The newest children’s animated film, “Free Birds,” is the story of two brave turkeys who travel back in time to take turkeys off the Thanksgiving menu. With Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler and George Takei lending their voices to these characters, “Free Birds” is a holiday themed, fun movie for the whole family.
Reggie (Owen Wilson), a sort-of lone turkey, gets a big break one day when he receives the famous presidential turkey pardon in honor of Thanksgiving. While living the high life at Camp David, he is kidnapped (or perhaps turkey-napped) by Jake (Woody Harrelson) and persuaded to participate in an insane time traveling adventure. The two travel to Plymouth Rock, three days prior to the first Thanksgiving with one objective: stop the pilgrims from hunting turkeys and change the Thanksgiving tradition forever!
They meet a wonderful flock of turkeys, in which Jenny (Amy Poehler) is the chieftain’s daughter.
In a series of high jinks and crazy turkey shenanigans, Reggie and Jake try to change Thanksgiving forever. In the end, they realize what Thanksgiving is all about—not the food we eat but who we eat it with.
I’m always happy to see an animation studio give “voice” to unusual characters. Like “Monsters Inc” and “The Emperor’s New Groove,” this movie creates heroes out of the most unlikely of characters. For stand out animated performance, I’d say George Takei was absolute perfection in “Free Birds” as the voice of Steve, the time machine. Amy Poehler is delightful and funny (as always) and Woody Harrelson plays an egotistical, delusional turkey a little too well.
While in the theatre, I often heard chuckles or an exclamation of surprise by the children seated around me; however, “Free Birds” could have been funnier. There are plenty of silly moments, which hit a chord with kids in the audience but it’s not as witty as other modern children’s movies tend to be. However, I can’t complain much, because the demographic seemed to be impressed with these talking turkeys and that’s what really matters!
This is a great movie for the whole family to enjoy over Thanksgiving break!
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