THE LEGO MOVIE, An In-Depth EF Review

Editorial Biases:

I’ve wanted to see this movie, with all the internalized gleeful joy of the little five year old boy trapped inside my mind, from the moment I first heard this movie was being made. Even with the ridiculous number of articles I’ve worked on, edited, and categorized here on CBM; I have done my best not to ruin the bulk of the films story for myself. My family too has been just as eager to catch this film in the theaters. I had high hopes with the expectation that I, along with my family, would be laughing at a variety of silly things while chomping on popcorn, inhaling Milk Duds, and soaking in some nostalgia…If my kids and I would have come out of this film unsatisfied, I would have been surprised and disappointed.

The LEGO Movie was an extremely delightful film produced in the same vein as another well loved multi-universal referencing movie, “Wreck-It Ralph”. Yet it’s hopelessly original in its story and concept. For many of us here on CBM, it is not what we’d call a typical Comic Book Movie. If we can partially categorize or call it a Comic Book Movie at all!? We can still wallow like pigs in the DC “mud” fun factor given us with many of their beloved characters thrown into the mix. Among them, the dorkiest of Green Lantern interpretations, a ‘yet-again’ smug reinterpretation of Superman (seems that’s going around a lot these days). Including an amazingly silly and fun variation on Batman that almost feels like a normal Bat-film entry who somewhat steals the show; all ridiculousness aside.

The relatively wholesome nature of these characters using their hands to connect to each other is cute and creative. To the sweetness and imagination of the real world parallel the film uses to convey its internal message to parents. It’s all good. In fact, it’s all fantastic.

My definition of bad in this movie will undoubtedly not be the same view others may have. Your views toward this notion depend on how liberal or conservative you are as a parent regarding what is appropriate for your children. I’ve distressed CBM readers in the past by stating my views on what I consider allowable material for my daughters (not for everyone, just for my daughters). That said, this film is for families but it still has a variety of jokes that are more for adults. Those jokes are not necessarily dirty, over-the-top, or even unnecessary. However, I always naturally turned toward my kids, ("kragled" to their seats) watching the film with a great deal of focus, when an off-color joke was thrown out and I’d momentarily observe their reactions.

While I can appreciate extra humor for my particular benefit (the adult members of the audience), sometimes I wonder if that humor is necessary. I’m a giant kid and can appreciate the kiddy humor, because I love to experience the film through my kids own eyes. Allowing me to relive my childhood through said experience; I don’t need the extra PG-13+ humor to help me through the film, that usually goes over their heads. But I (perhaps) guess that other parents can appreciate extra humor, for themselves, to help pass the time watching a movie intended for children.

But that’s just me…I’m sure some of you out there in Internetland will argue I’m over thinking this topic.

The unfortunate reality of a film like this is the capitalism behind it. To be honest, I’m in the industry and love the commercialism of the film. It’s economic genius. But it is (all things considered) a massive commercial for us (the parents) to go and buy a large variety of these toys. You need to be prepared to appease the youth accompanying you to the theater, or ready with your rebuttal post film credits as to why you are not buying Lego’s after going to the movies, regardless of how much of an untold fortune you spent at the theater in the first place. In my case it was $76 for four people on a Saturday Matinee, followed by a visit to Toys R’ Us to pick up two specialty packs. I lost the commercialism battle in this case.

“To the Batmobile!”
We all completely enjoyed the film as a family. We all seemed to laugh at most of the comedic material, and joked with each other over the cheesy nature of some of the lines. “See Your Butt?” Yeah even my seven year old laughed and said “Really!? HAHAHAHA!”

“To The Invisible Jet!”
Everyone at one point or another has had some Lego’s, even the older generation at some point throughout the 70’s and 80’s would have played with their children or grandchildren. You’d be hard pressed, in this country at least, to not have some nostalgia playing with Lego’s. That makes this film stand out for families and young people everywhere.

Nothing much really…It is excellent, we need more films like this. Throw in more references to other universes, like Marvel, Dark Horse, various video games, more, more, more!

If anything I can argue how the costs at theaters now are growing beyond the point of insane. From the portion sizes that are intended for people who can put down soda by the liter, to the horrid smell of the theaters. I prefer to buy Blu-rays and let my family enjoy their movies on our big screen. But this doesn’t really have much of a leg to stand on as far as arguments go. If I want something to complain about, besides the overarching commercialism. Why was there no post credit scene?

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, my kids definitely loved it; even when it had a few moments that left the children’s film genre to generate some enjoyment for the adults that would understand those particularly older references. Overall it was a great movie for children, with an imaginative storyline and concept. The voices were all excellent and conveyed a sense of children at play. Not necessarily characters on a screen, but a child playing with them as we get to observe the fun. Something that becomes completely apparent by the end of the film. This is a movie worth seeing in the theaters, and well worth the expense to put in your Blu-ray collection (when it becomes available). I’m certain there will be hours of material to add and I’m looking forward to a collector’s edition.

Have you seen The LEGO Movie yet? Are you planning to? Did this review help you? Do you agree or disagree? I want to hear from you! Comment, share, tweet, pin, form your words out of Lego pieces, whatever tickles your fancy. @EmanuelFCamacho