The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part Review

2014 saw the start of the successful start of the LEGO Movie franchise, a beloved original film, and spin-offs. After five years a sequel to the original film has been made.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part picks up where the original film left off with Bricksburg being invaded by ‘aliens’. Five years later Bricksburg has turned into a post-apocalyptic hellscape that has hardened hearts, except Emmet Brickowski’s (Chris Pratt). When the ‘aliens’ return they abduct all the leaders which means Emmett has to go to the Systar System to save his friends and girlfriend Lucy (Elizabeth Banks).

The LEGO Movie was a huge surprise when it came out. For a film that looked like it was a blatant corporate cash grab it has turned out to be a hilarious and heartfelt family adventure. The big twist of the original film was the LEGO worlds were really in the basement of a family home and the villain was really the father. The sequel runs with this and has two stories running parallel. The LEGO story involves Emmet going on his quest whilst the story in the real world is about sibling rivalry.

As well as the parallel stories there were themes running in conjunction with each other. In this film it was about growing up. Emmet is immature and his girlfriend that he needs to grow up due to his surroundings. The kids have grown up – when the film starts the younger sister uses DUPLO LEGOs, the toys designed for younger children and due to the five year time jump the boy has turned into a moody teenager. The world’s they created are reflected their outlooks, the Systar System was upbeat and sparkly whilst the boy wants to be as grown up so the world he has created is dark and gritty.

Most people going into The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part will know the twist of the last film and for the few that aren’t aware will be quickly brought up to speed. Because of this audience members would be able to figure out what things like the Systar System and the Armageddon really are. Despite the more predictable nature of The LEGO Movie 2‘s twists and plot points it is still an entertaining and rewarding journey.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller return as the screenwriters and producers but hand the directing duties to Mike Mitchell. The screenplay by the pair is the strongest aspect of the film. The events in the real world and the LEGO world affect each other, making the sequel feel like Pixar’s Inside Out. It is incredibly difficult to showing events in worlds affecting each other and Lord and Miller were able to manage it. They are able to provide one effective twist regarding which character has the real journey.

One of the biggest features of the original film was the humour and Lord and Miller recapture that. There is a lot of self-referential humour through the film, ranging from references to the LEGO franchise, jokes about the actors, to wider jokes about pop culture. Visually Apocalypseburg borrows Mad Max franchises and acted as a wider trend of franchises going ‘dark and gritty.’ It is a bit rich considering Warner Brothers’ work with DC properties. The film is witty throughout, having a great mix of verbal jokes and visual gags.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part is a delightful sequel that honours the original film even if it doesn’t quite match the quality. Children and adults will enjoy it.