The Lego Movie [Review by Haus]

The Lego Movie flat-out obliterates expectations.

I hereby excuse your skepticism. After all, we’re talking about an animated children’s movie based on a series of toys. Those toys, in turn, are saddled with so many branding tie-ins (Star Wars, Batman, you name it) that it’s hard to keep track. Kids’ films are benign enough to begin with; drizzle into that mocktail the need to satisfy a major toymaker’s interests — not to mention those of its many licensed brands — and what you’d expect is a milquetoast jumble. Something with bright colors, a gee-whiz feel-good story (if you’re lucky) and a chuckle or two for mom and dad.

Well, forget all that. The Lego Movie is razor sharp. It’s miles smarter and a good deal more funny than it has any right to be. 

Make no mistake, this is adult entertainment. There’s no swearing or objectionable content, bien sur, but the pace, the timing, the jokes, the top-shelf A-list voice acting, and the balls-out blotto craziness of some scenes will fly right over most kids’ heads. Sure, children will love this movie for their own special reasons — action, adventure, slapstick, bright colors, 3D, and omg I have that Lego set!!! — but all that seems incidental. I saw this amidst an audience of young techie types in Silicon Valley tonight, and from the cacophony of delighted howls and bellows you’d think the ghost of Steve Jobs had just offered ten shares of Apple for every hashtag t-shirt in the house.

How can this be? Turns out there’s actually a very simple explanation: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Yes, the same duo that directed 21 Jump Street (and its forthcoming sequel, praise Tatum!) also co-wrote and directed The Lego Movie. These two guys are fast developing a reputation in my book for turning fairly groan-worthy ingredients into double-barreled, full-bore, straight-for-the-throat assaults of filmgoing glory. That’s what Jump Street was, and that’s what this is, too.

This is the smartest pretend kids’ movie you’ll see maybe ever. It’s a great time, with great visuals, great comedic timing, and in the end, a surprisingly elegant tether to reality. Don’t miss out.

HAUS VERDICT: Blew me away. Surprisingly good story and flat-out hilarious. Unexpected classic.