Movie Review: The Lego Movie
Created from the minds of director duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and based on the popular construction play toy of nearly every kid in the world, The Lego Movie brings a whole new definition to what a kids' movie should really be. With an all-star cast and an enjoyable adventure to follow for 90 minutes, this brick-filled movie can be enjoyed by kids, and also by whoever has a desire for creativity and inspiration. So far, this film wins as the best animated film of the year, and I don't think it has much to compete with for now.
Living a life of normality and loneliness, Emmett (Chris Pratt) works as a construction worker who strives to follow the "instructions" of life as he tries to make friends and become something more than ordinary. Ruling the "Lego World" is President Business (Will Ferrell), an evil tyrant out to make the world and its people freeze with the use of the "Kragle", a glue weapon he has stolen from Master Builder Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman). After encountering a stranger, Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Emmett finds a special artifact known as the "Piece of Resistance" that can help stop Business' plan. The two then join forces, along with the other Master Builders, when President Business vows to find them with the help of his robot army and Bad Cop (Liam Neeson). From there, the adventure escalates quickly (Will Ferrell pun?) as Emmett struggles to save the world, and also learn the true meaning of using your creativity to create amazing things.
Right when I first saw this movie advertised, I knew that I had to see it, and I'm so glad I saw it now. While it may appear to be a kids' movie, The Lego Movie also appeals to the older audience too, throwing in pop culture references and not being afraid to go the extra distance to entertain. If you are a fan of the building toys of Legos, you will definitely love this movie, no matter your age. The film does excellently in appealing to children, but also is determined to bring out the inner child in everyone, young or old. That's what I loved about the movie, its central message that everyone has creativity and that it should never be taken from them. And with creativity comes greatness, and that's just what this movie is, bringing together smart one-liners, amazing animation, and a cast of pop culture icons.
The cast of the film is nothing short of perfect, from Will Arnett as Batman to Will Ferrell as the villainous antagonist, President Business. In my opinion, the cast of the film was spot-on, with the voices of famous actors bringing fantastic life to all of the iconic and original characters. I would list my favorites, but it would be too difficult to chose who's voices are best, with every Lego minifigure sounding just right (even Channing Tatum as Superman). However, the ones that stood out to me the most are probably Liam Neeson's Bad Cop/Good Cop character, Jonah Hill as Green Lantern, and Will Ferrell as Pres. Business. With Neeson bringing an awesome (Australian?) accent to the menacing/cheerful Good and Bad Cop character, and Hill comically arguing with Channing Tatum's Superman (Both who star together in the Jump Street films), Will Ferrell leads the pack as he displays his evil side in corporate tyrant President Business. Along with the main cast of Emmett, Wyldstyle, Batman, and Vitruvius, there are many cameos within the film. From film icons like Han Solo, Chewy, and Gandalf to DC superheros and real life icons like Abe Lincoln and William Shakespeare, you could say the cast was all over the place. Bringing together characters from different universes here and there (even having Batman and Superman on-screen together before 2016) helps fuel this amazing ride through the life of Lego, along with the story of one minifigure's journey to save the world.
The visuals of the film was something rarely seen on-screen, utilizing the technique of stop-motion animation with the perks of computer animating. While it may all be computer animated, the scenes of the film look quite similar to how stop-motion animation would look, displaying the fluid movement of Lego people, along with the detailed texture of their features. Lately, I have been greatly interested in the technique of stop-motion (mainly involving Legos), admiring internet videos of people bringing Legos to life with this amazing filming technique. I was quickly inspired to make my own stop-motion video, joining together my love for film and my love for the brick-building toy. I doubt mine will be as massive and explosive as this film was, but I hope to make something great out of my growing creativity and love for the art of film.
Overall, the film was an excellent children's movie to go to with your family and enjoy some Lego explosions and some hilarious one-liners. Whether you're a huge Lego expert or just a kid (or adult!) who loves a good comedic adventure, The Lego Movie delivers just what you want with its clever story, its massive cast, and its central message of not giving up on your childhood and your growing creativity.
I gave this film a 9 out of 10 because of its all-star cast from superheros to evil robot policemen, its fantastic tale of one plastic man's search for creativity, and its one live-action scene with the real Will Ferrell (aka the metaphorical scene for the whole movie).
Living a life of normality and loneliness, Emmett (Chris Pratt) works as a construction worker who strives to follow the "instructions" of life as he tries to make friends and become something more than ordinary. Ruling the "Lego World" is President Business (Will Ferrell), an evil tyrant out to make the world and its people freeze with the use of the "Kragle", a glue weapon he has stolen from Master Builder Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman). After encountering a stranger, Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Emmett finds a special artifact known as the "Piece of Resistance" that can help stop Business' plan. The two then join forces, along with the other Master Builders, when President Business vows to find them with the help of his robot army and Bad Cop (Liam Neeson). From there, the adventure escalates quickly (Will Ferrell pun?) as Emmett struggles to save the world, and also learn the true meaning of using your creativity to create amazing things.
Right when I first saw this movie advertised, I knew that I had to see it, and I'm so glad I saw it now. While it may appear to be a kids' movie, The Lego Movie also appeals to the older audience too, throwing in pop culture references and not being afraid to go the extra distance to entertain. If you are a fan of the building toys of Legos, you will definitely love this movie, no matter your age. The film does excellently in appealing to children, but also is determined to bring out the inner child in everyone, young or old. That's what I loved about the movie, its central message that everyone has creativity and that it should never be taken from them. And with creativity comes greatness, and that's just what this movie is, bringing together smart one-liners, amazing animation, and a cast of pop culture icons.
The cast of the film is nothing short of perfect, from Will Arnett as Batman to Will Ferrell as the villainous antagonist, President Business. In my opinion, the cast of the film was spot-on, with the voices of famous actors bringing fantastic life to all of the iconic and original characters. I would list my favorites, but it would be too difficult to chose who's voices are best, with every Lego minifigure sounding just right (even Channing Tatum as Superman). However, the ones that stood out to me the most are probably Liam Neeson's Bad Cop/Good Cop character, Jonah Hill as Green Lantern, and Will Ferrell as Pres. Business. With Neeson bringing an awesome (Australian?) accent to the menacing/cheerful Good and Bad Cop character, and Hill comically arguing with Channing Tatum's Superman (Both who star together in the Jump Street films), Will Ferrell leads the pack as he displays his evil side in corporate tyrant President Business. Along with the main cast of Emmett, Wyldstyle, Batman, and Vitruvius, there are many cameos within the film. From film icons like Han Solo, Chewy, and Gandalf to DC superheros and real life icons like Abe Lincoln and William Shakespeare, you could say the cast was all over the place. Bringing together characters from different universes here and there (even having Batman and Superman on-screen together before 2016) helps fuel this amazing ride through the life of Lego, along with the story of one minifigure's journey to save the world.
The visuals of the film was something rarely seen on-screen, utilizing the technique of stop-motion animation with the perks of computer animating. While it may all be computer animated, the scenes of the film look quite similar to how stop-motion animation would look, displaying the fluid movement of Lego people, along with the detailed texture of their features. Lately, I have been greatly interested in the technique of stop-motion (mainly involving Legos), admiring internet videos of people bringing Legos to life with this amazing filming technique. I was quickly inspired to make my own stop-motion video, joining together my love for film and my love for the brick-building toy. I doubt mine will be as massive and explosive as this film was, but I hope to make something great out of my growing creativity and love for the art of film.
Overall, the film was an excellent children's movie to go to with your family and enjoy some Lego explosions and some hilarious one-liners. Whether you're a huge Lego expert or just a kid (or adult!) who loves a good comedic adventure, The Lego Movie delivers just what you want with its clever story, its massive cast, and its central message of not giving up on your childhood and your growing creativity.
I gave this film a 9 out of 10 because of its all-star cast from superheros to evil robot policemen, its fantastic tale of one plastic man's search for creativity, and its one live-action scene with the real Will Ferrell (aka the metaphorical scene for the whole movie).
Comments
Post a Comment