Missing Link is a visual spectacle and the perfect Easter holiday viewing

SIR Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) is an intrepid explorer, desperate for the endorsement and acceptance of his stuffy peers.

In order to gain this, he promises proof of Bigfoot (something his foe Lord Piggot-Dunceby cannot let happen) and sets off on the trail, aided by a mysterious letter he has received.

1

He finds Mr. Link - a chatty Sasquatch (he names Link) looking for some more of his kind, hoping Frost will help him.

This isn’t exactly what Frost had in mind, but off they hop on their adventure nonetheless, picking up a few friends and enemies along the way.

This film comes from Laika Studios (Coraline, Box Trolls and Kubo & the Two Strings) so naturally looks utterly incredible - meticulous, beautiful and painstaking animation with a real unique sense of style.

The plot is largely formulaic, focusing on Frost and Link’s shifting relationship as the journey progresses but is more than enough meat for the cast to get their teeth into.

most read in film

NO MORE BLUES

What we know about Duncan James' boyfriend Rodrigo Reis

I SMELL CHILDREN

Who plays the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

I'M YOUR MAN

I bedded Leonard Cohen's muse on wild party island - then she aborted his baby

VITA-L STATISTICS

Biopic of aristo writer with 50 female lovers including Virginia Woolf

Whilst most of the voice cast may as well be anybody (a problem with most animated features nowadays) - the pairing of Jackman and Galifianakis is inspired.

Galifianakis in particular carries the film with his “between Two Ferns” schtick. His tone of voice and delivery suits his character perfectly and reminds me of the first time I saw Shrek. It’s the same vibe - namely bloody good.

I wasn’t expecting much and was more than pleasantly surprised. A visual spectacle and the perfect Easter holiday viewing.

Film of the week: Missing Link (PG)

★★★★☆