The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part: Film Review

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part: Film Review

Vocal cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish, Richard Ayoade
Director: Mike Mitchell

Everything's not quite as awesome in the latest LEGO Movie.

And quite frankly, that's a disappointment.

Five years since everything worked out for Emmet and the gang in Bricksburg, there's trouble ahead - with DUPLO invaders from outer space hitting them, and stealing everything. When Lucy (Banks) is kidnapped, along with Batman, Unikitty and Benny, it's up to Emmet once again.

Feeling flat and less inspired than the first, with more of the gags feeling laboured and distinctly lacking, the film starts with an extended riff on Mad Max: Fury Road, and barely takes off from there.

It doesn't help that the film seems to lack the energy and anarchy of the first, being content to flit in and out of the real world that was set up in the first film. It's a tonal disaster on that front, as whereas the original twist was inspired and creative, this reeks of feeling like a narrative crutch, and delivers a weaker emotional heft than first time around.

That's not to say there aren't some bonuses. Certainly, Haddish adds some sparkle as Queen Wat'evra Wa'nabi and Banks builds on the great character from before. But the punchlines and obvious nature of what's going on spoil the feel of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

What sparkled the first time around as a tale of play, friendship and freeform anarchy, disappointingly feels pointless, dull and with musical numbers that don't stay in your head long after the film's done.

Ultimately, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is several bricks short of a cinematic picnic; it lacks the inspiration and while passable enough fare under pressure, it feels like just a LEGO Movie, and one that doesn't build on the brilliance of the first.