Lightning does not strike in the same place twice and the humans behind “The Lego Movie” try to bring the same magic that the first film had to its sequel, simply titled “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”, the film picks up where the first ends, with the invasion of Duplo toys from the Sistar (sister) system.
If you remember, in the real world, “Dad” (Will Ferrel) finally allowed his son, Finn (Jaden Sand) to play with his Legos (which was the conflict of the first film) but with this permission also comes an extension, also allowing Bianca (the sister, played by Brooklynn Prince) to come and play with her Duplos, hence the space invaders from the Sistar System.
These “alien invaders” have turned the once cheery and perfect Bricksburg into Apocalypseburg, which is very reminiscent of Mad Max: Fury Road and the residents also take up post Apocalyptic personas in order to survive, well all except for Emmet (Chris Pratt) who is still as optimistic as ever. He still goes out to pick up coffee, while listening to “Everything is Awesome”, something which Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) does not agree with. The ever brooding master builder is on the look out, waiting for an imminent attack from the aliens. She wishes that Emmet would be more macho and daring.
Opportunity comes when Lucy, Batman, Benny, Unikitty and Metal Beard are kidnapped by General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz -who I LOVED here) to attend a matrimonial ceremony which may just bring about Ar-mama-geddon.
Emmet sets off in pursuit and tries to rescue his friends but ends up being rescued by REX Dangervest (also Chris Pratt) who is basically a combination of Chris Pratt’s other roles (Owen from Jurassic World and Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy).
The sequel is still hilarious and entertaining with the same meta-clever jokes and making fun of brands and pop culture. (They’re still waiting for Marvel’s call).
Even if there is nothing new in the formula, catching all the Easter eggs and references is part of the fun (multiple viewings may be required to catch them all) the film is still hilarious and entertaining and one of the rare ones where both kids and adults will both enjoy.
The first film, which came out five years ago (yes, it’s been that long) was so remarkable in its plot, comedy and that surprising very realistic twist and lesson in the end, that its definitely a tall order to take on and it would be a challenge to replicate that successful formula in the second film, plus the catchy “Everything is Awesome” is a gem that just can’t happen again, although “Catchy Song” from Dillon Francis, T-Pain and That Girl Lay Lay sure tries as does the rest of the film.
6.5/10 “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” is showing in cinemas Feb. 13.