Movie Review: “Storks” attempts to answer the age old question, “Where do babies come from?”

Movie Review: “Storks” (PG)

Where do babies come from? The latest animated feature, “Storks,” attempts to answer that age-old question. Given that this film was written and co-directed by Nicholas Stoller, the man behind “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and the “Neighbors” movies, you might expect this flick to tread into “Sausage Party” territory. You’d be wrong. Keep in mind that Stoller is also responsible for penning 2011’s “The Muppets.” Like that creative all-age-appropriate production, “Storks” is a family affair through and through, and the best that can be said for it is that it’s considerably more entertaining than that obnoxious “Angry Birds” movie from earlier this year.

In “Storks,” up-and-coming delivery stork Junior (voiced by Andy Samberg) teams with curious teenage orphan Tulip (voiced by Katie Crown) in an effort to deliver an adorable baby to a loving family so as to not tarnish the sterling reputation of a one-time-baby-delivery-service-turned-technological-gizmo-delivery service. During their treacherous journey, Junior and Tulip bond and discover the true meaning of family as they are given a crash-course lesson in the unpredictable art of parenting.

Refreshingly, “Storks” is not a sequel or a comic-book adaptation. But like last summer’s “The Secret Life of Pets,” it’s a little too frenetic in nature, and what heartfelt, warm, and relatable moments it does have to offer take a backseat to the somewhat chaotic adventure at the heart of the movie. The film spends a little too much time following Junior and Tulip as they make their way to the big city. There are sequences where our fearless heroes are battling mother nature and trying to outrun a pack of wild wolves. The film also takes the time to introduce us to a rather dull sidekick/comic-relief character whose biggest moment in the picture is an uneventful cover of The Heavy’s “How You Like Me Now.”

“Storks” is at its best when it’s simply focusing on Junior and Tulip trying to provide for their precious cargo. It’s also at its best when it’s giving us a glimpse into to the lives of the family that anxiously awaits their new addition. Yes, amongst all the chaos and prerequisite animated action, there’s an affectionate tale of the importance of good parenting and family values. Be it the scenes when Junior and Tulip are attempting to feed and console a fussy baby or the scenes when a young boy simply yearns for his mom and dad to put aside the trials and tribulations that come with their hectic 9-to-5 jobs and play with him in the backyard. These scenes are cute, honest, and instantly relatable.

The vocal work here is solid. Samberg was all but born to voice animated characters, although it should be noted that while he’s sporadically funny and colorful there isn’t anything particularly likable about his Junior. He’s sarcastic from the get-go and doesn’t really transform much throughout “Storks.” Katie Crown is cute and bubbly as a teen doing her best with the hand she’s been dealt, all while continuing to dream about being united with her family. Kelsey Grammer hits all the right notes as a big-shot stork CEO who has no problem altering the entire state of his business affairs in the name of the almighty dollar. Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Anton Starkman, Danny Trejo, Keegan-Michael Key, and Jordan Peele round out a lively vocal cast.

“Storks” offers up vibrant animation and plenty of moments for the kids, and it certainly isn’t offensive in any way. It’s a pleasant enough diversion, but it isn’t likely to leave a long lasting impression either, and that’s a real shame because there’s some really strong stuff in there. Stuff that warranted a more emotionally effective motion picture experience.

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