So, this is rare. I actually was able to get into an advanced screening of the second Lego Movie, provided by AMC. I would've assumed that it was going to be completely full (and it was), but I was able to get a seat nonetheless. I didn't see the original in theaters, but eventually saw it on Hulu. I enjoyed the first one immensely. It was a legitimate surprise, a seeming corporate product revealing itself to be a very funny film looking at the appeal of Legos and just being creative and not restricting yourself. Does this film live up to this expectation?
Five years after the first film, Bricksburg, after being invaded by Duplo alien (as seen at the end of the last film), has become Apocalypseburg. However, Emmet (Chris Pratt) still retains a cheery disposition, though his entire circle has become dark and broody, like Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) and Batman (Will Arnett). Just as Emmet is settling into life in this bleak, apocalyptic landscape, the aliens attack again, and General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) manages to capture Lucy, Batman, Benny (Charlie Day), Metal Beard (Nick Offerman), and Princess Unikitty (Alison Brie). (Out of universe, Finn (Jason Sand) has the figures stolen by his younger sister Bianca (Brooklynn Prince).) Emmet then goes to rescue them, with the help of Rick Dangerfield (Chris Pratt), a badass adventure and walking joke he meets while heading to the Systar system. Meanwhile, the captured heroes meet Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi (Tiffany Haddish), who reveals her grand plan to have a marriage with Batman, and Lucy attempts to stop this impending marriage, all to the stop the " Ar-mom-ageddon". (Ha!)
This movie is even funnier than the original. I didn't know that was possible, but it was absolutely hilarious, with thousands of in-jokes, references, visual gags, and subtle nods. I was in my seat laughing my ass off. I won't ruin too much, but it gets truly spectacular with how they go about their jokes, especially in poking fun at the increasing darkness and "maturity" of recent blockbusters. Like any good sequel, it takes what works about the original and manages to expand on it. Not only with the humor, but with the plot, which, like the original, captures the fun and imagination of being young and the energy of playing around with Legos and building up these great, expansive worlds. Again, no spoilers, but like the original, there is a surpisingly poignant moral that legitimately made me cry a little. It was that impactful, and its heartfelt nature was a very pleasant surprise even for a film series as smart as this.
I had this problem with "Lego Batman" in that, unlike the first one, they didn't have many sequences where they use Legos in building sequences. They're there, certainly, and are fun while there, but I felt like more could've been in there, to help build on the foundations the original did.
When it comes out next week, go see it. Anyone who is willing or interested, go see this. This will probably be one of the best films of the year. It is fantastic in every respect, and just a sheer delight to watch. I will certainly watch this for years to come. It is a family film in all respects, in that everyone will find something to absolutely adore about this film.
Five years after the first film, Bricksburg, after being invaded by Duplo alien (as seen at the end of the last film), has become Apocalypseburg. However, Emmet (Chris Pratt) still retains a cheery disposition, though his entire circle has become dark and broody, like Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) and Batman (Will Arnett). Just as Emmet is settling into life in this bleak, apocalyptic landscape, the aliens attack again, and General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) manages to capture Lucy, Batman, Benny (Charlie Day), Metal Beard (Nick Offerman), and Princess Unikitty (Alison Brie). (Out of universe, Finn (Jason Sand) has the figures stolen by his younger sister Bianca (Brooklynn Prince).) Emmet then goes to rescue them, with the help of Rick Dangerfield (Chris Pratt), a badass adventure and walking joke he meets while heading to the Systar system. Meanwhile, the captured heroes meet Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi (Tiffany Haddish), who reveals her grand plan to have a marriage with Batman, and Lucy attempts to stop this impending marriage, all to the stop the " Ar-mom-ageddon". (Ha!)
This movie is even funnier than the original. I didn't know that was possible, but it was absolutely hilarious, with thousands of in-jokes, references, visual gags, and subtle nods. I was in my seat laughing my ass off. I won't ruin too much, but it gets truly spectacular with how they go about their jokes, especially in poking fun at the increasing darkness and "maturity" of recent blockbusters. Like any good sequel, it takes what works about the original and manages to expand on it. Not only with the humor, but with the plot, which, like the original, captures the fun and imagination of being young and the energy of playing around with Legos and building up these great, expansive worlds. Again, no spoilers, but like the original, there is a surpisingly poignant moral that legitimately made me cry a little. It was that impactful, and its heartfelt nature was a very pleasant surprise even for a film series as smart as this.
I had this problem with "Lego Batman" in that, unlike the first one, they didn't have many sequences where they use Legos in building sequences. They're there, certainly, and are fun while there, but I felt like more could've been in there, to help build on the foundations the original did.
When it comes out next week, go see it. Anyone who is willing or interested, go see this. This will probably be one of the best films of the year. It is fantastic in every respect, and just a sheer delight to watch. I will certainly watch this for years to come. It is a family film in all respects, in that everyone will find something to absolutely adore about this film.
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