This film was robbed of an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, and many were devastated. I can see why, however, what the Academy couldn't mention as this spoils the film is that is it probably didn't qualify based on a technicality. It also contains actual people.
Thanks to President Business (Will Ferrell) everything in Lego Land functions like a well oiled machine, everyone follows the instructions and none do that better than Emmet (Chris Pratt). In fact, Emmet is so good no one even notices him. He's usually ignored, but he doesn't get upset. But one day, at the end of work, he sees someone who shouldn't be there: Wild Style (Elizabeth Banks). He doesn't report her because she's so beautiful. She's part of the resistance, determined to undermine President Business's plan and join an object with the Kragle (glue) so everything can go back to the way things were: with rules or regulations. Everyone can be themselves.
From here, some interesting characters are introduced: Batman (Will Arnett) Wild Style's boyfriend who only likes working with black or dark gray legos, Princess Unkitty (Alison Brie) who always tries to think positively and Master Pirate (Nick Offerman) who manages to save the day.
Though Emmet's plans are simple and most think that they are completely stupid, he still manages to save the day with his double decker couch. Even the God-like figure of Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) thinks that idea was just the worst, but it saves their lives from Bad Cop (Liam Neeson) although Bad Cop is actually okay, in the end.
Emmet also decides that the last thing the President would think the Master Builders would do is follow the instructions and that's what they do even if it goes against the fiber of their very being. Things go almost according to plan until Bad Cop shows up and ruins everything. The special piece is tossed away and Emmet is devastated to learn that he is not actually the Special and that Vitruvius made up the prophecy but anyone could be special if they are told that they are which is what happens. The Man Upstairs decides to let his young son actually play with all the lego pieces even if things are no longer exactly so.
Life is a free for all but everyone is themselves and they are all special.
The film's message is something tried and true and at the least the journey is incredibly enjoyable. We should all be ourselves and a simple compliment can go a long way to reviving someone's spirits and self-esteem. Even something so simple could be so meaningful and brighten someone's day.
Fortunately, everything in this film just works. The voice acting is great and though the plot has been done before, some of the jokes are new and the characters just interesting enough to make it seem fresh. There are also some voice cameos from Channing Tatum and Billy Dee Williams reprises his role as Lando in the brief Star Wars scene. Sure, the ending is incredibly predictable as Batman kindly surrenders Lucy (Wild Style's real name) to Emmet so everyone can be happy. (Rebound much?) Yet, the main song is so catchy it will stick in your head for days. This film cannot be hated.
I didn't really like that the film got metaphysical when they brought in real people although that small part also had meaning as the father learned to let his son be free to express himself. This part made the film seem just odd and pulled out of that special world the legos had created. That being said, I still loved the film and will gladly watch it again. Grade: A-
No comments:
Post a Comment