Not much was expected from The LEGO Movie. Some chuckles, fun animation, and solid voice acting was all somebody over the age of 12 was expecting from The LEGO Movie. But in a hugely surprising turn of fate, The LEGO Movie is one of the best animated films of the decade. Not only is the movie gut-bustingly hilarious with really slick animation, it has a lot of heart and tells a great message. Don’t pass by The LEGO Movie because it’s for kids. Be a kid and buy a ticket right now for what’s already going to be one of 2014’s finest.
Emmet is your generic construction worker LEGO character. One day after work he comes across a mysterious figure and asks it to leave the construction site. Once he sees it’s a beautiful LEGO lady, he follows her and ends up coming across a mysterious LEGO piece. That LEGO piece is the key to stopping a plan that will pretty much end all LEGO life. It’s up to Emmet and a bunch of other LEGO figures to save LEGO freedom.
One of The LEGO Movie‘s many strengths is its story. That synopsis right there might sound weak and generic, but just like Emmet, it’s full of surprises. The LEGO Movie is one of the most creative and refreshing movies I’ve seen in a long time. The story is a little cliché with Emmet being the lonely underdog who rises up to the challenge, but you look past that because you’re having such a good time with this movie.
The LEGO Movie is one of the best comedies in years. I laughed so hard in this movie on so many different occasions where I was literally crying from laughing so hard. I had to push my hand past the 3D glasses on top of my regular glasses to wipe my eyes because I couldn’t see what was happening. I literally missed jokes from laughing so hard and my stomach was in pain walking out of the theater. Pure comedy gold.
When you’re not laughing (a rarity in this film), you’re admiring this stunning animation. Every little thing in this movie is made out of CGI LEGOs and you have to admire the hard work that went into creating this world. The action scenes are so slick too, making it all the more impressive that it looks like LEGOs. Major props to the animation team for absolutely knocking it out of the park.
Major props also needs to be given to the actors who are just phenomenal. Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, and more lend their voices to this picture and everybody does such a spectacular job. Even though nobody really changes their voice, there is still serious acting going on here. Chris Pratt in particular as Emmet is so energetic and full of life. Real effort was put into that performance. I also didn’t even know who plays Blackbeard in this movie, but when you find out who does, you will be blown away. No idea it was him.
Even the 3D in this movie was decent. It’s far from the best 3D out there, and I do recommend just 2D, but the 3D did add a few extra layers of depth to the film and it provided the movie with a cool look to it. Still, the animation doesn’t need 3D to fly off the screen although it did look a teeny bit cooler in 3D.
THE VERDICT
Everything is awesome in The LEGO Movie. This hilarious, heart-warming, and fun flick is worthy of your time and money. Few movies have blown me away as much as The LEGO Movie did and I really can not recommend you see this movie enough. There has not been a movie so far in 2014 that is worth seeing in theaters…until now.
For a second opinion on The Lego Movie be sure to also read Bryan Weatherall’s thoughts on the film, he also enjoyed the movie quite a lot. You can take a look at that review in full right here.
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