agrees to help, and after finding a map to the Himalayas at his ex-girlfriend Adelina Fortnight's (Zoe Saldana) home, the three of them embark on an adventure to find Mr. Link's true home.

The Synopsis:
"Coraline."  "ParaNorman."  "Kubo and the Two Strings."  These modern animated achievements were brought to the big screen thanks to the production company Laika, who foregoes the now-traditional computer animation effects and instead provides a robust, lavish experience by using miniatures and stop-motion animation, which is much more grueling and taxing, but the result is nothing short of brilliance.  "Missing Link" is the recent addition to the company, and it once again provides a truly breathtaking product filled with the most marvelous animations and layered characters providing a simple story told in an unforgettable way.

Taking place in the early nineteenth century, "Missing Link" focuses on the offbeat relationship of two totally different individuals - Sir Lionel Frost, a man who chooses to be alone and who seeks wealth, greatness, and fame; and Mr. Link, a Bigfoot who's forced to be alone, and who seeks a true home, an adventure, and hope.  Throughout their journey, they learn about one another and form an unlikely friendship that changes both forever, and shows the true meaning of family.  Yes, this is something that's been told before, and one that doesn't really provide any exciting twists and turns, but those tricks aren't needed in a purely blissful film like this - all it needs is its animation, and that alone tells the most exquisite story.

Hugh Jackman voices Frost with self-assurance and prideful arrogance, but also gives leeway for evolving himself, who seemingly stays one step ahead of everyone, while also often falling for his own pitfalls.  Zach Galifianakis voices Mr. Link (or Susan, as he prefers to be called) with boyish glee, a being who takes things very literally (especially during one hilarious moment between the two), and always holds a youthful optimism.  Rounding out the trio is Zoe Saldana, who voices the very self-assured Adelina with firm power, who remains the smartest person in the room, while also holding an almost-motherly tone toward Susan.  The trio work extremely well off each other, providing a unique family dynamic that's not traditional, but necessary.

While the three try to find Susan's home, they're hunted by a group of stuffy aristocrats who want nothing to do with Frost, and even though there's several exciting chases (particularly on a boat, where it flips on its side and back again), the main purpose of the film isn't a thrilling adventure - but rather a quest (for more than one character) to find their true home, and not realizing how close it really is.  It's also a confident tale to show us that sometimes the place we want to be isn't the place where we need to be.

The set designs are intricate, delicately made, and precise, giving birth to a world of wonder and amazement.  The film chooses to focus on several locations, each one more unique than the other, and offers an amazing visual feast for the eyes, which is what Laika does best - along with telling unforgettable stories with emotional gut-punches.  While the adult themes may likely go over some children's heads, they won't care because they'll be magically enthralled in the cinematic beauty the film possesses, along with several laugh-out-loud moments between the characters that make you feel like you're sitting through a classic Laurel and Hardy comedy sketch - so it's perfect for young and old alike.

The Summary:
Relying on their amazing stop-motion animation work, the Laika company once again provides a one-in-a-lifetime film with "Missing Link," a film that's greater than the sum of its parts, and tells a beautiful story about finding your true home.

The Score: A+