Movie Review - The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
What a charming, amusing, engaging, but ultimately fluffy bit of fun The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is. It's right up there with the enjoyment level of the original Lego film and The Lego Batman Movie, although perhaps a little less sensibly told, narratively, than either.
The story rambles all over the place, with most scenes serving as adorable kiddie sight gags and adulty-level Easter Eggs. Nothing really important happens. ()
I wish there had been more of the kind of Master Builder moments we saw originally -- which is kind of what the Lego phenomenon ("Kragle" aside) is about. I think there was one split-second where Lucy has a callback to her Master Building skills, and it's instantly glossed over. However, note that Master Wrecking is now a thing. The double decker couch does make a return appearance...so yay there. :-)
It's a timely enough truism for all ages, whether you are a President in charge of the world, or a young kid just wanting to be included.
What else? We don't get enough Unikitty (NEED MOAR kitty!), MetalBeard, or Benny the Spaceman...although Lucy, Emmet, and Batman do quite well for themselves. Chris Pratt carries off a dual role with his usual big-hearted goofy aplomb. (Most of the runtime showcases Pratt's two characters talking to each other. It works, but takes away from the initial engaging ensemble appeal.)
There's also a TON of fantastic minor voice cameos, illustrating how excited many celebrities were to have even a tiny bit to contribute to the Lego spotlight.
Also, if you like science fiction -- and especially time travel movies -- there's a little nod to everything notable in that realm of film iconography. (Example: even Hot Tub Time Machine has a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shoutout, and that's digging deep into adorkable movie randomness.)
You can tell Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, and Elizabeth Banks -- with the welcome addition of Tiffany Haddish -- had a GREAT time filming their sequel. They clearly went all in. According to Chris Prat's latest tweets, he's thrilled with Lego 2. While Pratt seems legit thrilled with everything in life (he kind of IS Emmet), this is a worthwhile movie event for everyone.
I have no complaints (besides a couple of minor nits to pick, already mentioned), and had an "Awesome" time at the movies.
I even went to the Lego store next-door to my AMC theater immediately afterward, and picked up a mini-figure of Emmet, because I now kind of love him. (And then lost an hour wandering around and fantasizing about assembling Lego Deathstars, Hogwarts Castles, Millennium Falcons, and Jurassic Park set-pieces, but apparently that's a hobby for the rich. Yikes. It makes me understand the whole "Kragel" business -- if I spend that kind of money and time on something, nobody better not mess with it.)
PS: You don't need to see Lego Batman to understand Lego 2 (Batman's solo films is passed off with a toss-away line). And you can ignore The Lego Ninjago Movie entirely. Trust.
PPS: This song is gonna get stuck inside your head.
Grade: A-
Rated (PG) for mild action and rude humor Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation
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