The LEGO Ninjago Movie (3D) Movie Review
CRITIC'S RATING:
AVG READERS' RATING:
Cast: (Voices) Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Jackie Chan
Direction: Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, Bob Logan
Genre: Animation
Duration: 1 hour 41 minutes
Story:
A group of teen ninjas under the guidance of master Wu (Jackie Chan),
must attain their elemental powers (fire, earth, water, lightning, green
and ice) to battle an evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), who
wishes to conquer their (fictional) city Ninjago. But there's a catch.
Lloyd (Dave Franco), the leader of the pack aka Green Ninja happens to
be the son of Garmadon and nephew of Wu. Torn between the angst against
his absentee father and admiration for his spiritual uncle, he becomes
the binding force that bridges the gap between good and evil.
Review: First things first. You don't have to watch the first two Lego movies or read up on the video games or the toys to get this one. The Ninjago is a delightful animation film that rides on wry humour and caters to all age groups, of course, mostly children.
Keeping with the Lego movie tradition, it takes a satirical look at superhero films (like the 'Power Rangers' series) and their penchant for revolving around cheesy family dramas. The film spoofs the genre smartly, unlike its counterparts that strive to offer cutesy entertainment. This isn't a piece of typical animation fluff and that is its biggest USP, along with some real good voice-overs, a monstrous cat and nuanced creation of the city of Ninjago.
Humour holds the film together and it's fascinating to see it stem from mocking our perception of 'ideal' relationships - be it between father-son, best friends/outcasts, or teacher-student. You chuckle when Lloyd's friend tries to comfort him by saying, "It's okay. Parents are weird. My mother collects seashells, your father levels cities and kills innocent people." A tantric flute music deliberately plays in the background, marking the arrival of master Wu, who teaches martial arts to the millennial ninjas, which is 'totes' (read totally) hilarious.
Overall, the film is a joy ride as it boasts of an adorable father-son quirky banter and the ninja adventures. You are bound to fall in love with Dave Franco and Justin Theroux for sure. Watch it.
Review: First things first. You don't have to watch the first two Lego movies or read up on the video games or the toys to get this one. The Ninjago is a delightful animation film that rides on wry humour and caters to all age groups, of course, mostly children.
Keeping with the Lego movie tradition, it takes a satirical look at superhero films (like the 'Power Rangers' series) and their penchant for revolving around cheesy family dramas. The film spoofs the genre smartly, unlike its counterparts that strive to offer cutesy entertainment. This isn't a piece of typical animation fluff and that is its biggest USP, along with some real good voice-overs, a monstrous cat and nuanced creation of the city of Ninjago.
Humour holds the film together and it's fascinating to see it stem from mocking our perception of 'ideal' relationships - be it between father-son, best friends/outcasts, or teacher-student. You chuckle when Lloyd's friend tries to comfort him by saying, "It's okay. Parents are weird. My mother collects seashells, your father levels cities and kills innocent people." A tantric flute music deliberately plays in the background, marking the arrival of master Wu, who teaches martial arts to the millennial ninjas, which is 'totes' (read totally) hilarious.
Overall, the film is a joy ride as it boasts of an adorable father-son quirky banter and the ninja adventures. You are bound to fall in love with Dave Franco and Justin Theroux for sure. Watch it.
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