Features: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, Maya Rudolph, Will Ferrell, Jadon Sand, Brooklynn Prince, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Noel Fielding | Written by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller | Directed by Mike Mitchell
When the original Lego Movie came out, you would’ve been forgiven for being cynical about its quality, but it ended up blowing minds with how hilarious and touching it was. Naturally, this means the sequel had some high expectations to live up to, so did it succeed?
The Lego Movie 2 takes place five years after the ending of the first movie. Duplo has completely taken over Bricksberg and it has been turned into a post-apocalyptic wasteland (which has clearly been inspired by Fury Road) so Emmet and his friends set out to reclaim their home. Emmet’s personal motivation is to be tougher like he thinks Lucy wants because he’s still the chipper, upbeat character we remember but it’s an attitude which doesn’t match the setting at all. Like the last movie, this all symbolises the human story going on which isn’t a twist in this one and you’ll figure it out long before the movie tells you but it doesn’t take away from anything. This movie is incredibly self-aware and meta which makes it a very hilarious ride from beginning to end.
The meta humour is incredible. This is best seen with new character, Rex Dangervest, who is voiced by Chris Pratt and is basically an amalgamation of Pratt’s most famous roles like Star Lord and Owen Grady to name a few. I will say there is a twist surrounding that character which is great but that is spoiler territory, so I won’t go into it further. Another joke that stuck with me was when Batman says to Lucy ‘Have they made any movies about you? I’ve had like five and three more in development.’ It parodies the tropes that come with post-apocalyptic movies like the intense brooding and even has a downer ending fake-out which was genius.
What I personally really loved about this movie is its perspectives on these edgy attitudes and how detrimental they can be through Lucy’s character arc in this movie. She thinks being edgy is cool but this movie challenges that outlook and shows how Emmet and his welcoming, positive and friendly outlook is probably something to be encouraged rather than changed. This was demonstrated in the original movie but is further reinforced here. It’s not saying everything in life is going to be awesome but you should find the silver lining where you can. Admittedly, it’s not the most original message but it doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant.
As far as the animation goes, I think that the first movie was made mostly from CG with some stop-motion animation. I’m not sure if they changed that or not for the sequel but regardless you would never be able to tell which is to be commended. Everything feels and looks like it is made from LEGO.
The soundtrack for this movie is like its predecessor in the respect that it contains a catchy original number which is literally called ‘Catchy Song’. It is exactly what it says on the tin and serves to be a worthy successor to ‘Everything is Awesome’. I will admit I have played ‘Catchy Song’ multiple times since I first saw this movie. There are a few more musical numbers that will make you laugh especially one involving Batman because if you’re a Batman fan, you’ll pick up every joke and reference in that song.
Overall, The Lego Movie 2 does meet the expectations of fans. It knows what it is and embraces it fully which creates a lot of fun, humour and has a refreshing perspective on these brooding attitudes that tend to dominate popular culture these days. It’s a feel-good adventure for all ages and you’ll come out of it singing the ‘Catchy Song’ and with a smile on your face.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is in cinemas from today, Friday February 8th.