Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Orphan bird takes wing with wacky flock; heroes in peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Stork's Journey
What's the Story?
Richard (voiced predominantly by Drake Bell), a baby sparrow, emerges from his shell only to find an empty nest in A STORK'S JOURNEY. He's rescued by a loving mother stork who brings him back to her flock. Richard, sure that he too is a stork, grows up in the wings of the family, nurtured and loved. Only Claudius, the father stork, is reluctant to accept him. When the flock prepares to fly south from Europe for the winter, Claudius, concerned that the little sparrow will not survive the high altitudes, refuses to take their "stepson" with them. The sparrow awakens to find his family gone. At first, he is inconsolable but, in a flurry of energy and bravado, determines to follow them. The journey to Africa is long and treacherous, but Richard is one lucky bird. He meets Olga (Jane Lynch), a lonely pygmy owl, and her imaginary friend, Oleg. Then, Kiki (Mark Thompson), a stagestruck, trickster parakeet, joins the troupe. The unstoppable threesome -- plus Oleg -- is on its way. Suspense escalates as numerous missteps, including an unexpected detour to Italy, and all manner of predators obstruct their flight path. Will the unconventional flock make their way to the Great Lake in Africa where they hope to find Richard's family? Will the stork family be happy to see them? Do birds really fly south for the winter?
Is It Any Good?
Inventive characters, a straightforward story, lots of comedy, and bright, cheery animation should keep young audiences engaged by this English-language import from Europe. The filmmakers attempt to keep older kids and grown-ups involved, too -- a running bit about "on-line" birds, who sit on electrical wires, is very funny. A Stork's Journey deals with finding one's place in the world and the elements that can turn disparate folks (or species) into a family. However, it isn't a gentle journey. Scary-looking predators and life-threatening situations come up frequently, and there are sad moments in which it appears that one or more of the heroes will not make it. Those instances, and the fact that the film feels a bit long and occasionally repetitive, means the movie is not appropriate for little ones or super-sensitive kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bird migration. What did you learn from A Stork's Journey about the reasons birds make the long, perilous journeys every year? Find out more about which birds fly south and their destinations. Where do North American birds land in the winter?
What does this movie tell you about what it takes to make a family? What did Claudius learn about his family? How do humans, like the birds in this story, sometimes create an "unofficial" family?
Who was Oleg? What did he mean to Olga? Do you have an imaginary friend? Describe him or her, and talk or write about how what you do together.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 1, 2017
- Cast : Drake Bell , Jane Lynch , Marc Thompson
- Director : Toby Genkel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some peril
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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