Movie Review: The Lego Movie (2014)

The frenziedly cheerful Lego Movie has stomped on the domestic competition for three weeks in a row now, and with excellent reason. The script, voice acting, and effects come together in a wildly energetic story about character, creativity, and resilience. It's a spectacular movie for kids and adults who fondly remember being kids!

The Lego Movie follows Emmett (voice of Chris Pratt), a construction Lego so ordinary that even his coworkers can't really describe (or recall) him. By some twist of fate, Emmett becomes ensnared in a prophecy wherein "The Special" will save the world. With hyper-competent Master Builder Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) and the godlike Vitruvios (Morgan Freeman) by his side, Emmett travels across the various Lego Lands to gather the exiled Master Builders and end President Business' (Will Ferrell) reign of micromanaging terror.

The movie upends classic themes and tropes with gleeful enthusiasm. Conformity and complacency are mocked mercilessly with the side-splitting song, "Everything is Awesome." The concept of the fated hero is similarly delivered with barely concealed laughter by the voice actors. There's a surprising move away from the animated at one point, to illustrate the adult need for control, and it's extremely effective in adding more layers to the story.

Now...no more spoilers! Honestly, just watch it. It's AMAZING. I'm going to go again just so I can bellow along to "Everything is Awesome."

This post brought to you by Fragrant Husband, who will come with me to my second viewing!