A Trio of Outsiders Goes on a Journey in Search of Belonging

Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) and Mr. Link (Zach Galifianakis)
in "Missing Link"
Photo Credit: RottenTomatoes.com

Over the past 10 years, Laika has given moviegoers several gorgeously animated films that have offered a great deal of wonder with how meticulous their craft is in making these works of art.  Between “Coraline” (2009), “ParaNorman” (2012), “The Boxtrolls” (2014), and “Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016), I wish that we could have a movie from Laika every year.  However, once they come out with another film, there’s a good chance that it will have been worth the wait.

That’s the case with their latest film, “Missing Link,” where writer-director Chris Butler brings us a heartfelt and humorous globe-trotting adventure on which you should embark.

Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) is an explorer from England who travels to America and encounters a Bigfoot-type creature (Zach Galifianakis), who he names “Mr. Link.”  Mr. Link tells Lionel that he’s the only one left of his kind and asks Lionel to bring him to the Himalayas, which he says is the home to his Yeti relatives.  Accompanied by fellow adventurer and Lionel’s former girlfriend, Adelina Fortnight (Zoe Saldana), the three of them soon begin their travels to help Mr. Link find his new home.

Laika’s films always assemble talented voice casts, and “Missing Link” isn’t any exception.  Jackman is dynamic as the enthusiastic explorer, giving his character a charm and confidence that gets you caught up in his passion for discovery.  And, Saldana is superb as a resolute adventurer.  The love of exploration that these two characters share lead to some memorable dialogue between them, which doesn’t just involve comical bickering, but also some genuine moments that deepen their understanding of one another.

Of course, Galifianakis is the highlight of the voice cast.  It’s a humorous performance because of how literal his character takes certain things, leading to some amusing misunderstandings that make Galifianakis’ character so funny.  The way that Mr. Link traverses his fish-out-of-water arc allows for some entertaining scenes in which he tries to adjust to life outside of the forest where he lived, as well as a couple of emotional scenes where he expresses his desire to be with others like him so he doesn’t continue living a lonely existence.  This character has laughs and heart aplenty, and Galifianakis conveys both as he invites us on Mr. Link’s life-changing quest.

The cast also has some terrific supporting vocal performances from Stephen Fry as Lord Piggot-Dunceby, the elitist head of the explorer’s society in which Lionel tries to gain acceptance; Timothy Olyphant as Willard Stenk, a merciless bounty hunter tracking Lionel’s group; and Emma Thompson as the leader of the Yetis.

The screenplay by Butler crafts a story that builds on the growing connection between Mr. Link, Lionel, and Adelina, where we see how the theme of needing to belong impacts all of them, with Mr. Link wishing to be among others of his own kind, Mr. Lionel desiring to be part of a posh society of adventurers, and Adelina wanting to be seen as equal to her male counterparts in the field of exploration.  This all shows how they overcome their lack of commonality with others by displaying a commonality among themselves, a commonality of being different and having a need to triumph over the limitations that people impose on them.

On occasion, a bit of the humor can be a tad juvenile by Laika’s standards, but most it is guaranteed to make you laugh.  The witty interactions between the characters create an enjoyable time for audiences as they take part in the adventure, traveling the world with Mr. Link, Lionel, and Adelina and sharing in their camaraderie.

Butler has an extensive history with Laika’s productions, having worked as a storyboard supervisor for “Coraline,” written and co-directed “ParaNorman,” and co-written “Kubo and the Two Strings,” so his work on “Missing Link” couldn’t be anymore welcome, making sure that this latest offering from the studio upholds the finest quality of animation that they’ve displayed with their previous films (he also has credit on the movie as a character designer).  As with Laika’s other movies, “Missing Link” comes with an endless supply of striking animation.  The locations that it brings to life, such as London, the Pacific Northwest, and the Yeti temple in the Himalayas, immerse you in the story because of how detailed everything looks.  This is animation at which you can stare all day, and the immaculate artistry in each frame is something to be cherished and goes hand in hand with the endearing narrative and delightful characters.

“Missing Link” has much to offer moviegoers, and between its laughs, tender storytelling, accomplished voice cast, and visual beauty, this movie isn’t missing anything.

Grade: A-