Finally something with some true creativity! Readers and fellow bloggers, I present to you: The Lego Movie.
Most people have played with Legos before and can associate themselves with the toy and while this is quite the interesting premise, I was a little worried that I might not fit the film’s target audience. It’s primarily a film for kids and sometimes films for kids are too simple in their plot, humor, characters and really everything that you could be simple about. As a filmmaker appealing to a young audience, you want to make sure your story isn’t too confusing or complex so that everyone can be involved, understand what is going on and have a good time. While this is great for younger lifeforms, seasoned movie-goers like myself prefer some complexity, originality and depth that goes beyond the simple.
Worries aside, a talented assembly of actors got put together for this film including Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson. I have to admit I was surprised they didn’t also have Samuel L. Jackson or Russell Crowe because they have such iconic voices, voices that if given comedic lines, especially talking about Jackson here, they would have the talent to deliver. When I think of voice acting and who I want in each role, I think of two things: 1) Who can fit the character I’m trying to write and 2) Who has a voice that is distinguishable and iconic enough to make a difference? I admit I didn’t pick out Will Ferrell’s voice until later in the film. Guess that means I don’t watch enough Will Ferrell movies. Moving on though, I did like the casting. The right voices were chosen for these characters, although I have to mention again that if Samuel L. Jackson’s voice was heard coming out of a Lego man, I would have been extremely happy, so a slight bit of disappointment in that regard.
The plot and dialogue are fun, laughable and enjoyable for all audiences. It’s basic and complex at the same time, putting the story of a regular guy who wants to be special on a pedestal for all to see and ponder like a statue in a museum. That’s the character Emmet is, the guy who’s just looking for his own little niche in a big, big world where everyone’s got something going for them, something that makes them memorable and more than just a name. Emmet’s still looking for what his something is and he thinks he’s found it when he falls upon a rare artifact that according to a prophecy makes him the chosen one, the man who will save the world from Lord Business. As the plot progresses and more is revealed to the audience, the story makes you think more about yourself, especially when the big reveal is uncovered at the end of the film. That’s what the spoiler’s edition is for, but for those who haven’t seen the film yet, this is what I’m willing to say: the ending reminds you of your childhood and what it meant to be a kid.
Finally the visuals, which I’m sure is what most people came to the theater to see, are excellent. The modeling and animation are superb and far beyond basic in their execution. I was very impressed and could only imagine how long it must have taken to put all those pieces together.
Once again, if you’re new to my blog, I’ve always ranked movies on a scale of 0-100 (I don’t know why, I just always have). Here’s the grading scale.
90-100 It’s a great movie and definitely one worth buying. (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Mission Impossible, Mission Impossible II, Mission Impossible III)
80-89 It was a pretty good movie and definitely one worth seeing, but it doesn’t quite scratch my top ten percentile. (Lone Survivor, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Next Three Days, Basic, The Other Guys)
70-79 It’s okay but I’ve seen better. It has its moments, but it has its flaws, too. (Escape Plan, Captain America: The First Avenger, Dawn of the Dead, Flyboys, 300)
60-69 It’s got plenty wrong with it but I still got enjoyment out of this one. (Pacific Rim, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Disaster Movie)
50-59 This movie isn’t intolerable but it’s not blowing my mind either. I’m trying really hard to get some sort of enjoyment out of this. (Aliens, Alien Resurrection, Full Metal Jacket, Thor, You’re Next)
40-49 This movie is just mediocre. It’s not doing anything other than the bare minimal, so morbidly boring that sometimes I’m actually angry I watched this. (Pitch Black, Alien, Serendipity, Cowboys and Aliens, 300: Rise of an Empire)
30-39 Definitely worse than mediocre, the 30’s ironically define the 1930’s, full of depression, lack of accomplishments, poverty and just so dumb. (The Contract, Pride and Prejudice, Redemption)
20-29 What did I just watch? Cliches, stupidity, nothingness, did I mention stupidity? Just…wow. (The Sum of All Fears, Thor: The Dark World)
0-19 Watching this movie resulted in one or more of the following: seizure, loss of brain cells, falling asleep/unconsciousness, feel you wasted your time/day, accomplished nothing for you, left the movie knowing less about it then you did going into it, constantly asking yourself why you came to see this movie, or near-death experience. In short, staring at a wall was just as entertaining as watching this movie. This movie deserved a sticker or a label that said, “WARNING: EXTREME AMOUNT OF SUCKAGE.” (Midnight Cowboy, Dark Fury, Alien 3, Open Grave)
My score for The Lego Movie: 87.
Despite worries about the material, The Lego Movie proves to be worthy of the time of all age groups, both young and old. Life lessons that can be applied to everyone as well as humor and dialogue that can be easily entertained, The Lego Movie is definitely a must-see as well as a movie that I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel for.
*SPOILER ALERT* IF YOU DON’T WANT THE MOVIE SPOILED, STOP READING!!!
*SPOILER’S EDITION*
There are references made to the “guy upstairs” in the film and the great reveal shows that all that is happening is on a large-scale map in a basement through the hands of a young kid. His father, played by Will Ferrell, comes down to find his son “messing up” his perfect world. Through a little discussion, Ferrell comes to the realization that the whole fun of Legos is that you can make stuff and play with it and then break it up and create something new again, that it’s not about making one thing and keeping it the same forever. It’s heartfelt and true stuff.
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