The LEGO Movie (2014)

Synopsis: A seemingly-ordinary LEGO man, Emmet Brickowski stumbles onto the “piece of resistance” that will stop President Business’ weapon, the Kragle, that will destroy all LEGO life. In Emmet’s adventure he meets and helps other master builders and becomes the key hero to stop President Business’ nefarious plans.

Would you be able to sit through it?: Absolutely! Like, Zach, I was and still am a LEGO maniac. Most of my birthday and Christmas money would be spent on LEGO sets, my personal favorite being the space and castle ones (the years before LEGO starting using movie and superhero licensed properties for their sets). I wanted to see this brilliant, funny and heartwarming movie in the theatres last winter but failed to do so. Watched it last night with the whole family and enjoyed every minute of it. Both me and my wife laughed and had a ball, as well as the kiddies.

Any scary/violent parts?: Not really. There’s some violence, like explosions and destruction but it’s all done with LEGO bricks. Even the fire is LEGO brick. One character dies by decapitation but talks after the fact and becomes a floating, talking ghost LEGO. 

Anything that will screw up your kid’s head?: I’d have to say no. There’s a strong message, probably more for the parents, about “connecting” with your inner child once and while. But as far as the kiddies are concerned there’s nothing to be worried about.

Any lessons to be learned?: Heroes aren’t born, they are made. Believe in yourself. Variety is the spice of life. Everything is AWESOME!

Recommended age: 5. My daughter is 5 and is just getting into LEGOs and she had a blast watching it. Older kids will enjoy it even more.

Rent it, buy it or avoid it?: Buy. I, myself, want to watch it more than once. It was smartly written, very funny and entertaining and had a great message of being creative and having fun and believing in yourself. I have to admit, I was very leery of this film when it was first announced; I thought it was a simple cash-grab since LEGOs are very popular. When I saw they were including DC superheroes like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman not as cameos but as actual main characters I was more hesitant since I thought that was even worse of a cash-grab. Other franchise characters like, Gandalf, Dumbledore, Ninja Turtles and Milhouse from the Simpsons have short cameos as well. But the movie is quirky, funny and creative enough to make great use of the LEGO universe of toys and after at least one viewing, I wasn’t bothered by the licensed characters as much as I thought I’d be. It’s a great movie, sure to make more sequels, and should be seen by kids and the kids-at-heart.

Score: 8.5 MEGA Blocks (out of 10)