The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

Thinking back over my last several years of doing Rath's Reviews I hold a very special place in my heart for the original Lego Movie. 

To this day, it's still one of the best animated movies I've reviewed and one of the most shockingly pleasant surprises to come from Hollywood in recent years. What could have been an obvious cash grab and a heavy plug for the best toy ever invented, turned out to be a highly-original, wonderfully animated, and touching story that was side-splittingly hilarious. 

The Lego Movie was one of the most significant breaths of fresh air I've had while doing these reviews. It shouldn't have worked, but it blew away so many expectations.

Naturally I was excited, but secretly very nervous for a sequel. With that "breath of fresh air" aspect gone and expectations for this franchise set, how would this film deliver? Especially considering that the quality had slowly, but very minutely, been dipping with the Lego Batman and Ninjago films.

And while I was enjoying the trailers leading up to The Second Part, I also wasn't blown away. Would WB and Lego decide that this was the film they could phone in and cash in on? I begged it wouldn't be true, especially after the slow/poor start we've had this year.

I'm excited to tell you that, while it's only a smidgen behind the first in terms of quality and originality, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is one of the most successful sequels we've seen in a long time and is well worth your time revisiting these characters. 

One of the things I was most concerned with regarding this sequel wasn't necessarily the humor, but more around the story. The first film's story was surprisingly poignant and, with its surprise ending, solidified itself as something special. How would this film compete with that? Would it entertain the "real world" possibilities the first film established or just stay fully in the Lego-Verse? Without giving a whole lot away, this film doubles down on the "real world" stuff to great effect and gives us an awesome, heartwarming story once more. Some have labeled it as the kid version of attacking "toxic masculinity" which I guess it is, in a sense. I more interpreted it as the age-old tale of the nice guy being better than a douche bag, but it's connection to modern discussions around that topic are timely and well balanced. Once the end credits begin to roll (which are also fun to watch, so stick around) we're treated to a solid, stand-alone entry into this world that once again puts a lot of other animated film plots/stories to shame. 

"So how does it feel to be the reason Thanos won?"
"That's a different character! C'mon!"

Better than Fallen Kingdom? You betcha!

Much like the first film we also have a wonderful cast of voice actors, though unfortunately many of the side characters don't get as much screentime this go around. Even still though, Chris Pratt continues to be perfect as Emmet and pulling double duty as new character, Rex Dangervest. Elizabeth Banks is spot on as Lucy, and Will Arnett continues to make his case for being the best Job -- er...I mean -- Batman. Tiffany Haddish plays a big role as Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi and, as much as I love her, she was about the only one that wasn't working for me. One of those weird instances where it was so obviously her voice that I was basically just envisioning her in the recording studio. Doesn't hurt the film at all, just wonder if she's got too distinct of a voice/personality to be "hidden" in animation. 

The animation itself continues to be incredible and, other than the recent Into the Spider-Verse, is pretty much unmatched in terms of originality (and likely complexity). Everything being made out of Lego bricks lends itself to some cute and funny tendencies but it's also something you feel like would limit this world. If anything it opens up the creative genius animators to build anything and everything they want out of the bricks and often in staggeringly impressive fashion, not to mention the fact that it's all happening in motion. The color palette is gorgeous and we're treated to a vast number of greens, blues, pinks, purples, yellows, and hundreds of other colors. Some of it may go over the heads of the younger audience members, but it's seriously impressive how great these Lego movies look and play out.

OG Lego person models or GTFO!

Lastly, but nearly most importantly, The Second Part is downright hilarious, just as much so as the first film. If you were lukewarm to the trailers and their general lack of big laughs, rest assured that it's because, wisely, the film hides all the best gems within the film. Several recurring gags had me in stitches, including one "guest star" that nearly had me do a spit-take. I sincerely don't want to give anything away but Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who wrote the screenplay but did not direct this time, continue to be some of the funniest dudes in Hollywood. And to think that they just equally killed it with Into the Spider-Verse. This film has physical humor, witty humor, quick one-liners -- it's just consistently zinging along with laugh upon laugh. The only area I didn't enjoy quite as much was the musical numbers. Some work better than others but it may really be one of the few places that I felt like the film stood still and felt only slightly above average. It's a small complaint that barely impacts the film, but I could tell I didn't think they were as funny as they had been intended to be.

Much like it was 5 years ago, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is another breath of fresh air, and almost one of relief. Relief that this franchise is still in great hands, has smart things to say, continues to be impeccably animated, and is funny as hell. And don't look now, but Lord and Miller might be quietly riding the longest hot streak in Hollywood. 

CONS

• Wasn't the biggest fan of a couple musical numbers. They weren't bad, just not as funny as the other stuff
• Not quite as fresh/original as the first one, obviously
• Tiffany Haddish does great, but her uber-recognizable voice kind of hindered her character for me
• Not as much fun IP integration as the first film. No Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars to be found here...

PROS

• Tells a worthwhile and timely story that has some nice twists. I appreciated that it continued to involve the "real world" into the mix, to great effect (and some good laughs)
• Fantastic voice acting all around. Big 3 of Pratt, Banks, and Arnett continue to be gold
• Impeccable animation that is mesmerizing to watch
• Very colorful!
• Incredibly funny and will be a tough one to beat for Funniest Movie of the Year. The trailers don't do it justice, I was laughing a ton
• A few laughs in particular are full belly ones
• Pushes itself to be highly original and think outside the box
• Continues to be one of the best animated franchises around. The entire family can watch and enjoy equally and have loads of fun doing so. Much like the toy itself, the Lego films are some of the best of the best

Rath's Review Score | 9.5/10