Review of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

These are the best words to describe how good, this sequel, really is! I truly do like this movie directed by Mike Mitchell, a lot. However, I do understand, those in the audience whom found this animation motion picture, somewhat underwhelming. Not everything in this film is truly awesome. The 2019 computer animated adventure comedy film produced by Warner Animation Group does seem to have some problems. For starters, the live-active parts for this motion picture written by Phil Lord & Chris Miller is very similar to the first film to the point that it seem somewhat recycled or rehash, even if they introduce that concept in the original 2014 movie. While, the struggles between siblings learning how to work together is compelling and emotional, doesn't go against Lego's founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen's policy of non-violence. It does felt a little less impactful, knowing now, that the story within the animation Legos world are told through the imagination of young children playing with them. The shock and awe of seeing live subjects in an animation movie is not as astonishing as it once was. It doesn't help that these sequences are also a little too over present and pacing really drawn out. In the end, that concept doesn't really seem that fresh. Nevertheless, I still have to give props to the film for going somewhere ambitious with the 'growing up' cynical & angst type narrative, even if the complex storytelling techniques involving intergalactic time travelling seem somewhat convoluted, vague & making little to no sense. Nor could I hold the film, against, the whole rushed marriage subplot, because, after all, in story, these parts are coming from a mixer of childlike fantasies from two different kids trying to cope & act more mature with each other. The story of Emmett Brickowski (Voiced by Chris Pratt) having to rescue his friends from alien kidnappers is supposed to be, somewhat sloppy. However, this choice somewhat ruins the big twist toward the end of the film; to the point, that became somewhat predictable. Regardless of the story, I still love the voice cast & its many wacky characters. Pratt is loveable in both the duo roles, he has here. Elizabeth Banks as Lucy was alright with the performance, she gave. As for the supporting characters like Benny (Voiced by Charlie Day), MetalBeard (Voiced by Nick Offerman) & Princess UniKitty (Voiced by Alison Brie). While, their characters weren't given much to do, the voice work for them were also fine. I also dig seeing the various Lego characters, either original or from licensed properties, make cameos or play bit parts. All of them both old and new, including their voice performers were decent, both in acting and in singing. Nevertheless, it is Will Arnett as Batman that takes the cake for me. Arnett's gravelly tones and deadpan delivery are excellent; especially with the scenes with Tiffany Haddish as Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi, the shape-shifting alien queen. I'm one of the few people that love 'the Gotham City Guys' musical number. As for the other songs, including one about why the evil queen isn't evil and another that's an ode to the movie's closing credits. It's all very silly, but very likable stuff. The movie has own frantic sense of humor with inside jokes, sight gags, innuendos, breaking the fourth wall humors, slapstick, and pop culture references. Some of them, might goes over the head of certain people, whom hasn't expose to the source materials in which, the film is satirizing or making parody of. Other jokes might fall flat, due to the fact that they essentially, just callbacks to the first movie. Regardless of that, this motion picture is beautiful to look at. I like how the animation team recognized that how kids would likely not only use Lego bricks, but also incorporate other materials, such as fabrics and paper. It has that glitch prone stop motion characteristic of what a Lego movie might look like. However, the combination of quick moving CGI with stop motion characteristic is a bit hard to follow during a few action scenes. There were a few things on the screen, going way too fast for me, to figure out, what is going on. Still, for the most part, the movie's animation is top notch. Overall: This sequel is one block party worth going to! Everything about this flick is catchy. It reminds us, how powerful, imagination and teamwork can be, in the process of building and creation. That's a good message for all ages. This movie shows that Legos are still pretty awesome. Recommend to the highest degree, no matter who you are or how old you are. Go see it.