Missing Link (PG)
Directed by Chris Butler

SET in the Victorian era this stop-motion animation is a funny and action-packed comedy adventure which tackles themes of belonging, friendship and finding your identity.

With its global exotic locations and sumptuous visuals, the film centres on Mr Link (Zach Galifianakis) a lonely Sasquatch, who enlists the help of infamous explorer Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman, in great British aristocratic form) to help him find his long-lost relatives in Shangri-La.

They’re joined by Sir Lionel’s former paramour, the independent and forceful Adelina (Zoe Saldana), who not only provides the map that will get them there but the group’s moral compass too.

While Link, who wants to be known as Susan, is warm, sweet and innocent Sir Lionel, a cross between Indiana Jones and Sherlock Holmes, is cold, superficial, pompous and self-serving.

His initial goal is to prove the Sasquatch’s existence so he can finally be accepted into the elitist and snob-ridden The Optimates Club headed by Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry) who, determined to stop that from ever happening, hires an assassin.

What transpires is a thrilling yet hilarious narrative which reels you in from the opening action-packed scene in which Sir Lionel is desperately trying to capture evidence of the Loch Ness monster to cement his fame.

You can’t help but root for these endearing yet flawed characters on their global road trip which is Around the World in 80 Days meets Indiana Jones with a soupcon of Lost Horizon thrown in.

Their growing evolution and self-discovery is a joy to behold, resulting in a film which will appeal to both young and old as they witness the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Sir Lionel and Susan.