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Ever since the first LEGO brick was manufactured in Denmark in 1949, kids around the world have spent long Saturday afternoons in their rooms, building and rebuilding imaginary worlds. For many of us, it was a cherished part of childhood. And The LEGO Movie turns those beloved childhood memories into an animated adventure that’s action-packed and surprisingly clever.
The LEGO Movie follows the adventures of Emmet (voiced by Chris Pratt), a mild-mannered construction worker who lives and works in a city where everything is awesome as long as everyone follows the instructions. One day, after work, Emmet bumbles his way into a secret underground tunnel, where he accidentally becomes attached to the Piece of Resistance, a magical part that can prevent the evil Lord Business (Will Ferrell) from bringing an end to the world as they know it by gluing everything in place. Before he realizes what he’s done, Emmet finds himself at the heart of the Resistance, joining a team of Master Builders to try to save the world.
Though it’s cleverly disguised as an animated action movie for kids, The LEGO Movie is a surprisingly grown-up-friendly film. Of course, that’s not to say that kids won’t enjoy it. The non-stop action and silliness was clearly written with kids in mind. The story is about as crazy and creative as an eight-year-old’s wildest dreams, following Emmet as he dodges all kinds of dangers while traveling through strange, imaginative worlds with Batman, Gandalf, and various NBA All-Stars at his side.
Still, while the over-the-top action was obviously geared toward kids (and perhaps the more attention-deficient adults in the audience), the humor was written for grown-ups. Most of the jokes will go whizzing right over kids’ heads, only to land smack in the middle of their parents’ foreheads. The writing is snarky and sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek, with references that only older viewers will understand. So while kids will oooh and aaah at the high-speed chases and LEGO explosions, parents will enjoy the nostalgic throwbacks, the hilarious performances, and the grown-up laughs.
Viewers of all ages, meanwhile, will agree that the animation is nothing short of incredible. It’s visually stunning—a vast universe of LEGO buildings, LEGO vehicles, and LEGO waves on LEGO seas. Even the laser beams are made from LEGO parts. The animation embodies the inspiration and creativity that these little building blocks are all about—and, no matter what your age, it’s sure to spark your imagination and give you an itch to haul out those old bricks and create something new.
From Master Builders all the way down to kids who are still working with walls and squares, The LEGO Movie has something for everyone. So pack up the kids and join them on this wild and crazy—and clever—adventure. Just be prepared to stop at the toy store to pick up a new LEGO play set on your way home from the theater.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
