Advance Review: The Lego Movie
The Lego Movie is set for release next Friday, but I was lucky enough to win some tickets to an advanced screening! This review will be spoiler-free, since 99% of you haven’t had the chance to see it yet. Hope you enjoy!
Lego were my favourite toys as a kid. I remember getting the Star Wars sets, the cowboy sets and especially Bionicles! No other toy out there can inspire the imagination quite like Lego can. The success of the colorful little blocks have led to video games, TV shows, and plenty of other merchandise. Now the powers that be have given us a full-length film for people of all ages to enjoy! Never before have I seen a voice cast so jam packed with talent. You have actors ranging from Chris Pratt to Morgan Freeman, Will Arnett to Nick Offerman, Will Ferrell to Elizabeth Banks… I could go on and on, folks. This is also the only movie you will ever see that includes characters from DC Comics, Star Wars, and the Lord of the Rings together. Their roles aren’t huge, but it’s an appreciated bonus. Now let’s hop into this review!
The Lego Movie is an animated family-comedy that takes you into the world of Lego! Our story revolves around Emmett, a generic construction Lego figure who is voiced by Chris Pratt. While heading home from work, Emmett encounters a beautiful girl named Wild Style, voiced by Elizabeth Banks. Wild Style is convinced that Emmett is the “Special”. The Special is prophesied to become a Master Builder and save the Lego world from the evil President Business, voiced by Will Ferrell.
Emmett and Wild Style travel the Lego world, avoiding President Business’ loyal follower, Bad Cop. They also meet new friends and allies along the way… one of which is Batman. Meanwhile, President Business prepares his diabolical scheme to glue the entire Lego world together and make everything “perfect”.
The Lego Movie is a pretty good film. Some of the movement of the Lego world was jarring. The way the characters moved took me out of the movie and it looked awkward, but I was able to quickly overlook that and I didn’t notice it for the remainder of the film. Also, don’t go into this movie expecting a Pixar feels-fest, because that is not what this is. It’s a fun and silly adventure from start to finish.
The characters are all charming and full of personality. I was in an auditorium filled with children and they were laughing hysterically, my friends and I couldn’t help but laugh along with them. The Lego Movie doesn’t leave adults out of the fun, as there are plenty of references and gags that only the parents and my group would laugh at. The film didn’t take itself seriously either. Sometimes you’ll clearly hear somebody making sound effects for a vehicle, and even a character being controlled by a visible thread. Everything flowed well and it was an impressive example of not only animation, but imagination.
Overall the Lego Movie was fun, imaginative and a complete nostalgia ride. It reminded me of younger years, sitting in my room for hours and letting my imagination run wild with these tiny colorful blocks. Also, don’t be surprised if you leave the theater humming a very awesome tune. This movie is primarily for the little ones, but my fellow college peers and I loved it just as much. The parents had a good laugh and were all smiles. I predict this will be quite popular in the following weeks. I can’t wait to see it again.
