Migration Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Is Migration movie safe for kids? Is Migration 2023 OK for kids? Read the Migration Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new 2023 Illumination/Universal Pictures ducks animated film, starring Kumail Nanjiani as Mack, Elizabeth Banks as Pam duck and Awkwafina. No spoilers! #MigrationMovie May contain commissioned links.

Migration Movie Review | Safe for Kids? 2023 Parents Guide

Duck, duck, duck…goose?

Illumination’s on animated film roll this year, with The Super Mario Bros. Movie release in February and a Migration release in December. Migration 2023 is waddling it’s way into theaters this Christmas. But I have my doubts on whether this animated movie is going to quack us up like Mario, or leave families hanging this holiday season.

Will the new Migration movie super jump into fame like The Super Mario Bros. Movie earlier this year? Or will we be ducking for cover this holiday season?

In this Migration Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new Migration 2023 parents guide to the new Illumination animated film from Universal Pictures.

A no-spoiler parent review of Migration, is this animated film all it’s quacked up to be this holiday season? Or is this movie a duck, duck, PASS? (Hang in there, parents. The duck jokes are only going to get better.)

The Visuals

Visually, Migration is following in the footsteps of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Crisp visuals, bright colors, big round eyes – and lots of dizzying camera footage. While I completely understand the creative side of filming a flying duck movie with extraordinary visuals, Migration follows extreme close ups of the ducks flying. Unfortunately, these scenes have the feel of a simulation ride – with rolling, tumbling, diving, and spinning effects.

I paid to see this film in 3D. No need to splurge for this film. There’s nothing 3D effect worthy in my opinion.

Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, Migration follows extreme close ups of the ducks flying. Unfortunately, these scenes have the feel of a simulation ride – with rolling, tumbling, diving, and spinning effects that may be nausea inducing. There are also multiple scenes with bright, flashing, strobing lightning effects and scenes in darkness as well.

The Story

From the studios that brought us the family film favorites of Minions, Sing, and The Secret Life of Pets, Migration is the 2023 all-new original animated comedy directed by Benjamin Renner (“Ernest & Celestine“) with a screenplay Mike White (“School of Rock“). This 2023 animated film stars Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick“) as Mack, Elizabeth Banks (“Hunger Games” franchises) as Pam, Caspar Jennings (“Sing 2“) as Dax, and Tresi Gazal as Gwen in her feature film debut. Also joining the cast are the voice talents of Awkwafina (“Quiz Lady“), Carol Kane (“The Princess Bride“), Keegan-Michael Key (“Wonka“), David Mitchell (“Peep Show“), and Danny DeVito (“Dumbo“).

Migration invites you to take flight into a feathered family vacation like no other as the Mallard family migrates south for the winter. Or do they?

This cartoon adventure takes a crazy turn for the birds as the Mallard family hits a few roadblocks, side quests and mishaps along the way. With heavy focus on family, overcoming fears, bravery and trust, Migration offers a few life lessons that can be applied to kids and adults.

While this duck family takes flight for holiday entertainment in a way that’s mildly entertaining – there’s nothing in the overtired animated film tropes and storyline that will be animated film barrier breaking. Don’t expect to leave feeling wowed.

There is a Despicable Me short prior that may perk some parent ears. More below in the PG age rating breakdown.

Migration PG Rating Explained

Is Migration safe for kids? Another Illumination animated film that’s rated PG? Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option to guide parents.

PG ratings these days anywhere between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.

Why is Migration rated PG? In this Migration Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, the all-new Illumination 2023 animated film is rated PG for “action/peril and mild rude humor.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Migration is kid friendly. Is Migration too crude for kids? Let’s breakdown the full PG age rating in this Migration 2023 parents guide.

Violence/Suspense. Mild peril and violence in this film, as expected for the usual animated film story. Expect some creepy bird characters and suspenseful music that may be potential nightmare territory for young kids. There is one bird with a foot/leg deformity (introduced that way). Multiple scenes of birds being hit my moving vehicles for comedic effect. Multiple discussions related to death, died, dead, being eaten and killer. Multiple vomit noises made. One scene with a dead fish skeleton. Knives are the weapons of choice in the film. No blood or gore seen. Mild bruising and “beat up” characters.

Adult Themes. Mild rude humor relates to toilet humor. Discussion of a “number 2 situation” and resulting jokes about “doing it.” There’s also a more mild “wets the twig bed” comment as well.

There’s also mild sibling ribbing, jokes, and fighting as well.

There is an Illumination short, “Mooned,” that plays before the main Migration feature. Introduction of multiple alcoholic beverages consumed and multiple scenes of a character in tighty-white-y underwear only for comedic effect.

Language. No swear words or foul language found in the 2023 Migration movie. However, milder insults and bad language phrases include “heck,” “trashy,” “psycho,” “stupid,” “oh my gosh.” The use of “poop,” “dork,” and “stupid” is stated in the “Mooned” short prior to the feature film.

Migration Age Rating for Kids

The Overall

Overall, Migration doesn’t quite take off for Christmas.

Missed joke opportunities, overused plot points, and tiring antics don’t give Illumination a glowing flight for these Mallards. But with enough family friendly entertainment, easy-to-follow story, and a few life lessons to be learned, Migration gives enough holiday vibes to be watchable, but not quite stuffed and fully feathered.

I don’t see Migration joining Despicable Me at the Universal theme parks anytime soon, nor winning any awards. But, at least we have more duck jokes to go around. I quack myself up.

Follow Migration Movie on social media:

• Website: https://www.migration.movie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/migrationmovie
• Twitter (“X”): https://twitter.com/migrationmovie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/migrationmovie/
• #MigrationMovie

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Migration, the 2023 all-new Illumination animated film from Universal Studios migrates into theaters starting Friday, December 22, 2023. Will your family be watching?

I was invited to screen the new Migration 2023 film in exchange for this Migration Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Illumination/Universal Pictures. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!