[To Cubby.]
I won’t write much today. For whatever reason, I just don’t feel up for it.
When the trailer for The LEGO Movie dropped for the first time, I figured it would be a decent film. High energy and self aware, there was a certain style of writing associated with it that made me both hesitant and intrigued. Self-aware writing has become something of a trend especially in animated works, with many films and TV cartoons taking up the mantle of poking fun at itself. I don’t recall if The LEGO Movie was early within this trend or not, but I do remember watching it and thinking, “Oh, lovely. Another self-aware movie script.”
Imagine my surprise when even the most cynical critics I follow were gushing about it to no end.
After seeing it, I can understand the praise wholeheartedly, though I can’t say I was as enraptured by the full product as they were. It’s certainly a technical marvel, and the characters, albeit archetypes, bounce off each other well. I was never at any point bored, nor was I met with any glaring issue that may have come around through its pacing, writing, or direction. I also think the film gets better as it goes along, with the full plot reveal near the end being immensely creative and well-executed.
The only thing I can say that lowered the score below the standards set by the people I follow is that I was never really “WOWed” by any of it. Visuals were the closest aspect to reach that point, but everything else came across as “Heh, this is neat.” I was immersed, just not spectacularly. I was enjoying myself, only not overwhelmingly. Probably didn’t help that I wasn’t in a great mood watching this, but I don’t think it was that much of an anchor.
Likely among the better animated titles I’ve seen in recent years. The LEGO Movie is imaginative and fun, while using its self awareness for interesting purposes rather than for show. I’m glad I eventually came to watch it, and with the sequel still in theaters, perhaps I’ll watch that later on down the month. If one has ever been on the fence with this film, I say watch it.
Final Score: 8/10
The rating for all other films can be found at Letterboxd.
For more, check out the March of the Movies Archive!
Thank you for your time. Have a great day.
The Visualist's Veranda 
I still haven’t had a chance to see this. I probably need to get around to it at some point.