© Warner Bros. Entertainment GmbH

The Lego Movie 2 (The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part)
Denmark/Norway/Australia/U.S.A. 2019

Opening 7 Feb 2019

Directed by: Mike Mitchell
Writing credits: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Matthew Fogel, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
Principal actors: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz

Five years after the disastrous events of Taco Tuesday, in this epic sequel, Emmet (Chris Pratt) and Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) are coping with their post-apocalyptic, hard life in Bricksburg. Emmet’s “can do” naiveté starkly contrasts with Lucy’s foreboding brooding as they peacefully live together in a small house tricked out with an idyllic white picket fence in the deserted landscape (much like Mad Max-inspired desert). Until a sparkle-clad invader with innocent-looking, heart-shaped, grenades comes and kidnaps Lucy, Batman (Will Arnett) and others to another universe. In this new glittery Lego Friends-themed universe, Batman is wooed into marriage by Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi (Tiffany Haddish). All the while, Emmet is determined to rescue Lucy and the others and brick-builds his house into a spaceship to travel to outer space to find them. He meets the fearlessly bold, Rex Dangervest, who is actually a future-incarnation of Emmet. Emmet has to look deep inside himself to learn how to save his friends and himself from certain doom.

The true creative genius behind the Lego movies is the way the story is spun between the creative fantasy world of Legos and the fantastic reality of how kids actually play with them and modify them with their imagination (and the role parents have living with Legos). The truth is either you like the world of Legos or you don’t. Those adults who do, will find themselves unknowingly suspending disbelief and those who don’t may find it hard to follow. In true Lego style, younger viewers seem to wholeheartedly accept the quantum leaps in logic as quickly as they come.

And just like the first movie, this follow-on adventure has an addictively groovy soundtrack composed by Mark Mothersbaugh and features songs by Beck and many of the original cast. The German language version was painstakingly and impressively produced. The translations are impeccable, and well done--especially in case of the numerous plays on words and song lyrics. At the end of the day, the film’s underlying story is about sibling love, understanding, and respect. A fun family-film that creates some vivid, laugh-out-loud, toe-tapping, earworm moments, shown in 2D and 3D.

Other opinions from KidKinoKritiks:

“The movie was about Emmet saving his friends. I really, really, really liked it. The cool LEGO changing vehicles were the best, but the Queen was my favorite.” (Zoe Dunnavant, age 7; *****)

"I thought [it] was really funny. I liked the part when Emmet told Rex he hadn't understood anything he explained about who he was from the future. And also, the part at the end when the real kids were playing with the Legos from the movie. I think my friends would like the movie, too. My mom thought the songs were funny and really laughed at the credits song at the end." (Eloise Schnelle, age 8; ****)

“A true story of friendship, truth, determination, and freedom. Emmet, the hero of our new movie, is in really big trouble. Lucy, Emmet’s best friend, and some of his other friends were kidnapped by a new mysterious stranger, who is from far away. Emmet is on a mission to get his friends back. The truth is that his friends were [taken] to the Queen of the other system and guess who created her? Emmet!!! Emmet meets Rex, and Rex reveals his secrets to Emmet. At last our story comes to an end everyone is HAPPY even the real humans and there is no war at all. (Felix Seifried, age 9; *****)

My review: The second Lego Movie is even better than the first one: The great adventure in the Lego universe, true friendship, Batman's Floss Dance and some catchy songs. Emmet never gave up [his search] to find his Friends and proved to have a strong character. I am happy that the brother and sister found the way to play together. I would recommend to watch it! (Stefan P., age 9; *****) (Ericka Seifried)

 
 
 
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