What is it about a pile of Legos in front of you that just sparks the imagination with endless possibilities of stacking, aligning and purely creating? Simplistic colored blocks, just waiting for child-like wonder to intervene and craft something anew. It’s almost a rite of passage for many, and the toys themselves have been in homes for over 50+ years now, acting as both imaginary playlands as well as nighttime land mines for parents navigating the jungle of a child’s bedroom. It wasn’t until the late 90’s that Lego realized there was a larger opportunity abroad, and began expanding their empire to include video games, a clothing line and even theme parks spanning the globe. The games alone have created both commercial and critical buzz with each release, mostly due to the intelligent level design and quirky characterizations. The jump to the silver screen seems to be the next logical step in this toy’s evolutionary ladder, and thankfully, like so many other ventures before, Lego has found the building blocks of success yet again.
A simple toy, a simple journey, it would seem at first glance. Ordinary, everyday construction-worker Emmet Brickowoski (Chris Pratt) is mistaken for “The Special” by Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks). Within the prophecy foretold by wise Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), the Special is to contain the power of a MasterBuilder, but more specifically, the ability to stop Lord Business’ (Will Ferrell) nefarious plans of global glue-domination. Sounds cut and dry as an “unlikely hero” yarn that’s been played out before. The magic however, comes with the heartbeat this particular story is infused with. It’s Emmet’s personal tale of proving his worth, despite not living up to the expectations of who others feel he should be, that keeps you hooked. He’s relatable in an everyman sort of context, but without being dumbed down to the point of being a punch line. Emmet truly is the heart and soul of The Lego Movie, and everything that works within it revolves around his ability to tie together so many different worlds and characters seamlessly without seeming forced.
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have expertly crafted a basic framework that not only allows for cameos from knights, wizards, super heroes and pop-culture icons, but takes viewers on a virtual tour throughout many of the fantasy land boxed sets that have enthralled kids for years. By opening up the linear story to include a bustling city of skyscrapers, a dangerous wild west and a bubble-gum happy land of make-believe, the adventure’s scope is expanded and the consequences have more meaning. Each new step in Emmet’s journey introduces familiar faces and places, like a step back into your childhood with old friends. It’s comfortable and soothing, like chicken soup for the film lover’s soul. On multiple occasions, I found myself pointing out background Legos that, while not the primary focus or giving any specific dialogue at the time, existed long-enough onscreen to bring a grin to my face and a chuckle trying to recall which set I’d originally had them in years ago.
The laughs on display are multi-faceted and not as sight-gag-centric as some parents are likely assuming from watching the trailers. Yes, kids are going to crack up seeing the goofy costume changes and wacky hijinks Emmet and his team get into, but it’s the cleverly written dialogue and superbly placed cameos from famous franchises that will “wow” the adult fan and inner-geek in us all. One thing about the cameos though- DO NOT let yourself be spoiled if you haven’t already done so. IMDB and a bunch of other sites likely have all the voice actors pinned, but go in as fresh as possible to let the wave truly take you over when you see some of the heroes you surely weren’t expecting when you bought your ticket initially. Trust me, it’s worth it that way, and you’ll appreciate it all the more.
While the animation is super slick, and the soundtrack surprisingly catchy (still singing “Everything is AWESOME” 2 days later), it’s the final act that really took me by surprise. It’s near the last 30 minutes or so that something unique happens, and without giving anything away, I’ll say I just didn’t see it coming with this particular picture by how it goes about wrapping things up. Not content just to be a marketing machine for more (guaranteed) toy sales, there’s an actual message in these little plastic heroes, and it resonates in a powerful way. You’re hooked in with the lights, sounds and laughter, and then given another layer on top to digest you didn’t realize you even were getting, but it’s welcomed and fitting, and the perfect cap to the meal.
Ultimately, the film celebrates what Legos have always truly been about- CREATIVITY. Sure, following the directions is fun, but there’s something challenging and rewarding about letting your mind go to work and building something no one else ever thought up. Imagination is an amazing tool, and The Lego Movie has brick loads of it to back up a more than worthwhile trip to the cinema this weekend.
Grade: A