The
Lego Movie bursts onto the screen with more action, more color, more laughs,
and more life than most animated features put together.
"Dammit, Diana! Don't you dare snap a photo."
*click*
"If you're even thinking of putting that up on Facebook, I--"
"You'll what? Uploading..."
"I will NOT be your friend anymore."
STORY:
Emmet
Brickowoski (Chris Pratt) is your ordinary Lego-man construction worker that
follows all the rules and has absolutely nothing special about him. That's until his dull life leads him down a
hole and forces him to become the key to saving the Lego universe from Lord
Business (Will Ferrell). Bat puns, movie
parodies, political jokes, the Kragle, and the most ear-worming song ever
created in the history of melodic sound, ensues.
"One more outburst from either of you, and I'm turning this thing around."
THOUGHTS:
Lego,
a child's construction toy, gathered all the company’s executives and decided
the time was nigh to create an hour and half commercial—otherwise known as a
movie—to sell their product. And somehow
the stars aligned, a butterfly flapped its wings, a volcano erupted, and a gang
of writers pulled an entire script out of their asses…essentially by staring at
a plastic brick. Holy crap. But not only did they create a script worthy
of laugh-out-loud hysterics, they also infused it with hilarious parodies,
Lego's biggest licenses, a plot that's action-packed, and clever hints to a
bigger picture (which you'll understand
once you see the ending). And it's
all wrapped up in a heart-warming family tale.
Brilliant.
After
a brief, slightly confusing prologue (as
the movie progresses it becomes clear), you're thrust head first into
Emmet's world and taken on a roller coaster ride of excitement that doesn't
stop until the credits roll. And before
you hit play for your child and walk out of the room to do adult stuff like
play video games or sleep, stop and spend a few moments with the Lego Movie,
you'll be thankful you did. See, the
writers not only knew how outrageous a movie based on a plastic brick would be, but
they also knew that an animated film doesn't only have to cater to eight year
olds and under. This movie is saturated
with underlining jokes that only adults will get, and most of the time you'll
find yourself laughing more than the kids.
From Star Wars, to the old west, to political jabs, the writing never
holds back. And that really is what
makes the Lego movie so efficient. It
knows how ridiculous a movie-commercial for a toy line is and the film uses
that to its advantage.
Why
not show some of the more embarrassing toy ideas in Lego's past and make a joke
about it? Why not introduce Superman
alongside Gandalf? Why not show how
goofy a mix-matched set of blocks really looks?
And most importantly…Why not have Batman parody himself throughout the
entire movie? The ammo for all these
laughs is available. The writers just
had to know how to use it. And they knocked
it out of the park.
"Hahahaha...and right after I give them what they want, I'll slaughter every last one of them."
"That's a great plan, Sir, but why?"
"Why? Because that's what bad guys do! Now, go get me a coffee and don't forget about
the non-fat soy milk. It helps with my bowel movements."
THE VOICE
ACTING:
The
only way to create a Lego movie is to go all out by gathering top list actors. Bolstering down Neeson, Freeman, Ferrell,
Arnett, and the like is no easy task.
And each and every actor/actress doesn't hold back. They throw everything they have into their
respected roles, making the movie that much more enjoyable.
The
whole story rests on Chris Pratt's shoulders as he's the unlucky but likable
protagonist. Pratt delivers over-the-top
dialogue with humorous flair in almost every line. Will Ferrell was made for the roll of Lord
Business. He breathes comedic life into
a tyrant without making you hate his guts.
Elizabeth Banks plays her best role to date. You won't even recognize her as the leading
lady, Wyldstyle, because of how much energy she injects into the
character. Morgan Freeman is solid as
the all-knowing Vitruvius, and Liam Neeson shows his silly side by portraying
Good cop/Bad cop. But the star of the
film rests with Will Arnett as Bats.
Whether Batman is attempting to throw his batarangs without any skill or
is singing a song about being an orphan, he steals every scene.
"Emmet's right...I mean, he's an idiot, but sometimes even idiots have good ideas."
"Thanks, Batman."
"No problem, kid. Now, go make me a sandwich."
WHO'LL HATE IT?
Adults
that think animated features are those brief intermissions where a soft drink, popcorn, and assorted candies are singing, will probably be the same adults that do not put
the Lego movie in their queue. If you're
a parent that has been wounded many times by the Lego brick to
the foot, then you might have better things to do than watch this film. Any parent that has had to listen to "Everything is awesome" sung by
their child a thousand times in the six minutes following the film, will have
nothing but loathing for this movie. And
finally, parents that were forcefully dragged to the toy store by their
children after a dozen straight viewings to buy every piece of Lego adorning the
shelves, might have a tough time digesting this film.
"Hey, I thought Batman didn't have time for a--"
"Mind your business, Kid. It's not my fault I'm blessed with money, cool toys, and devastating good looks."
CONCLUSION:
With
an amazing story, top-notch actors and actresses, parodies from across the
board, Batman, and a child's favorite building toy, The Lego Movie crosses the
commercial boundary and becomes an actual fun lighthearted film. If animated features or toys in general don't
appeal to the child within you, then you might want to handle The Lego Movie as
if it's toxic waste. For everyone else,
The Lego Movie will spark creativity, laughter, and long forgotten childhood
memories. Just be prepared to run out to
the store as soon as the movie ends to buy the kids a Lego kit or ten, because
you'll never hear the end of it. (A prepared parent will already have a Lego
set ready and waiting before the film even starts.) But no matter your age or plastic universe
from which you hail, The Lego Movie will easily fit into any movie-goer's
permanent collection.
4.5
out of 5 Stars (minus a ½ star for having
to buy Lego sets after viewing)
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