Storks (12/20/2016)

Rated PG for mild action and some thematic elements.

Starring the voices of Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Anton Starkman, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele and Danny Trejo

Directed by Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland

Storks may deliver babies, but Warner Brothers delivered another fun family movie.

Storks deliver babies… or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for global internet giant Cornerstore.com. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl. Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip, the only human on Stork Mountain, race to make their first-ever baby drop – in a wild and revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.

As a parent, I have watched my fair share of animated film. From Toy Story and Frozen to Norm of the North and The Secret Life of Pets, I have enjoyed the best and endured the rest. And honestly I was not looking forward to an animated filmed called Storks starring Andy Samberg, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele and Danny Trejo. Well, let me say I was pleasantly surprised.

Andy Samberg is hilarious and he had me laughing for most of the movie. Most of the time when Samberg makes me laugh I feel guilty about it…but this was clean funny which was the first surprise. Katie Crown was a great choice as his counterpart. Modern Family’s Ty Burrell is really funny on that show and my only disappoint here was that his role was on the small side along with Jennifer Aniston who plays his wife. Kelsey Grammer and Danny Trejo were also entertaining in their roles and Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele were Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele.

The beautiful and fun animation will keep the attention of younger viewers, but it’s the message about family that will leave a last mark on the adults – my second big surprise. This movie reminds us of the joy a new baby brings and the even stronger reminder that those babies eventually grow up… and the time we have as a family is fleeting. Now that’s a great message.

Parents will be faced with Nate telling his parents that he’s only a couple of years from his teens. “Blink and I’ll be in college,” he warns. It’s meant to get a laugh…and I did laugh, but I also realized how true his comments are.

There is also Junior and Tulip’s fun filled adventure. It will definitely keep younger viewers entertained and laughing, while parents think of more ways to spend with their children.

This movie has a great cast, fun story, a lot of great jokes and a strong pro-family message. My family loved it…its “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yeah, this one is great for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe Nate’s parents when we first meet them?


2. What seems to be the most important thing to them?


3. What does Nate do to initiate change?


4. What can you do and your family to improve relationship with your parents?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.


5. What are some practical ways for you to love your parents/siblings this week?