In 2014, co-filmmakers Chris Miller and Phil Lord wowed audiences with their third feature film. Combining stunning animation and an infectious song, The Lego Movie was a critical success, earning $469 million worldwide. After a couple of lacklustre spin-offs in the Lego Movie franchise, a much-anticipated sequel sees the return of the ‘awesome’ gang.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part sees Emmet (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) and the gang take on LEGO DUPLO invaders from outer space to prevent the ‘Ar-mom-ageddon’, which sees the destruction of the Lego Universe.
After five years, Emmett is still full of optimism and sunshine. Since everything is no longer awesome, his positivity becomes almost grating and a characteristic his friends consider a flaw. So when General Sweet Mayhem (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Stephanie Beatriz) kidnaps them, he realises that he has to (literally) embrace his dark side. Enter tough, rugged adventurer Rex Dangervest (also Pratt), who teaches Emmet how to be the hardened hero Lucy is looking for.
However, this feels like déjà vu as the concept of Emmett evolving as a hero is too similar to the original film. One thing The Lego Movie highlighted that while change is a scary thing, you should never afraid to adapt. In this respect, Lord and Miller shine brilliantly.
Similar to The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego
Pratt cleverly juggles two different roles while Banks remains a steady presence as Lucy. However, Haddish steals the show as the sassy Queen, whose musical performance is sure to stick in your head long after the credits roll.
With such an acclaimed animation film as its predecessor, The Lego Movie 2 aims to up the stakes in terms of imagination and entertainment. Thankfully, it delivers in buckets.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is out in UK cinemas on Friday 8 February.
Director: Mike Mitchell; Chris Miller, Phil Lord (screenwriters)
Stars: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, Maya Rudolph
Runtime: 106 minutes
Country: USA, Denmark, Australia
Film Rating: 
