It's Fun Moving at the Speed of Light

Rating: 8/10 (25 February 2014)

I have a confession, and it might seem shocking. I'm not exactly a fan of Chris Miller and Phil Lord's directorial work. I mean who really remembers Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? Because it went out of my mind a long time ago. I also have another confession, and it might seem even more shocking than the other. Ready? Okay. I haven't watched 21 Jump Street. I know, it's pretty bad. But don't get me wrong, I've tried to catch it. Believe me. But I seem to forget about it all the time, kinda like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Uncanny eh? Although, I have one final confession, and this one might be the most shocking of them all. Ready? Sure? Okay. I recently watched a film directed by Miller and Lord, and everything about it was awesome. I know. Did I really just come out with that? Excuse me but I couldn't help myself. The film you ask? Its The Lego Movie folks.
Yes, the iconic plastic pieces have finally got their own movie on the big screen. It's no real surprise is it? In fact it's about time. Lego has been apart of a children's toy box since the '40s and it was certainly apart of mine. So was I jumping around in excitement when I heard about it coming to the box office? Slightly. That was, until I heard Miller and Lord were directing it. I swear I don't hate them. But it made me think of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and that started giving me the shivers. All I was expecting was another forgetful animation, was I wrong? You bet I was.
The Lego Movie is pure magic. This animation is a film that dares to go big and give Lego the true thank you it deserves. Miller and Lord go to extreme efforts to impress, captivate and show their love for the retro blocks while sharing the love all-round. The big softies. Who knew they had a soul? I certainly didn't. But this block madness clearly reinforces that, with the duo creating a universe that is endless and visually spectacular in all it's plastic glory. Did I mention it's also bonkers? No? Well it is. Want Abraham Lincoln flying around on a rocket- powered chair? You got it here. Want Morgan Freeman as a wizard? You got it here. Honestly, the crazy possibilities will keep on coming as if you're constructing it from your own imagination. It's just wonderful.
Getting amazed and swallowed into this universe was effortless. Not only is the world building captivating by Miller and Lord but the main protagonist is also. Introduction Emmet, the construction worker who is voiced by the enthusiastic Chris Pratt. Great casting right there. Not only does Pratt give Emmet a voice, but he also gives him a whole lot more. Charm, charisma and heart comes to mind right now. But Emmet only wants to be a sheep, trying to fit into the conformist ideology this film constructs early on.
This is soon abolished quickly and thankfully as Emmet accidentally comes across the "Piece of Resistance", this being the only item that can stop wicked Lord Business (Will Ferrell) from obliterating the world with his powerful Kragle. Resilient, rigid Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) immediately swoops in to identify Emmet as the Special, prophesied to be the most extraordinary person in the universe and swiftly whisks him off to join the Master Builders in a rebellion.
As we are introduced to a star studded cast of Master Builders it almost feels like all of Hollywood has rolled into town. We meet such characters like Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), douche bag Batman (Will Arnett), and spaceship junkie Benny (Charlie Day). Unfortunately none of them believe in Emmet including himself.
The film's narrative arc revolves around Emmet, following the traditional steps of a hero's journey. But, Miller and Lord manage to make it fresh by mocking the overall adventure, poking fun at it's clichés and sprinkling it all over with plenty of gags and jokes. Both these are not limited to one audience either, oh no. The duo have conjured up a screenplay that will appeal to both kids and adults. It's subversive and playful attitude echoes throughout the hour and forty minutes you are sat watching. But aside from relentless overworked segments in the third act, The Lego Movie runs rapidly with no need to slow down for one second. It's fun moving at the speed of light. Can't get any better than that can it?