Today’s quick review: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Five years after an invasion by aliens from the Systar System, Bricksburg has been reduced to an apocalyptic wasteland. Undaunted by the gritty changes to his friends and home, Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt) continues to look on the bright side. But when Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi (Tiffany Haddish) kidnaps Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) and the rest of his friends, Emmet has to grow up quickly to save them.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is an animated family comedy based on Lego toys. The Lego Movie 2 is cut from the same cloth as the first film, sharing its fast pacing, sharp dialogue, inventive premise, and energetic, self-aware humor. Several new additions to the universe and different themes help the sequel carve out an identity for itself. However, a less immersive world and a shakier story make it a step down from the original.
The Lego Movie 2 makes for a peculiar sequel. Where the first movie was an eclectic love letter to Lego toys and children’s creativity, the sequel shifts its focus to themes of family and growing up. The new focus works well enough, but it leads to a top-down story that’s more narrowly constrained and less satisfying overall, in contrast to the sprawling quest and brilliant revelations of the first film.
For all that, The Lego Movie 2 is still a hilarious comedy and a worthy sequel. Its rapid-fire jokes score plenty of hits, its colorful characters are fun to watch in action, and its self-aware humor and pop culture references are handled with rare skill. There’s less emphasis on Lego designs this time around but still plenty of creativity on display. The whole package is tied up nicely by a comedically talented voice cast and a few clever songs.
Watch The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part when you’re in the mood for an upbeat, entertaining romp. Though it doesn’t hit its target as squarely as the first film, it remains a solid pick that has plenty to offer adults and children alike. Viewers should approach with caution, however, since the changes to the story and world will be hit-or-miss. For another movie with the same formula, try The Lego Movie or The Lego Batman Movie.
7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for fun humor that’s missing some of the shine of the original.