OK, first things first.
Can we all admit playing with Legos is fun, no matter your age?
Sitting through the first-ever Lego film for the big screen as an adult? I wouldn't advise it on your own, but your kid(s) will
love it.
As a sidenote, Lego was founded in 1949 and has reportedly produced 560 billion pieces since then, so I'm surprised it's taken more than 60 years for a film to reach the big screen.
The first - simply titled "The Lego Movie" - is kid-friendly and fun, but unlike Pixar's "Toy Story" and "Cars" films, there's not a lot here for the thousands of adults that will surely pack theaters with kids in tow for this weekend's release.
The plot is simple: an ordinary Lego mini-figure named Emmet is pegged to defeat the evil Lord Business and save the universe. Emmet has friends such as Batman helping him along the way. The film's end has a nice twist that will tug at your heart.
Still, with animation that pales in comparison to Pixar films (it seems impossible to make a Lego mini-figure's movements look smooth), a story only a child could love, adult one-liners that for the most part miss, don't expect "Wall-E" or "Finding Nemo." I prefered "Planes," released last year and widely dissed by critics, more than "The Lego Movie," but that's not the point.
My 5-year-old son loved "The Lego Movie", and that's what should matter. These types of films are obviously geared toward children. Whether or not adults enjoy themselves too is a bonus, at least in my book.
"The Lego Movie" opens nationwide Feb. 7.
- Mark Podolski | @mpodo