Five years ago, writers/directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller surpassed everyone’s expectations with the smash animated hit, The LEGO Movie (2014). Stuffed with a bevy of recognizable voices and humor that hit on two fronts, young audiences and the young at heart would enjoy this movie to its fullest. While Lord and Miller are still involved in a writer’s capacity, Mike Mitchell takes over in the director’s chair. Can this sequel build upon the successful foundation that has come before it? Let’s put these pieces together and find out just how The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part comes together.
When we last left Emmet (Chris Pratt), everything was truly awesome for the new Master Builder and he had finally found a place to fit in. This time around, Emmet and his old pals are met by a glittery gaggle of new individuals from the previously unknown The Systar System. With General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) leading the way, several familiar faces are taken to this new place to meet the person in charge, Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi (Tiffany Haddish). Whatever the motives are for her entertaining entrance, you best believe that there are ulterior motives to be had. Another new piece joining this game of deception is Rex Dangervest (also voiced by Chris Pratt). All will be uncovered in a same musical, magical, entertaining way that we’ve all come to expect.
Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks are once again side-by-side unraveling another mystery with their inspired voice talents. Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day return to The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part with a host of others that were involved the first time around. Stephanie Beatriz and Tiffany Haddish are the two newcomers and they are a welcome addition. Haddish’s knack for comedic performances is evident from her first moments while Stephanie Beatriz goes right for the “business casual” approach. With Chris Pratt bringing in a knew character, there’s something familiar and fun about his new role.
The humor exists on two levels just like the first, while also bringing some new and updated other topics to laugh at. The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part retains all of the great aspects of the first film without totally resting on its laurels. There’s nothing assuming about its approach and the same attention to detail appears to be present. The songs are catchy and the story is both comedic and compelling. The only difference now is that we all understand that this story takes place at the hands of children in the “real world”. Get ready to warm your hearts with laughter as we push through these last winter weeks. See this silly sequel in theaters now.
