Illumination’s Migration is for the birds!

The story synopsis certainly makes it sound like a lot of fun. Here goes: “The Mallard family is in a bit of a rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City to tropical Jamaica. As the Mallards make their way south for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends, and accomplish more than they ever thought possible while teaching them more about each other - and themselves - than they ever imagined.”

Signs are good, as Illumination don’t have a single duff animated feature in their resume, and what likely implies that this one will have a bit of an edge is that the writer behind it is Mike White, who created The White Lotus, as well as penning School of Rock.

As you’d expect, a top-notch voice cast has been assembled, featuring the likes of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Caspar Jennings, and Tresi Gazal, as well as comedy legends Carol Kane and Danny DeVito.

Directorial duties are being handled by Benjamin Renner, who co-directed the delightful 2012 animated feature Ernest & Celestine.

Get ready to fly south when Migration makes it to Australian cinemas from Boxing Day (December 26).

While we wait, here’s the latest trailer, complete with Taylor Swift warbling Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version)…