Laika has been punching above their weight class for ten years now since they exploded onto the scene with the critical darling Coraline and continued with innovative, quirky audience favorites Paranorman, Boxtrolls, and Kubo and the Two Strings. But here, Laika’s exquisite stop-motion animation can’t save a shaky script and less than likeable characters. Even the all-star cast can’t quite land the punch and bring the film to life, lending the heart that truly animates Laika’s previous productions. When an aspiring British adventurer (Hugh Jackman) receives a letter reporting a lone Sasquatch in the American Pacific Northwest, he sets out to find the beast (Jack Galifianakis), only to find and partner with a gentle and mild-mannered creature as they set out on an adventure together. The moral of the story is strong, with friendship, loyalty, and belonging landing centerstage, but the characters don’t quite cut-it, and Jackman’s Sir Lionel Frost never really becomes all that endearing. Still, it’s Laika and the film is worth-seeing for their jaw-dropping stop-motion skill. As always, don’t miss the end credits, where Laika always gives audiences a final treat.