Anthony's Film Review - The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)

The formula is familiar in this sequel, yet it's still fresh and clever...

The second Lego Movie, putting aside the unnumbered titles (Batman and Ninjago), follows the formula of the first one from 2014. If you saw the original Lego Movie, you will recall how the movie was presented. In the context of a simple good-guy-versus-bad-guy plot, there is colorful fast-paced action and rapid-fire jokes in the dialogue. It's sufficiently entertaining without being extraordinary. However, if you patiently sit through it, you will get to the movie's big payoff, involving an unexpected and hilarious revelation that cleverly explains the reason for all of the events in the story. All of this occurs with The Lego Movie 2 as well, and whether you like it depends on whether you demand originality in a sequel or are OK with repeating the first if it's not exactly 100% like the first.

The plot in this movie begins right where the first movie left off. In other words, the last scene of the first movie is the first scene of this second one. The events that occur here quickly lead to mass destruction, a five-year time lapse (the same amount of real time between the two movies' theatrical releases), and survival in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Lucy (voiced by Elizabeth Banks) is back in this movie, now hardened from having survived the apocalypse. On the other hand, Emmet (voiced by Chris Pratt) is still his jolly old self, even in this new bleaker world, and Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) is still his narcissistic tough-guy self.

But one day, several characters are kidnapped by an intergalactic general and taken far away. Those kidnapped characters are taken to a shapeshifting queen named Watevra Wa'Nabi (voiced by Tiffany Haddish). What's immediately striking is that this supposed villain doesn't have anything that seems malicious. If anything, the kidnapped characters are being invited to a big wedding out in space. It definitely keeps the audience wondering. Meanwhile, Emmet meets a tough guy named Rex (also voiced by Chris Pratt), and the two become allies in Emmet's quest to save his friends.

For the most part, the plot is just OK. It's something to follow, but just not super engaging. That said, there is still the strong curiosity and anticipation about the nature of the villain's plot. Supposedly, as foretold in one character's vision, there will be some kind of armageddon that will take place. Plus, those who saw the first Lego movie will anticipate the revelation that will explain all of the events in the story. On both fronts, the movie delivers. So if you just sit and wait, the payoff will arrive. Also, you might appreciate a little plot twist that will come your way.

I initially didn't expect The Lego Movie 2 to be as good as the first. Turns out it was better than I thought, so now I am saying that both movies are equally entertaining for kids and adults. The whole family will enjoy the humor and fun in this one, and also dance and sing along to the music in this film, not just with the song "Everything Is Awesome" but also with another song that is meant to be stuck in your head. Anyway, for any of you of any age who has an inner child seeking fun, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part was built (pun intended) just for you.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, visit the Internet Movie Database.

In addition, check out my review of The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie, and The Lego Ninjago Movie.