"Missing Link" is a new animated movie, a co-production between the United States and Canada and this 2019 release was written and directed by Oscar nominee Chris Butler. It runs for slightly over 1.5 hours and features the voice talents of several established and lauded actors such as Hugh Jackman and Zach Galifianakis for the main characters, but also smaller roles were picked wisely with actors I quite enjoy like Stephen Fry, Timothy Oliphant and Emma Thompson. But you can check the cast list yourself. And while the poster and title suggest otherwise, the central character here is really the one that Hugh Jackman lends his voice to. Although I should say Christoph Maria Herbst because I watched the German dub. He and Bastian Pastewka have worked together on many projects already and usually you know quality will prevail in the final outcome when they do so. This one is no different. I liked the voice acting for sure, even if I cannot say anything specific about the original English-language voice cast. Also while the title makes sense in terms of the character, I was surprised there was really not too much focus on the actual evolutionary component of the protagonist and how he is the missing link between apes and humans. Oh well, there are some references about the general idea of the mission and also why the main antagonist does not want the mission to succeed, but the longer the film goes, the less it is about this subject, probably also because the focus moves forward more to the friendship between the duo and not the scientific component. Still, I wondered how it is going to work out if he really becomes the man's partner in the end that curious scientists won't annoy them all the time. I mean this cannot be kept secret can it? Or do they want to play hide-and-seek all day long?
Now let's start with the beginning: there is a lengthy introductory sequence involving something similar to the Monster from Loch Ness that presents us the human protagonist and also how maybe science should not be his field of profession, but competitive swimming instead. It was also funny how his assistant is really fed up with everything when he quits. And even if this one is so much in danger of dying, he is not one of the bad guys and survives. Anyway, young audiences can still watch it. They can definitely deal with the deaths of bad guys no question. It is also the attention to detail that makes this movie work. I liked two jokes about the years in which the film is set early on, such as one referring to an old camera, then pretty new, and secondly the amount of people living on the planet at that point in time. Nice idea, even if I wonder if they really counted. The fact that we know (approximately) how many it was back then, does not mean they did too. But lets not be too picky here. The characters I liked as well. First, I would like to say that I am not always too big on how humans are animated in films that are not live action, but here they won me over. The partially abstract proportions feel interesting and funny sort of. Look at these thin legs there. As for the Missing Link I mostly liked the way he looks as well. But what is more memorable is his behavior. He is really strong and big, but very peaceful indeed. The scene when he learns how to punch in that saloon brawl was really funny. He sure is a quick learner though.
Even if the entire idea of them growing into friends was a good one, I felt that the chemistry was not 100% there admittedly to justify this being the key story. A bit disappointing. I am also confused about the idea of the female main character here, a former lover who is also an adventurer. I don't think Ulmen-Fernandes was the problem here, even if I am not a huge fan of her (other than looks-wise), but she just added way too little honestly and maybe the moment they stole the map from her should have been the moment she exits the movie. Was there really a female protagonist needed? Let's not exaggerate with the girl power component please. And at the end, all of a sudden, she was too tough a character for really being a romance interest that gets a happy end? Hmmm I am really not buying it I must say. In general, I was not big on that character from any perspective, also in terms of her looks. I don't know why she was included. I don't think she will get her own movie, but her exit at the end could indicate that there will actually be a sequel and she will not be in it. We will see about that. I think I would watch probably how the story goes on. So with that being said, there is no denying I liked the movie and give it a positive recommendation. Another reason would actually be that I expected an oh so predictable plot development in which the title character would in the end have to decide between his "relatives" and his friend and while I was never sure which side he would have picked (tendency to the latter), I am glad they took a totally different and unexpected route from the moment onwards when he meets the other "Links". Completely aside from that, the film has many many moments of slapstick comedy that the young (as well as old) ones will enjoy for sure. Be it one character thrown at an icy wall, another moving to the side of a bench and he is so heavy that the guy at the other end is thrown up in the air or the bad guy helplessly going full retard on the ground after receiving a (for him) bad message, it is incredibly funny and entertaining at times. A strong mix of animation and comedy that works well far more often than it does not. You should watch "Missing Link". I give it a thumbs-up and I am curious if it can get in at the Oscars in a year of Frozen and Toy Story sequels. I honestly don't think so. But that does not mean it isn't a quality movie. A good watch for all ages in my opinion. Certainly worth seeing unless you are completely opposed to animated movies. Boo to you then!
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