February 7, 2014
Warner Bros. etc.
Children's, Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
DVD
B+
I didn't see this at the time it came out, although the trailer looked good. I didn't see it until this past summer, when I laughed my head off. I'm not into the Lego culture, and I didn't get every joke in this, but I found it to be one of the best scripts in years, both witty and thought-provoking. That I had absolutely no expectations made it all the more enjoyable, although on this second viewing I felt it held up very well. Also, the look is wonderful, all CGI but looking like it's made from actual Lego bricks.
The movie is full of contradictions, like the "Everything Is Awesome" song that is both annoying and catchy, or annoying because it's catchy, with lyrics that boost both mindless conformity and creative teamwork. It's a corporate production set in a sunny dystopia run by a fascist capitalist, who turns out to be a redeemable bad guy. Normally, I have a low tolerance for Will Ferrell, but he does well with both his in-universe villain and the live-action father. There are serious themes, but mostly it's a giddy, quotable, fast-paced ride. I don't know that it would stand up to multiple viewings and I can't say I fell in love with it, so I won't say A-, but it's definitely at least a B+.
The voice-acting obviously is a big part of the enjoyment of the movie, with the stand-out being Morgan Freeman as Vitruvius, wise and hilarious. Elizabeth Banks, who voices Wyldstyle, was Beth in 40 Year Old Virgin. Liam Neeson provides the voices for Bad Cop, Good Cop, and Pa Cop. Charlie Day is Benny. Jonah Hill voices Green Lantern. Dave Franco, who was Perry in Warm Bodies, does Wally. Chris Romano was Little Druid in This Is Spinal Tap and does the voice of Joe here.
No comments:
Post a Comment