Donlevy Reviews The Lego Movie!

Everything is awesoooome....

Wow. 

If you think of something called The Lego Movie, the first thought would probably be anything but what it actually is. What could have easily been a cashed-in, generation pandering, monetized-centred mess of wasted talent turned out to be the exact opposite, and likely one of the best movies of the year. Easily one of the most memorable, quotable, and all around enjoyable films in recent memory, The Lego Movie is a stunning achievement in nearly every field, and one that both younger and older generations can experience together.

Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt) is a simple Lego construction worker, and one who is so non-outstanding that all others fail to find anything noteworthy about him. Always following the instructions to the number, Emmet lacks free-thinking in his simple life. This all changes with a chance encounter with the fiery Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), where Emmet encounters the mystical Piece of Resistance, and is then thought by Wyldstyle and Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) to be the prophesied "Special," who will save the world from Lord Business (Will Ferrell) and his superweapon, the "Kragle." Emmet's simple life is turned upside down as he encounters the other "Master Builders," including Wyldstyle's boyfriend Batman (Will Arnett), the pirate Metal Beard (Nick Offerman), and the "1980's-something spaceman," Benny (Charlie Day).

The plot is really cool, and it's all extremely well paced. The film doesn't hold back in showing off many different and unique locations, and it's always exciting to see cameos from characters and sets that you may not have been expecting. It adds to the excitement and anticipation of what's to come, and keeps you invested for the entire duration of the film. The voice acting is top-notch, with a stellar cast of some of the finest actors around. Everyone I mentioned before is charming, witty, and funny, and I might add that Will Arnett plays the best Batman I've heard in a long time. And to top it off, there's Liam Neeson as Bad Cop/Good Cop, who is after Emmet and the Builders. It helps in no small feat that the writing is both smart and funny, able to appeal to a wide audience both young and old. Nothing feels awkward or out of place, and along with the previously mentioned voice actors, it all just works seamlessly and flawlessly.

From the beginning, there are numerous hints and nods to the larger scope of the narrative, from the self-referential humour to the direct acknowledgement of other "sets." In a way, it has a meta feel, but it's one that I think everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy based on experience. There's a particular twist later in the film that drives everything home, and all the build-up and references, pardon the pun, fall into place. The best part of it though is just how well it works. It's as if with one swift move, the movie becomes immediately more than the sum of it's parts (again, pardon the pun). I'm obviously not spoiling it, but it really does just elevate the movie on a whole new level. It becomes something more significant in a subtle and non-pretentious way, and it has a lasting and immeasurable appeal that spans the generations of everyone watching the movie. It sounds silly and far-out, but in the context of the film, it somehow totally fits.

Visually, the movie is entirely comprised of LEGO pieces. And when I say entirely, I mean everything from the clouds to the fire effects. It's a visually amazing film, and in terms of animation alone, it's one of the best. Construction, and especially destruction, of various pieces, buildings, or sets is filled with intricate pieces everywhere, and there is one scene in particular that rivals the most dramatic Lego destruction you may have ever thought of. The designs of everything from Batman's Bat-Vehicles to Lord Business's tower are neat and worthy of set's unto themselves (which I imagine are a reality anyway). And a lot of the times when pieces are moving around, there's this funny and cute little whooshing or "child-like" sound that accompanies it. And uh, speaking of sound, The Lego Movie is also not without a delightful soundtrack of it's own, along with one ever-catchy song you'll have to see the movie to hear in a proper form. It's...um...well it's sort of...awesome...

Which pretty much sums up the movie in general, everything is awesome! I really didn't expect this kind of passion and nuance in a Lego movie, and yet, here I sit proven delightfully wrong. It is a fabulous film, well and truly. It's got something for everyone, no matter the age, and the movie doesn't shy away from bringing a strong charm and humour that nails all the notes, and then some. Rounded off by a fantastic voice cast and extremely well done animation and visuals, The Lego Movie is something Special. An undoubtedly memorable film that is sure to be one of the best of the year, The Lego Movie is not to be missed.

SPACESHIP!


YAY

• Appealing to literally everybody, young and old.
• Infinitely charming and funny.
• Fantastically, uh, fantastic voice acting!
• Visually amazing. Everything is LEGO and it's awesome! Everything is awesome...
• Superb twist later on that makes an already great movie an incredible movie.
  
• SPACESHIP!

NAY

• No real issue with the film in which I can put something into the "NAY" part of this review. Seriously, any faults are few and far between.

SPACESHIP!