Director: Phil Lord
Starring: Jonah Hill, Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have abilities to thrill audiences like Jonah Hill. Ever since his rise to fame in the 2000’s, Hill has become a comedic icon. Whether it’s strong Wall Street stockbrokers, rebellious teenagers or dragon trainers, Hill has portrayed several compelling characters. Arguably, Hill’s greatest strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t the central focus of a movie, Hill has always left a strong impression. Through ability to portray comedic characters that are compelling, Hill has built a bold legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his roles in comedies, Hill has proven he can make entertaining films in every genre. Throughout a strong career, Hill has made many commemorated films which are absolutely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Hill and adore all the movies that he has made in his career. However, “The Lego Movie” is my favourite. Released in 2014, Phil Lord’s film offered an engrossing tribute to legos. Packed with stunning visuals, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the finest animated films ever made. At a centre of it all is an amazing performance by Jonah Hill, who portrays a lego superhero on a journey to discover identity. Ultimately, what makes “The Lego Movie” a masterpiece is its broad appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted toward children only, it tackles themes which everyone will relate to. A riveting animated masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “The Lego Movie” is a commemorated animated film that is worth seeing.
“The Lego Movie” tells the story of a lego that embarks on a tough journey to find his identity. Chris Pratt plays Emmet, an ordinary lego that has had a normal life without any adversities. Emmet has always lived a regular life without any stressful problems. However, Emmet’s life drastically changes when he is recruited upon a dangerous quest that causes disaster. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Emmet is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to become a renowned lego figure. Assisted by his companion The Green Lantern (Jonah Hill), Emmet embarks upon a dangerous quest with goals to fulfill. Faced with emotions of sorrow, Emmet questions whether it’s possible for him to become a successful lego. Experiencing an existential crisis, Emmet questions his lifelong love for legos which he once in the past used to cherish.
Phil Lord has often been fascinated with tales of existential crisis. A phenomenal filmmaker, Lord has often made engaging movies about existential crisis causing disasters. With “The Lego Movie”, however, Lord made his first ever movie about legos. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to honour legacy of legos in a movie, but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning visuals, Lord captures the tensions that legos are experiencing. Evoking John Lasseter’s “Toy Story”, Lord uses motion capture technology to capture legos facing adversities. For instance, the motion capture elevates the lego journeys scene. During this unforgettable scene, Emmet is recruited to embark on a journey to discover identities. Motion-capture is a tricky technique to use in film. As Dean DeBlois’ “How to Train Your Dragon” proved, motion-capture always elevates animated films about dragons. That being said, it works tremendously in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Lord illustrates tensions which commemorated legos experiencing a crisis are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Lego Movie” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is very well made. Lord effectively uses world-building to create a lego universe which is compelling. For instance, world-building elevates the lego universe scene. During this memorable scene, Emmet is introduced to the fantastical world of legos causing tension. Through strong world-building, Lord creates a portrait of legos that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is marvellous. Mark Mothersbaugh’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that legos bear. Through powerful production, Lord crafts a compelling portrait of legos that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “The Lego Movie” is an animated movie that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions that legos are facing. Throughout the movie, Emmet’s monologues showcase his drastic transformation into a lego experiencing crisis. For instance, the monologues enhance the lego speech scene. During this memorable scene, Emmet delivers an emotional speech to legos expressing his worldviews. Through bold dramatic monologues, Lord creates a portrait of legos which audiences can easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” claimed, monologues enhance films about Wall Street. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Lord captures the lives of legos experiencing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Jonah Hill delivers one of his greatest career performances as the Green Lantern. Hill first earned appreciation for portraying rebellious youths in coming-of-age movies. With “The Lego Movie”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a lego on a journey to find his identity, but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most iconic role. Hill has had talent for creating compelling characters by his voice, and “The Lego Movie” showcased his strengths as an actor. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most celebrated actors today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Jonah Hill, the supporting cast is amazing and worthy of praise. Chris Pratt is captivating, bringing charisma to a lego that has big goals to accomplish. Will Arnett is amazing, bringing a sharp sense of humour to a lego that’s dead set on achieving goals that are hard to forget. Lastly, Morgan Freeman merits appreciations. As a bold mentor, he brings a sense of wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “The Lego Movie” will earn recognition of everyone for capturing legos experiencing adversity. Unlike most animated films that are targeted towards children only, it tackles bold themes that everyone would absolutely relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, identity and teamwork which would absolutely resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of legos to appreciate it. It delivers an emotional message about chasing life dreams that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Lego Movie” is one of those rare cartoon movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Jonah Hill will absolutely appreciate “The Lego Movie” and so would audiences seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting animated classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about larger-than-life legos facing adversity, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies which audiences have always loved dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 