Rating: B+
LEGO: “a construction toy consisting of interlocking plastic building blocks.” Riveting. But seriously, within the parameters of what is and is not possible to do with LEGO, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller created what was actually a very delightful film. These two appear to be a Hollywood alliance. Co-directing Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, the new 21 Jump Street and their sequels, with one accord: “We really wanted it to be a really emotionally compelling and very cinematic movie. We also wanted it to be a silly cartoon at the same time.” – Miller.
Silly - now there’s a word to describe the stellar voice acting performances of this exceptional cast. Morgan Freeman, Will Farrell and Will Arnett, Liam Neeson and Shaquille O’Neal – I think these big name blockbuster boys speak for themselves. Also, they speak for LEGO. Really, this is an hour and a half of advertising. But at least it’s big budget.
The whole thing is like 1984, but for nine-year-olds. The LEGO universe is controlled by President Business (Will Farrell), who ensures that everyone completes their daily tasks by following the set instructions; you see where they’re going with this?
The LEGO movie tells the story of the most average of all “Average Joes” – Emmett, the construction worker, who becomes our unlikely hero as he learns the importance of thinking for oneself, the value of creativity, believing in yourself … well, you get the idea.
It’s a kids’ movie, really, but what makes it so satisfying is the level of self-consciousness. The film is constantly self-referential, from what become inside jokes to reminding viewers that everything is LEGO. The themes are a little trite, but there is a beauty in the nostalgia of LEGO and, visually, it’s a treat.
I recommend this movie. It’s not trying to be highbrow cinema. But it is clever, it’s creative, and it’s been realised astutely. So go, be entertained, delighted and dazzled for an hour and a half. Oh, the things you can do with LEGO. Available from all purveyors of quality toys.
The Lego Movie
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
