The Lego Movie – 4/5 – Movie Reviews by Ry!
The Lego Movie – 4/5 – Imagination is the word that comes to my mind when it comes to describe this movie. This whole movie is based off the imagination and the creative world of Legos. In that creative sense, the main theme of the imagination is what sticks throughout all the situations and scenes created in this film. Through it all, it is done in a very frantic, soothing but heartfelt way. The Lego Movie will charm the audience, young and old alike. Straight to the point, this movie is fantastic, and probably the best animated film of the year, even this early.
Premise: In the world of Legos, the possibilities are endless. Through one ordinary construction worker, he will find that he is beyond what he knows, one that will change and save the world.
The list of people that are voice acting in this film is a long list of known names. To start out, I will talk about the main character and his supporting players around him. Voicing the Leading role as Emmett is Chris Pratt. I will go straight to the point here; Pratt does one of the best jobs in voicing acting, creating a really enjoyable but down-to-earth character with Emmett. Emmett is a very ordinary guy, who goes about his life in an oblivious kind of manner. In this mundane stature, Pratt exudes a deeper personality. He gives us a character that is full of life and love. You see that Emmett more than just an animated character, you see him as an actual person within this Lego world. You feel for the situations he is thrust into, and understand his aloof behavior is all unique. In that behavioral tone, awkward interactions and individual touch, you dialogue that is both whimsical and charming. His comical timing is so prudent; you can’t help but feel the ‘awesome’ aura that he provides in his scenes. Opposite him on this journey, you have also the following:
Will Arnett as Batman
Elizabeth Banks as Wyldstyle/Lucy
Morgan Freeman as Vitruvius
Will Ferrell as Lord Business
Liam Nesson as Good Cop/Bad Cop
These are the main supporting players to Emmett and the overall movie’s plot. You have on the surface, the common good guys (Batman, Wyldstyle, and Virtruvius) vs. bad guys (Lord Business and Good Cop/Bad Cop) scenario. Even in the cliché elements of the good vs. bad, that distinct individualism gives enough uniqueness that it breaks the mold of typical caricatures. Like Emmett, they all have stand-out qualities. Even so, there is still a grounded appeal that you will see some real emotional overtures combined with witty/slick dialogue. This provides hearty entertainment for the general audience, but as well as layers meaning to all their characters. Scene after scene, you see strong satirical tones come to light, through an outrageousness that is simply, amazing. You can’t help but laugh, smile, and be moved by the imagination that is these Lego characters. This shows raw talent being pushed in these characters, even if it is voice acting. In addition to these main players, you have the following:
Alison Brie as UniKitty
Nick Offerman as Metal Beard
Charlie Day as Benny
These people have lesser parts in the film, but important enough to have them follow suit with the main players. When it comes to these three, they are akin to being ‘plot devices’ for this film, but also are creative far enough to that they are intriguing with their own personalities. The outrageousness is felt just as vividly as the main players, but is not a distraction. The rest of the cast is a combination of many familiar ‘Lego’ props and toys, but are all done well enough to add a colorful presence to the worlds created in this film. These supporting characters help create something lively, one that is real within this imaginative experience.
The direction of the film is standard of any kind of ‘quest’ themed story. The one aspect that makes it stand out is a combination of the ‘Lego world’ and a deeply thoughtful script. In the beginning, we get introduced to two elements of the film. The first is the ‘good vs. bad’ scenario; the second is our beloved main character, Emmett. Once the prologue of the items that are needed for the ‘good vs. bad’ scenario to start, we then are moved forward to the present ‘day’, where we watch as Emmett goes about his ordinary life. He blindly does his duties without any awareness of what had happen before, or what is actually happening now. Once he comes across a certain piece, the motions are set in place and it is a race against time to stop the ‘bad guys’ from achieving their goal. From here, the movie moves at a very frantic pace. There isn’t a great amount of time left in developing any real depth to the characters or story, leaving you with typical hijinx, character quips in dialogue, and soothing sensations of the ‘outrageousness’ of the Lego world. You get a basic description of everything, as you quickly move from scene to scene; bringing in the players for the story. At times, this hinders the story progression, but you eventually start to see the underlining themes come across. The social satire built upon this world of Legos, you start to get that real sense of pure entertainment combined with a strong message. This is caused (consequently) but the same frantic pace, which makes you focus on the dialogue between the characters. You see many a lot of strong ‘modern’ and ‘pop’ references. This basically shows how a general direction can be sooth by an amazing script. The quick quips of layering social satire within a general audience film creates a layer of enjoyment that makes you laugh, cry or feel that pure charm within. You watch as the ploy of typical statures of ‘heroes and villains’ and ‘order vs. chaos’ gets thrown into the mix of a film that is also built upon themes of society, individualism and creative bliss. That underlining push of ‘imagination’ comes to life within Emmett and the rest of the characters on screen. That sensation a strong feeling for the adults, and a delightful journey for the children. As we start to go through the chaining of these events along the ‘quest’ line, we fly through the film quickly, until the third act. Here, on the surface, we get the ‘good guy’ vs. ‘bad guy’ scenario between Emmett and Lord Business. At the same time, we watch as the films frantic nature turns into a more poignant tone. When Emmett gets into a certain situation, you begin to find that heart of the film that was indicated in hints throughout. Here, you see as this very scenic moment brings the underlining themes together, giving us a very strong real meaning of what being ourselves means. From here, the film ends happily, but in an unconventional way. Through the non-traditional tone, it is a very touching segment, one that defines how this film is more than just a movie, but a great experience.
The visuals of this film are beyond anything you can imagine, one that’s grounded within it’s only spectacular world. The different worlds created with Legos are amazing to see; giving a very vast appeal that draws you in and blows your mind. Everything from the city Emmett lives in, to the pirate, western and medieval worlds, you feel the vibrancy, and are drawn into each as deeply as if it was real. The score is one that gets lost in all the frantic direction and colorful appeal, but there is one song that will stand out. In that one song, it is good enough to encompass the whole experience of the film.
Overall, The Lego Movie has a lot of traditional mirroring of a ‘quest’ film, but there is enough here to make it standout. From the satirical situations to the wonderful characters created by the actors/actress, you will be drawn into this world and come out of it with a stronger meaning of self. This is probably the best animated film of the year, and we are only in February. If you’re a fan of great animated films or films in general, check this one out. It is worth seeing in the theaters, especially with a group of people or the family.