Movie Review: ‘The Lego Movie 2’ continues the fun of the first
“The Lego Movie 2 – The Second Part” features all of the fun of the first movie, and almost all of the characters, only this time, we’re all let in on the joke.
As the title implies, the movie picks up right after the end of the first one. In fact, it shows some of what we already saw in case you’ve forgotten or haven’t seen it. The little sister, Bianca (Brooklyn Prince), has brought her Duplo blocks into the basement and is destroying the town of Bricksberg that her older brother Finn (Jadon Sand) played with, built by their dad (Will Ferrell – who barely appears in this movie). But it’s not the real world we’re interested in, it’s the Lego world the kids have created with Emmet (Chris Pratt) and Wyldstyle/Lucy (Elizabeth Banks).
We see the immediate aftermath of little sister’s attack, then flash forward five years where the city of Bricksberg has become Apocalypseberg. In the constant battle with the Duplo figures, a mysterious masked stranger (Stephanie Beatriz) arrives in a spaceship and kidnaps Emmet’s friends. Emmet befriends the rough and tumble Rex Dangerfest to help him get to the Sistern Sector of space and rescue Wyldstyle, Batman (Will Arnett), Unikitty (Alison Brie) Metalbeard (Nick Offerman) and Benny (Charlie Day). Rex is also voiced by Chris Pratt and is clearly a nod to other characters Pratt has played, mostly his Jurassic World character, with Rex’s pet raptors.
Will Rex be able to help Emmet rescue his friends from the Duplo Queen (Tiffany Haddish). What does this all mean in the real world when the brother and sister’s mom (Maya Rudolph) enters the picture?
The movie is full of fun and kids of all ages will enjoy it. I didn’t like it quite as much as the first one because being in on the joke of the kids playing with the Legos in the real world makes some things predictable. Although there are a lot of fun Lego cameos from different properties, I didn’t see any Disney characters – so the Star Wars characters don’t return. In fact, there’s a joke about Marvel and Mary Poppins not being in the movie. (Come on Disney, embrace the fun next time.) The acting and visuals are great, and the music is just as catchy as the first with a new version of “Everything is Awesome” and even a song about a song getting stuck in your head.
• “The Lego Movie 2 – The Second Part” is rated PG and runs an hour and 45 minutes long. It’s available in 3D, although I didn’t see it that way. It starts playing in U.S. theaters on Feb. 7. You’ll want to stay during the credits, at least up until the cool visuals end about half-way through. There is no end credit scene.
In The Parks
Of course, the place to find Lego fun is Legoland. There’s a new Lego Movie World area with three attractions opening at Legoland Florida on March 27.
You can stay in a Lego Movie-themed room at the Legoland Florida Hotel.
Legoland California will celebrate the debut of the film with The Lego Movie Days, held Feb. 16-17 and 23-24. The event will include a themed scavenger hunt, a Lego build activity inspired by the film, and photo ops with costumed characters from the movie. Plus, a surprise exclusive attraction is coming to the park.
