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This computer-animated comedy film is well on its way to doubling its $60-million dollar
budget only a week after its February 7, 2014 release. Co-directors Phil Lord and Chris
Miller expertly incorporate conventional stop-motion techniques into the magnificent CGI-work from
Animal Logic, bringing their marvelously inventive and colorful LEGO land to life. The visual
effects are impeccably realistic-looking: which sees literally everything, including
ocean waves and fireball explosions, rendered to look like those tiny interlocking bricks.
Rather ostentatiously based on the famous line of construction toys from the 65-year-old
Danish company, this 100-minute adventure remains remarkably faithful to its source
material. Since I absolutely loved building unique LEGO sets as a child, this film not
only made me feel like a kid again, it also transports its audience into a child's imagination.
Chris Pratt lends his voice to the lead character: an ordinary and average LEGO guy who gets
swept up in an improbable quest to save the world from the dastardly plans of "Lord Business"...
an evil character brilliantly voiced by Will Ferrell, who frequently reminds his subjects
to "follow the instructions". Pratt's wide-eyed portrayal of a regular guy discovering his
potential for greatest is a delicate and endearing one. Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Liam Neeson,
Morgan Freeman, and plenty of inspired guest-appearances make up the all-star cast of talented voice-players.
I especially loved Charlie Day as the overeager "1980-something space guy", who gets more
than a little excited when he's finally permitted to build his spaceship. The amusing plot remains
uncomplicated enough for kids to follow-along and understand, but includes enough subtle-jokes,
cameos, and sight-gags to entertain older viewers as well. Flying by with a mile-a-minute
pace, this is a rapturously fun and exciting motion picture that commendably takes some
chances with a wonderful third-act twist. The whimsical score by composer Mark Mothersbaugh
perfectly sets the mood, while an oft-repeated in-world sing-along song reminds the characters,
and audience alike that "Everything Is Awesome". Although unashamedly functioning as one big
advertisement, it has heart: encouraging the importance of individuality, the dangers of
abusing power, and reminding kids and adults alike why it's important to keep dreaming.
It may just be a predictable kid's film, but it's easily the best animated feature since
"Toy Story 3". An endlessly rewatcable, PG-rated spectacle, "The LEGO Movie", is "Beautiful
childhood wonder, hilariously realized." Now let's hear some of your thoughts about this
picture.
"The LEGO Movie"... scores a NINE and a NINE. You loved the animation, humor, and huge array
of characters, rating this an awesome. I completely agree, there was plenty to love here - and
while I'll be holding off on the top-score for now, I felt the movie said it best, everything
is AWESOME.