Animation Heads: The Lego Movie

Hey folks, Jackson, Kyle, and Anthony here. And we’re the animation heads! Today we’ll give you our thoughts on The Lego Movie.

The Lego Movie is a 2014 animated film written and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from a story by Lord, Miller, and Dan and Kevin Hageman. The first film produced by the Warner Animation Group, as well as Village Roadshow Pictures, Lego System A/S, Lin Pictures, and Vertigo Entertainment, The Lego Movie was released on February 7, 2014 by Warner Bros. Pictures. It became a critical and commercial success, grossing $468.1 million worldwide against its $60–65 million budget. The Lego Movie received several awards and nominations: an Annie Award and a BAFTA, and nominations for a Golden Globe and a Grammy. The film has expanded into a major franchise that ties into the Lego brand, such as the sequel The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019); two spin-off films The Lego Batman Movie (2017) and The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017).

Based on the Lego line of construction toys, its story focuses on Emmet, an ordinary Lego minifigure who helps a resistance movement stop a tyrannical businessman from gluing everything in the Lego world into his vision of perfection.

Jackson’s Thoughts:

The Lego Movie, a goofy, creative, and poignant film with an all-star cast including Christ Pratt and Will Farrell, is both worth a watch and a fun experience. With unique stylish stop-motion-esque animation seemingly made of legos, it’s a masterfully animated film with stellar voice acting and well-written fun storyline, The Lego Movie is a wonderful watch.

Score:

7/10

Kyle’s Thoughts:

It’s nothing personal. It’s just business. Lord business. The lego movie is a mildly entertaining watch, however, it seems like it was designed to blow the mind of a ten to eleven year old boy. I still thought the protagonist was an original concept.

Score:

6.5/10

Anthony’s Thoughts:

The Lego Movie is a fun adventure film for the whole family. It has a lot of humor to spare, and even a little bit of heart with a surprising strong moral core. The story is simple, even a tiny bit childish. But what else would one expect from a movie about Legos? This movie does not have to take itself so seriously. It can be goofy and quirky, but still be entertaining throughout. With that said, it also includes a climax that will touch the hearts of many. I will not spoil it because it is worth watching on its own. The animation is so well done. The animation was completed by Animal Logic, the studio behind Happy Feet (2006) and Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010). And boy did they do a fantastic job! The film combines modern computer animation with stop motion techniques to create a visually engaging film. The characters also feel authentic. They take on old stereotypes and put their own spin on it. Emmet is a character to root for because he gets severely overlooked and is looking for an identity. But it is not in an egotistical way, but rather an innocent and positive way. Overall, this film is a must-watch! Not only is it one of Warner’s best animated films, but it is also one of the best animated films of the last decade! Shame on the Oscars for not giving this film a Best Animated Feature nomination!

Score:

9/10