Emmett is a regular construction worker who watches everyone’s favorite TV show, drinks the same expensive coffee as everyone else, and he always follows the instructions (just like all good LEGO people). He doesn’t really have any friends, though, and most people don’t pay attention to him because he’s so ordinary.
That all changes after he falls into a really, really, really deep open pit at a construction site and finds the Piece of Resistance, causing the Master Builders to believe he is “The Special”, the one prophesied to save the world from Lord Business. Emmett is somewhat overwhelmed by all of it; Can he really live up to the expectations of everyone else? Can he convince himself he is the chosen one so he can lead everyone in their quest to defeat the evil Lord Business?
While the premise of the film is fairly simple, it is executed with skill and grace by the animators, directors, and screenwriters. There were several spots where events and other things in the film didn’t seem to make sense at the time, but everything was tied up by the end of the movie. There are many directors and screenwriters out there who could learn from the simplicity of The LEGO Movie.
The music, though not something you’d likely listen to on a regular basis, really worked well in the film and enhanced my enjoyment of it, which is the whole point of music in films. I’m sure you’ll end up with “Everything Is Awesome!!!” stuck in your head for days afterward. As you look for your pants. This makes sense once you see the film.
The animation was truly amazing! Everything other than the air was made out of LEGOs (and I’m sure they would have made the air out of them, too, if they could have figured out how to make it work). The animators paid attention to how LEGOs actually work, and made sure everything in the film worked that way. Having been a journeyman builder with LEGOs when I was young, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic all throughout it. Making things is so much fun!
The story and plot moved along at a good pace, never feeling rushed or too slow. Kiddies of all ages were entertained in the showing I attended. The script was witty and entertaining. The only drawbacks to the film were also strengths once everything was revealed: sometimes things seemed a little too convenient, “well, it’s in the script”-type moments and circumstances. I loved how well the writers and director presented these things in a manner similar to a master magician.
The LEGO Movie is a good and very solid film. It isn’t my favorite film ever, but it is one I will be watching multiple times and enjoying for many years to come. I strongly recommend it for all ages. This is a film everyone in the family can (and will) enjoy.
Release Date: February 7, 2014 (USA)
MPAA Rating: PG
MySF Rating: Four point zero stars
Family Friendliness: 100%
Alcohol/Drugs: 0
Language: 0
Nudity: 0
Sexuality: 0
Violence: 1 (comic violence, peril, and menacing bad guys)
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