THE EMPIRE
The Lego Movie was a surprise hit with it’s irreverent humor that adults got and sailed over kids heads and its nonconformist themes, The Lego Movie 2 continues where the previous left off.
Doing a followup that is just as well received as the first is a tricky thing especially when the likes of Wreck it Ralph 2 don’t manage to pull off what the original gets right.
Lets check out if The Lego Movie 2 manages to dodge catching the dreaded sequel-itus
The Cast
Chris Pratt as:
Emmet Brickowski,
Rex Dangervest, a self-declared “galaxy-defender, archaeologist, cowboy and raptor trainer.”
Elizabeth Banks as Lucy / Wyldstyle, a dark and brooding foil for Emmet with a light secret!
Will Arnett as Batman which reminds me I still haven’t seen Lego Batman.
Tiffany Haddish as Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi, the shape-shifting alien queen of the Systar System.
Stephanie Beatriz as General/Police Officer Sweet Mayhem, an intergalactic mini-doll who is general and law enforcer of the Systar System Army and works under the orders of Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi.
Charlie Day as Benny a spaceship-obsessed 1980’s spaceman. “SPACESHIP!”
Alison Brie as Unikitty, a unicorn-horned cat. She is even more ragemode in her Ultrakitty form in this movie.
The Story
The Lego Movie 2 picks up where the last movie left off with the invasion of the DUPLO creatures invasion of Bricksville things get suitably post apocalyptic from there. Many of the previous movies core characters return for the second outing to get the the bottom of the DUPLO invaders and their true motivations.
Themes run heavy through The Lego Movie 2, not judging books by covers, working together to overcome adversity and playing nice with other people for the common good.
They are a little more heavy handed than in the first film which managed to do it while telling an adventure story.
The Problems
The Lego Movie 2 lacks some of the sense of adventure of the first one which had a better overall story for Emmet to get caught up in. Although there are some exciting set pieces they lack any real sense of urgency or stakes and just kind of happen.
Although there is a lot of humor in it and the references come thick and fast they weren’t quite as on point as they were in Lego Movie 1.
It borrows *Heavily* from Toy Story 3 with themes of growing up, getting pushed aside and things not being quite as they first appear. It does stand alone but it very specifically drinks from that same well.
The Good Stuff
The jokes are squarely made for the parents, there’s references in there that if you were born this side of the 2000’s you probably wouldn’t get.
Graphically The Lego Movie 2 is as visually spectacular as the previous right down to finger prints and special effects being made from Lego and other materials.
I hate musicals and even I have to admit “This song is going to get stuck inside your head” “Everything is NOT Awesome” and the End credits song by lonely island were pretty awesome.
Overall
It’s a no brainer to take the kids to and look you are going to have a pretty good time too. There are some good messages that The Lego Movie 2 tries to get across but I’m not convinced at how clear they will be to younger kids or even some adults.
Lacks the punch of the original but still delivers.
This song is going to get stuck inside your headdddd.
You’ll like it if you enjoy:
The previous Lego Movie and related films.
Movies you can take the kids to but still enjoy as an “GrownUp”.
A little bit of self aware comedy and subversion.
Skip it if you:
Cant stand musicals.
Expect it to top the first one in every way.
Are dead inside or maybe don’t skip it, this might be what you need.
In cinemas now
Wide Release
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