The Lego Ninjago Movie is the third theatrical installment of the booming
Lego film franchise. Based on the Lego Ninjago toyline and TV show, the movie is about a superhero team of teenage, mech-piloting, elemental ninjas – kind
of like the Power Rangers – who are trained by Master Wu (Jackie Chan) to
protect the city of Ninjago from the evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux). However, the twist is, their leader (Dave
Franco) happens to be the son of Garmadon.
As the Green Ninja, he’s celebrated by the people along with his
teammates. However, in his civilian alter ego, as
Lloyd, he’s loathed because of his parentage.
The Lego Movie was an unexpected animated gem in 2014, full of
surprising twists and smart humor at every turn. The Lego Batman Movie, though not as great, was a brilliant spoof and
deconstruction of the Batman mythos. The Lego Ninjago, however, slows down the the momentum.
It’s not that it’s bad. However, compared to its predecessors, it
feels pretty standard.
Maybe
the Lego charm is simply starting to wear off.
Or maybe because it’s the first Lego
movie based entirely on a Lego property, that it has not enough pop culture
elements to lean on, satirize, and be clever about.
There are hilarious gags here and
there. I definitely laughed a couple of
times. And, visually, there’s a lot to
be pleased about. The old-school Hong
Kong cinema style it tries to channel a few times also generates some appeal.
However, the overall narrative noticeably wobbles. It’s even annoyingly stupid at times. Moreover, there could have been some worthwhile,
thoughtful drama arising from the unique dynamic between Lloyd and Garmadon,
but the execution is a bit sappy.
In the end, it’s still enjoyable. But it’s the kind of animated film that is much
more satisfying for kids than adults.
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