Danielle Solzman
Everything is still awesome as The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part takes to the big screen nearly five years to the date following its predecessor.
A quick prologue catches us up to speed about what has taken place during the last five years. The city of Bricksburg is no more. It’s been replaced by the doomsday-esque Apocalypseburg following the city’s tragic demise. No matter what decisions that the master builders make, they are no match for the mysterious LEGO Duplo invaders. Not much is known about General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz), Intergalactic Naval Commander of the Systar System, but nothing is safe from the general–not even the caped crusader!
While the heroes from the first LEGO film return, they’re joined by Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi (Tiffany Haddish), Empress of the Systar System, and the aforementioned General Mayhem. The queen is on a mission to marry Batman (Will Arnett) in hopes of uniting the universe. Without a marriage, the consequences will be devastating for Emmet (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), and the gang. It’s easier said than done. When Emmet sees his friends taken by this space figure, he goes on a mission to save them. Joining him on this quest is none other than Rex Dangervest (Chris Pratt in a dual role). Together, the two of them travel beyond the Stairgate that took Emmet’s friends in hopes of restoring the peace.
Despite the destruction that plagues Apocalypseburg’s citizens, they still have a sense of humor. In spite of the destruction, Emmet remains optimistic while Lucy goes all Mad Max: Fury Road while staring into the distance. I’m not lying when I say that this film has a way of going all in for laughs with a side of dramatic tension.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller bring the funny in their screenplay for the sequel. I’m not kidding when I say this. While I was blown away by the first film, the second film more or less equaled my expectations. It wouldn’t be a Lego movie if Batman didn’t find a way to be meta while referencing Batman films. True enough, the film does just this and more. Yes, they take a shot at Marvel because why not! Even though the jokes are highly anticipated, they’re just as funny on the second go around.
Musically, there’s some catchy tunes in The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. This isn’t just limited to “Everything is Awesome” because we now have “Catchy Song.” There’s a whole song that plays during the credits but is also about the credits. If there’s never been a song that gives the credits their due, this is certainly it!
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part is able to match the fun of the first film with great joy.
DIRECTOR: Mike Mitchell
SCREENWRITERS: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
CAST: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, with Maya Rudolph and Will Ferrell
