The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part - This one will click with families - 3 stars (Reel Dialogue Junior Squad review included)

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'With a bucket of Lego, you can tell any story. You can build an airplane or a dragon or a pirate ship - it's whatever you can imagine.' - Christopher Miller

Russelling Reviews rating: 3.5 stars*

 * Check out our Reel Dialogue Junior Squad's review and rating

 When The Lego Movie clicked with audiences in 2014, this innovative work from writers/directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller managed to push the boundaries of the animated cinematic experience. Capitalising on the rising star of Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) and building on the brand recognition of these legendary plastic blocks, they unwittingly unleashed a new franchise with unlimited possibilities. What has proven problematic since the first film is that the studio thought that the Lord/Miller formula was going to be enough for future films to work well. As each subsequent film was been released, that theory has been proven not to be the case. The genius that made the first film a stand out was a great combination of talent, but without the magic touch of the pioneering duo at the helm will the newest Lego mission capture the hearts of audiences like the first ‘awesome outing?’
For those who can remember the conclusion for the initial adventure, Emmet (Chris Pratt) and his friends were left with little time to celebrate their survival of Lord Business’ (Will Farrell) reign and the Duplo Aliens invade Bricksburg. With his new found fame and abilities, the former construction worker attempts to bring peace between the new intruders and his entourage by bringing forward a heartfelt gift. Even though the brick monsters initially accept the token, they quickly decide to eat it and seek to get more, which Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) sees as an attack. Her assault on this new threat leads to the once prosperous and energetic city to being levelled and for this world to become a Mad Max inspired dystopian wasteland called Apocalypseburg.
Be sure to check out the Reel Dialogue Junior Review and other Lego Movie reviews at the bottom
Fast forwarding five years into the future, Emmet hopes to return their once idyllic society back to its former ‘awesome’ glory, but Lucy focuses on maintaining the dark stronghold they have against their enemies. Their once cheery land and citizens have become hardened and developed a more ‘mature’ attitude toward life. When the Duplo Police Officer Sweet Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) arrives in their land and proclaims that Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi (Tiffany Haddish) of the Systar System wants to marry the current leader of this wasteland, the people fight back. Then after a quick defeat, Batman (Will Arnett) and others are taken to the distant planet for the caped crusader to be wed to the alien leader with Lucy being the only one who resists the this wedding. 
While Emmet is left behind in Apocalypseburg, he must do all he can to get to his friends before the ceremony. His primary motivation is to stop the impending “Armamageddon.” While on the journey to the distant planet, his ship runs into danger and must be saved by the rugged adventurer Rex Dangervest. The two bond quickly and they devise a plan to thwart the plans of Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi and to save Emmett’s friends. As they get closer to puting their strategy into motion, things take a turn that could unleash Armamageddon and bring about the demise of their Lego universe. 
All of the beloved characters come back for this follow-up to the original and the formula is soundly in place to deliver a fresh perspective on this next chapter. Even though the focus still remains on Emmett, Lucy and Rex, the support cast provide the needed freshness to keep this franchise alive. The writing may not be as innovative as the first Lego journey, but there are enough twists and musical numbers to make this a solid sequel. Children will enjoy the slapstick styling of the comedy, while parents will appreciate the jokes that are clearly written for their benefit. Kids may wonder who Bruce Willis is and why there are so many cameos from this bald figure, but his inclusion will bring a smile to the harshest critics. 
This chapter may not capture the magic of the first outing, but it is still better than stepping on a Lego brick in the dark. The life lessons of self-awareness do seem quite mature for the target audience, but the overarching story will keep the young ones attention. The Second Part may not be as snappy, but it is a fun option for families this season. 

Reel Dialogue Junior Squad rating: 4.5 stars
Reel Dialogue has recruited fresh young talent to help with our reviews this year. Their input will make choosing this film even easier! 

 These junior reviewers sit squarely in the target market for this film and have extensive knowledge of the world of Lego. Micah provided the needed insight for this jaded older reviewer to appreciate the value of this film. This sibling trio loved every aspect of the production: the humour, the animation and especially the multiple twists. Being fans of the first film and especially The Lego Ninjago Movie, this new Lego adventure gets the full endorsement of our Reel Dialogue Junior Squad. 

 Nice work Lydia, Charlotte and Micah. A McDonalds meal has never been so enlightening!
Trailer for the film

Other Lego reviews: 





Written by Russell Matthews based on a five star rating system @ Russelling Reviews #russellingrevs #legomovie2 #lego #chrispratt 

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