The Lego Ninjago Movie
1.5/4
Starring (voices): Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Jackie Chan, Olivia Munn
Rated PG for Some Mild Action and Rude Humor
If a sequel/spin-off to a hit movie comes out within a year of its predecessor, it's a pretty safe bet that, regardless of how interconnected they are, they're going to be crap. Just look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For every "Guardians of the Galaxy," there are a few forgettable behemoths like "Captain America: Civil War" or "Fantastic Four" (pick a version). The same goes for "The Lego Movie." Despite being marketing at its most shameless, the 2014 animated hit was a breath of fresh air. It was filled to the brim with animation, clever humor and ideas no one could see coming. Eager to jump on the bandwagon while it was hot, Warner Bros. produced spin-offs as fast as they could make them. Despite having three years to prepare, "The Lego Batman Movie" was a waste of time. And as bad as that one was, this new spin-off is even worse.
Lloyd (Franco) is your average high schooler. He's shy, gawky, and no one takes him seriously. Worse, he's the town scapegoat, since he's the son of Garmadon (Theroux), who routinely tries to rain destruction on his home city of Ninjago. What no one knows is that he is one of six ninjas who defend the city from Garmadon. But when he seeks Master Wu's (Chan) ultimate weapon to defeat Garmadon once and for all, it backfires. Now, he and his fellow ninjas, plus Master Wu, will have to take the long and arduous journey to find the Ultimate Ultimate weapon. And they are sure to run into Garmadon on the way.
Like its predecessors, "The Lego Ninjao Movie" seeks to be a part homage/part parody of family action movies and kung fu schlockfests. And like the installment that came out earlier this year, it's a dud. It's too dim-witted and too sincere to work as either. The story, thin as it is, takes itself too seriously. And it's supposed to be a comedy. The jokes are lame, and it never finds and angle to take on the genres it's simultaneously mocking and embracing.
The cast doesn't impress. They're outacted by the superweapon (for the sake of anyone desperate enough for family entertainment, I won't spoil it). The best I can say is that Dave Franco continues to prove that he's a much more appealing actor than his older brother, and that Justin Theroux is unrecognizable. Which is probably for the best, since I still remember how godawful "Wanderlust" was.
"The Lego Ninjago Movie" is a shameless cash grab, and does little to hide it. That there are three directors and seven credited screenwriters is warning enough to stay away. I feel sorry for any family that is suckered into seeing this kinetic pile of crap. Or that they have seen it, and their kids actually liked it enough to demand that they get it on Blu Ray and watch it over and over again. If this is you, send me your name, and I'll reserve you a space at the funny farm. You'll need it.
Starring (voices): Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Jackie Chan, Olivia Munn
Rated PG for Some Mild Action and Rude Humor
If a sequel/spin-off to a hit movie comes out within a year of its predecessor, it's a pretty safe bet that, regardless of how interconnected they are, they're going to be crap. Just look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For every "Guardians of the Galaxy," there are a few forgettable behemoths like "Captain America: Civil War" or "Fantastic Four" (pick a version). The same goes for "The Lego Movie." Despite being marketing at its most shameless, the 2014 animated hit was a breath of fresh air. It was filled to the brim with animation, clever humor and ideas no one could see coming. Eager to jump on the bandwagon while it was hot, Warner Bros. produced spin-offs as fast as they could make them. Despite having three years to prepare, "The Lego Batman Movie" was a waste of time. And as bad as that one was, this new spin-off is even worse.
Lloyd (Franco) is your average high schooler. He's shy, gawky, and no one takes him seriously. Worse, he's the town scapegoat, since he's the son of Garmadon (Theroux), who routinely tries to rain destruction on his home city of Ninjago. What no one knows is that he is one of six ninjas who defend the city from Garmadon. But when he seeks Master Wu's (Chan) ultimate weapon to defeat Garmadon once and for all, it backfires. Now, he and his fellow ninjas, plus Master Wu, will have to take the long and arduous journey to find the Ultimate Ultimate weapon. And they are sure to run into Garmadon on the way.
Like its predecessors, "The Lego Ninjao Movie" seeks to be a part homage/part parody of family action movies and kung fu schlockfests. And like the installment that came out earlier this year, it's a dud. It's too dim-witted and too sincere to work as either. The story, thin as it is, takes itself too seriously. And it's supposed to be a comedy. The jokes are lame, and it never finds and angle to take on the genres it's simultaneously mocking and embracing.
The cast doesn't impress. They're outacted by the superweapon (for the sake of anyone desperate enough for family entertainment, I won't spoil it). The best I can say is that Dave Franco continues to prove that he's a much more appealing actor than his older brother, and that Justin Theroux is unrecognizable. Which is probably for the best, since I still remember how godawful "Wanderlust" was.
"The Lego Ninjago Movie" is a shameless cash grab, and does little to hide it. That there are three directors and seven credited screenwriters is warning enough to stay away. I feel sorry for any family that is suckered into seeing this kinetic pile of crap. Or that they have seen it, and their kids actually liked it enough to demand that they get it on Blu Ray and watch it over and over again. If this is you, send me your name, and I'll reserve you a space at the funny farm. You'll need it.
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