When you think about Thanksgiving, one would envision leftovers, amber pumpkins, friends and family, and of course Turkey. But what if all your assumptions were wrong? In the film Free Birds, an unusually smart Turkey named Reggie attempts to get the other birds of his flock to realize the horrifying truth – their farmer master is fattening them all up for Thanksgiving dinner! Reggie is pardoned by his flock by the president and begins a wild adventure to permanently take Turkey off of the menu. Laser beams, time machines, pop-culture references, and a turkey that is enamored by his own gluteus and finely-sculpted body entertain around every corner.
The main premise of the film revolves around Reggie going back in time to Plymouth Colony, just before the first Thanksgiving, to keep turkeys off the menu and save his brethren for all eternity. The time-travel element is reminiscent of “Back to the Future,” while the glorious “Chicken Run” depicted the idea of fleeing fowl in a clever, charming fashion.
The 3-D animated birds have smooth textures and many Pixar lovers will be thrilled with the playful graphics that Relativity Media offers, however the film also involves a number of questionable creative choices that border on (or are) offensive – be it how turkeys from the 17th century dress like Native American stereotypes or a running joke that involves a “special” turkey (who is partly the offspring of a chicken). All ages will appreciate the humor and absurdity of certain scenes but it slowly gets dull pretty quick.
The story plot is straightforward and to be honest, a bit lacking in some areas. The film is a typical save the day; get the girl kind of movie. What will keep most audiences interested is the perfect fit voiceover cast. Owen Wilson provides his familiar, nasal twang as the voice of Reggie, the smartest turkey on the farm. Woody Harrelson voices Jake, an almost delusional turkey who constantly searches for “The Great Turkey” and is constantly putting on a “gung-ho” persona. Amy Poehler also brings her usual but welcome charisma as Jenny, the kind and intelligent turkey gal who Reggie falls for.
Other than that, the film is full of dry punch lines but Kids will enjoy the slapstick and overlook the moldy jokes; grown-ups will be slightly amused, bored or mildly offended, depending on how much energy they choose to invest in the experience. If you’re really looking to waste a night on the town, fly in and go see Free Birds, other than that, stick to DVR at home.