The Lego Movie

Me and my inner child went to see the Lego Movie. This is a funny and very clever movie. For bits of plastic these characters have distinct personalities. The script is excellent and the voice actors bring the Lego pieces to life. Morgan Freeman is the Gandalf dude. Chris Pratt plays Emmitt a clueless, not too bright, proto-hero who is guided and protected by Lucy, played by Elizabeth Banks. Will Farrell plays evil President Business with uncharacteristic restraint (he mercifully keeps his shirt on). The focus of the movie is Emmitt’s journey of transformation and pitted against the perils of President Business.

The movie is a mélange of genres and characters. There is the Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Cowboys and Indians and super heroes (all DC). A lot of the jokes had to do with what these characters traditionally do. A character specific to the movie is Bad Cop, played by Liam Neeson, who is the enforcer for President Business.

The plot is not simple and keeps your attention. The ending is a bit unexpected. The animation is outstanding. The movie incorporates the different Lego building sets as part of the movie and the combination of characters makes the movie funny.

This movie does not have the high adult crossover appeal like Toy Story. Toy Story appealed to children and adults with the kids oblivious to the double entendres of Woody and Bo Peeps. For kids and young adults, the Lego Movie is a home run. For the rest of us, tap into your inner child.