MICHAEL LOMAX: ‘Storks’ delivers, but only for the younger kids
FILM REVIEW: If you’re in for easygoing entertainment, choose ‘Storks’
By Michael Lomax
Following the success of “The Lego Movie” two years ago, the future of Warner Bros. Animation became very clear. With two spinoffs and a direct sequel due within the next three years, Warner Bros. is making no secret of their intention to turn “Lego” into a true cinematic franchise.
And the reason why is pretty obvious. Legos speak right to the heart of children, with built-in merchandise opportunities and a core audience that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
I just wish Warner Bros. spent the same amount of time on “Storks” as it has on “Lego.”
Many years before the events of the film, the delivery storks of Cornerstore moved away from babies to receive better returns through routine postal deliveries. In the present day, Junior, a white stork voiced by Andy Samberg, is about to receive a promotion at Cornerstore.
There’s just one catch: He must personally fire Tulip (Katie Crown), the last baby produced by Cornerstore and the only human on the staff.
But firing Tulip isn’t quite so easy, and when the first baby in almost 18 years is accidentally produced as a result, Junior and Tulip must band together to get the little girl to her brand new family.
I wish there was more to say about “Storks,” but it’s as standard a children’s movie as you’ll find. If your kids are young enough, I’m sure they’ll enjoy it. For anyone older, you might want to check out a different film.
Like many animated comedies today, “Storks” blends impressive visuals with a great voice cast, but getting over that initial charm, you find a movie that is much more concerned with generating cheap laughs than affecting people.
That doesn’t mean the film is heartless. How we define our families and what/who we choose to love is a big message throughout, but when you soften the emotional blow with fast-talking performances and simple jokes, the theme tends to lose a little luster.
So if you’re in for easygoing entertainment, choose “Storks,” though it’s really just the children who will benefit from the decision.
Michael Lomax is a writer-filmmaker currently at work on a film script to be set and shot in Albany.
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