Everything Is Awesome In ‘The Lego Movie’ (Movie Review)
Let’s get one thing straight from the start. Even going into the press screening this past Saturday I was against this movie. While it looked unique and looked like it could be fun, I just did not want to invest the time in it and regret it later because you know life’s too short, yada, yada, yada. But then again, what if this was really good? What if I would be missing out on something really special? That’s a lot of what ifs, huh? Well, I guess it’s whatever it takes to get me in the seat, but I must admit that I had a small glimmer of hope that I just might like this one because like the tagline says, it’s the story of a nobody who save everybody. Aren’t all great movies like billed this? Well, most of them at least. So I figured as long as The Lego Movie can take me on a journey through the eyes of a hero and I fall for his character arc then just maybe…maybe…I might be able to have a good time with this one. If not, then there’s always popcorn to be had! So as nonsensical as this first paragraph really is, what do you say we talk about some Legos?
The Lego Movie may not have the most original title to choose or call this feature, but you would think since it has literally been in development since 2008 it would of at least had a better one. But really, what’s more marketable than Legos? Maybe Barbie? Hot Wheels? Not much more really? So why not stick with what works. Regardless of word of mouth from the critics, kids are going to flock to this like bees to honey this weekend. So why not Legos? And while we are at it, why not star the likes of Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson, Jonah Hill and oh why not, Morgan Freeman and a whole slew of others that I feel may be a bit too spoiler-filled to reveal.
Our movie takes place in none other than the Lego universe where an “ordinary mini-figure” named Emmet (Chris Pratt) gets mistaken for that of the Special, the greatest Master Builder who can save the Lego universe. Save the Lego universe from what you say? Well, I’m glad you asked because you’re not going to believe this. LOL. Emmet, and his misfit gang of friends, which we will get to in a minute, are tasked with stopping the evil tyrant Lord Business (Will Ferrell), who is hell bent on destroying the Lego universe on get this…Taco Tuesday of all days! Now do you understand my hesitation upon going into this one last Saturday?
So if you recall I mentioned Emmet’s misfit band of friends above? Well, they include an old wizard named Vitruvius, a tough woman named Wyldstyle (Banks), Batman (Arnett), Uni-Kitty (Brie), Benny (Day), a pirate named Metalbeard (Offerman) and some other DC superheroes that you will definitely look forward to. Yes, I said to look forward to. Now don’t rush me! By the way, when I first saw the movie poster for this film some year ago, I could not get out of my head the striking resemblance of Emmet to Marty McFly from Back to the Future, but I digress. The real reason we are here is to talk about the validity of The Lego Movie, most notably, is it a beginning of the year turd or is it a golden brick.
And here’s the deal ladies and gentlemen…I’m not even going to sugarcoat it because everything is awesome in The Lego Movie! I had to check myself for a minute there at the end of this feature and verify this was a Warner Bros. picture. Why? Because it’s like a Pixar film on steroids. That’s why! It’s something for all ages to enjoy! And quite honestly, I don’t think I laughed that hard at all in all the 2013 comedy films combined as I did throughout The Lego Movie. I know that’s a bold and probably foolish statement to make (and I’m sure I will receive a lot of ignorant comments for ushering those words), but I had an absolute blast with this one and it goes without saying, although it’s not saying much considering we’re still in the beginning of the year, but I’ve seen my first great movie of 2014…The Lego Movie! If someone would have told me last year that going into the month of February The Lego Movie would be my number one film of the year so far I would have said yeah right and probably said a few other choice words. I mean, I have The Lone Survivor, The Monuments Men, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, etc to choose from, right?! No! I ONLY have The Lego Movie! Stranger things have happened I guess (insert sad face about the 2013 Denver Broncos choking in the Super Bowl).
I have to admit, when I first nestled into my seat and the first five minutes of this film began I was like oh no. What did I get myself into? But then something magical happened. Yeah, that’s right movie magic! I can’t really put my little finger on it, but something just clicked and when it did it never let me go. It may of had something to do with the endless knocks to Batman and various jokes on his character or Green Lantern’s banter with Superman or even a surprise cameo or two that had me in absolute stitches, but whatever it was I don’t care. Why question something that makes you feel so good? It’s just not logical to do so in my opinion. It’s not like the Lego brand needed any more marketing to help sell its products, but like my grandfather always said in reference to flap jacks at McDonalds, these toys are going to sell like hot cakes once parents and kids flock to the theaters in groves to see this one over the weekend! What’s that? Yes! I sense a sequel already being “built” in the works. There just has to be one (and so after writing this I read that there is)!
Armed with a brilliant script, comedic, witty humor, cross-examination of today’s pop culture, numerous and clever product placements and endorsements of present and past, stunts and wild action, more unnecessary explosions that a Machete film, ups and downs and a message that all parents and kids can take away and learn from, The Lego Movie will find its way into your heart and hopefully you’ll leave feeling quite simply that everything is awesome and if not, at least I hope that damn song is stuck in your head (that’s what iTunes is for too)! It was in mine! As I put the question in your head three paragraphs above, there’s no doubt in my mind that Warner Bros. is going to have a lot of golden bricks to play with now! You can take that to the bank and cash it! I’m looking forward to this on Blu-ray! Until then…enjoy this one! There’s a new kid on the “block.”
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