The LEGO Movie is Fun, and Surprisingly more Adult than Expected

The LEGO Movie (4 out of 5 Stars)

Directed and Written  by: Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller (21 Jump Street)

Voice Performances by: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Will Ferrell and Morgan Freeman

The last film I saw in the in theatres was probably Her on New Years Eve, I can not think of another time.  I have not seen any new new 2014 release, until I saw The LEGO Movie today, and it was a welcome return.

LEGO centers around Emmet (Pratt) who thinks and sings "everything is awesome."  Emmet lives his life by a guidebook, but in reality he has no singular trait which makes him stand out or connect with anyone.  What Emmet does not know is that Lord/President Business has hatched a plan to prevent everything from being "awesome" and wants to end the world.  Emmet soon joins Widstyle (Banks), Vitruvius (Freeman), Batman (Arnett) and many other builders on a mission to save the various worlds.

LEGO is great, its hilarious, heartfelt, and just plain fun.  I do not want to give away any of the inside jokes, but there are plenty, and without knowing them before I saw the film, it made the experience even better.  The voice work is fantastic, and there is a great mix of personalities outside of the main players.  If you listen close enough you will hear Channing Tatum as Superman, and Jonah Hill as Green Lantern.  Phil Lord and Christopher Miller who wrote and directed this film also wrote and directed the film 21 Jump Street, and have obviously worked with that duo,  so it was fun to get them in the mix, no matter the size of the part.

Lord and Miller are quickly becoming the dynamic directing duo saving the early part of the year with their films.  These two men are genius with the nostalgia effects in film, and LEGO takes this to a whole new level.  While at times its a little saccharine, the film is meant to reach a variety of of audiences, and it succeeds.  While I was sick this film made me smile, and leave the movie theatre still laughing and appreciating the way they touched on my childhood,