Released this past Friday, Feb. 7, “The Lego Movie” has rocketed through theaters, bringing absolute joy to audiences around the world. Featuring a star studded cast, breathtaking visuals and nonstop laughs, “The Lego Movie” has proven to be one of the best 2014 films so far.
Grossing a total of $69.1 million over the weekend, placing it on a well deserved pedestal of No. 1 movie in the world, “The Lego Movie” is being raved about everywhere. The movie was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the duo that brought us “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “21 Jump Street,” and they are being credited with yet another charming creation.
A combination of Animated CGI and very impressive stopmotion, “The Lego Movie” has grabbed the attention of audiences of all ages, rather than just ages four to 12 as it “suggests” on the boxes of the legendary building toys. One of the most entertaining aspects of “The Lego Movie” is the cast. Our main character Emmet is voiced by Chris Pratt from “Parks and Recreation” and is accompanied by a large ensemble of powerful “Master Builders” as well as various others voiced by a wide range of well-known actors. Emmet’s skilled team of allies includes Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), the wizard Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), a colossal cyborgpirate named Metal Beard (Nick Offerman), the caped crusader Batman (Will Arnett) as well as several other equally entertaining characters. Other popular names that are featured include “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Charlie Day as a 1980s-something spaceman, Cobie Smulders from “How I Met Your Mother” as the Amazonian Wonder Woman, as well as Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as Superman and the Green Lantern, respectively. Even the film’s villains are voiced by enormous names in entertainment, such as President Business, the tyrannical ruler of Bricksburg and the world, who is voiced by the hilarious Will Ferrell, and his henchmen, Badcop (and Goodcop) voiced by legendary actor Liam Neeson. Not only does this great collection of voices impress the audience, but the witticisms and cleverness behind each character’s dialogue tantalizes every viewer.
Without a doubt, the most spectacular characteristic of this film is the visual appeal. Stunning and vibrant colors are featured in every single scene throughout the film. The film is made entirely out of Lego bricks (of course), and the motions of the seemingly limited Lego Minifigures are enhanced tenfold by the animators at Animal Logic. Containing 3,863,484 Lego bricks, every reflective plastic piece is expertly lighted and each distinctive Minifigure’s movements are fluid and aesthetic.
The spark behind the writing of this film keeps its wonderfully silly and fun plot rolling. Each line packs a great laugh and is delivered surgically to create the best dialogue possible. Every piece of the movie’s script is laced with humor for children and adults alike, making “The Lego Movie” a truly perfect family film. All in all, “The Lego Movie” is a fantastic treat that truly makes you think about the limitless potential of the heritage toy and the relationship we all have with it.
