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Any animation fan will know that the cornerstones of the
challenging, often varied and always entertaining genre are innovation and
charm- and on the whole this cartoon hit has both in bucket loads. Critics have
lauded it, especially praising its creativity- but what does it really offer in
that field, or in any other?
If you look at the Lego Movie on the surface, you will
realize that the storyline is actually rather clichéd. In a universe of Lego,
an ordinary construction worker is suddenly told by an ‘pretty but tough action
girl/love interest’ that he is the special and is therefore prophesized to save
the Lego Universe from being glued down by the evil ‘Lord Business’- sound
familiar?
Unlike other recent animated films, ‘Disney’s Frozen’ being
a prime example, nothing is really done to subvert these overdone ideas-
however, it does make up for this in the fact that it uses certain clichés to
its advantage- mostly a humorous advantage instead being plot related, but
still it is an advantage. Another surprising element that actually works in the
film’s favour are the pop culture references, which are genuinely funny instead
of feeling hacked in like many other films.
Furthermore, there are also many elements of the film that
are very clever and in some cases have never really been done before, at least
not in mainstream animation. The animation of the Lego Movie is a unique blend
of CGI and stop motion which is very innovative and looks beautiful- the
aforementioned humour is also quick and sharp and both of these elements add to
the infectious charm that hooks the audience and keeps them watching until the
end credits roll.
Aside from innovation, charm and humour, the final element
that an animated film needs to work is heart- whilst it seems that this is one
of the few elements that the majority of the film lacks, an emotional twist in
the third act adds an inventive and emotional layer to this overall brilliant film.
All these elements seem to come together perfectly within
the last 10 minutes, meaning that on the whole it is well worth a watch.
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