‘The LEGO Movie’: Simply awesome!

BY Ralph Degollacion
(The Red Brick Store)

“The LEGO Movie” boasts a super talented voice cast that includes Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson, and Morgan Freeman. (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)

The LEGO Movie is a story about Emmet, a typical Lego rule-following mini-figure, who accidentally finds a relic that can challenge the almost absolute power of evil Lord Business over the nine realms of the Lego universe. Mistaken by a tough woman named Wyldstyle as the Special (the greatest Master Builder), who was prophesized by old wizard Vitruvius to save the Lego universe, Emmet’s heretofore ordinary life quickly changes. As he is hunted down upon strict orders from Lord Business, Emmet finds help from master builders including Batman, Uni-kitty, Benny, and Metalbeard to escape Lord Business and maybe even save the Lego universe.

The LEGO Movie stars Chris Pratt as the voice of lead character Emmet (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)

As a first-time movie reviewer, I can say that The LEGO Movie is a unique animation film that showcased how versatile the famous building toy can be. The LEGO Movie featured the different themes of Lego (the iconic plastic toy bricks which originated from Denmark in the 1940s). I’m pretty sure Lego fans, especially the AFOLs (Adult Fans of Lego), will appreciate the efforts of the producers to fit all the Lego themes into the plot. I’m also impressed by how detailed each set is, from Emmet’s bedroom to the canyons of the Wild West.

Among “The LEGO Movie”‘s star-studded cast is Morgan Freeman as the voice of the old wizard Vitruvius (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)

I also found the movie fun and highly family-oriented. There were no dull moments, largely  thanks to the witty lines of the characters. Among the star-studded cast, I think Chris Pratt (Emmet), Will Ferrell (Lord Business), Morgan Freeman (Vitruvius), and Will Arnett (Batman) all did an excellent job. Moviegoers can also expect and delight in seeing familiar characters in Lego form, such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and even William Shakespeare!

Uni-Kitty (Alison Brie), Emmet (Chris Pratt), Batman (Will Arnett), Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), and Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)

Aside from its above-average entertainment value, another great thing about The LEGO Movie is its awesome moral lessons. Parents can rest assured their kids will not only have a great time in the theater, but learn a thing or two, or three, as well. First, that team work is awesome. Emmet taught the master builders that they can do more if they work together. Second, that believing in yourself (with proper guidance) is awesome. Vitruvius, the old wizard, with some help from Wyldstyle a.k.a Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), built Emmet’s confidence to help him trust his instincts and his imagination in order to unlearn ingrained instructions from President Business (Ferrell). And third, that humility is awesome. Emmet’s honest and humble attitude gained him new friends and respect even from the Master Builder.

Lego love! “22 Jump Street” costars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill voice minor characters in the film, as do TV’s Cobie Smulders, Will Forte, and Jorma Taccone (former SNL regular The Lonely Island group). (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)

Simply put, the movie was just awesome (find out how they made the movie here!). Though some grownups might find the story a bit short or shallow, the main audience of this movie–the kids!–will surely enjoy the film (and will surely hope for a sequel, too.).

Directors/Screenplay: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Producers: Dan Lin, Roy Lee
Cast: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Will Arnett, Liam Neeson, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Cobie Smulders, Will Forte, Jorma Taccone
Running time: 1 hr 41 mins
Based on: LEGO construction toys

The LEGO Movie , distributed by Warner Bros., opens in Philippine cinemas on February 6, 2014.

The Red Brick Store is an online Lego store. Among its newest items are mini-figures from the LEGO Movie! Check out their latest stocks here.