Storks

Storks has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Stan and ABC iview, and in the UK on Netflix. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Andy Samberg leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Stan and see for yourself.

Storks is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Storks from the crowd. Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl... Andy Samberg and Katie Crown lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was released in 2016. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Storks holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Storks. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Andy Samberg sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.