Animated Feature “Storks” an Entertaining Flight

Photo courtesy of David Shankbone, Wikipedia

A popular question asked by many kids is about where babies come from. Now, what is probably the best creative answer has arrived in theaters. “Storks,” directed by Nicholas Stoller, is about a company of birds that used to deliver babies, run by Hunter (Kelsey Grammer).

After orphan Tulip’s (Katie Crown) delivery is botched 18 years ago due to her cuteness, the baby business stopped and they began to deliver packages for an internet retail giant. Junior (Andy Samberg), the soon-to-be boss, finds himself in a tough situation when he is told to fire Tulip in order to get the promotion.

Tulip is imprisoned in a room, all by herself, until she gets an unexpected letter from Nate Gardner (Anton Starkman) who wants a little brother with ninja skills. Junior and Tulip now find themselves having to deliver that little bundle of joy to his designated parents. Both of them go through many troubles and bonding moments, in order to both save the baby and Junior’s job.

The best part of the movie was, of course, the end. No spoilers here, but the music added to the final scene’s power with a sappy orchestral number. It’s powerful enough to make parents cry a couple of happy tears while the kids clap with joy.

The biggest message delivered by the film is about technology, and how many parents sometimes do not see their kids grow up because work takes up so much time in their life. This is why Nate wants a little brother. He uses reverse psychology to have his parents, Sarah and Henry Gardner, stop working and help him build a target so the storks delivering his new brother can see his house. Not only Nate gets his parents’ attention, but they also realize how much they have missed. Once they put their phones down and stop working for a few hours, they realize how good it is to spend time with their son.

The movie has great animation and music, with very familiar voices – including those of Jennifer Aniston and Ty Burrell. The great voice acting makes the story even more enjoyable. The lighting was also very well done: when Junior and Tulip are in a cave, everything is nice and clear, and not too dark.

“Storks” is a story of birds bringing life, quite literally, to parents’ doors, and little brothers and sisters to children like Nate. The movie takes viewers through many emotions, but it is ultimately an incredibly joyful film.

lledomen@ramapo.edu