The Lego Ninjago Movie – a movie review by Roz Tarszisz
I was accompanied by two young fans who were excited by the prospect of the latest outing in the Lego movie franchise. Well, that and a train ride into the city.
Acknowledging well-loved scenarios from a host of movies past –The NeverEnding Story, The Karate Kid through to Kung Fu Panda and Transformers – to name just a few, this action hero story romps through them all.
There is a wee twist in that evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux) aka The Worst Guy Ever, is also the hero’s father who abandoned him when he was a baby and Lloyd (Dave Franco) has plenty of angst about that. Hang on, there’s also that nod to Star Wars.
Lloyd lives with his mother Koko (Olivia Munn) in Ninjago where Garmadon is forever attacking the city and trying to take over.
Lloyd, not just an unhappy nerd, is secretly Green Ninja, who, together with his talented band of ninja friends – Earth, Water, Ice, Fire and Lightening – have been trained by kung fu master, and Lloyd’s uncle, Mr Wu (Jackie Chan). Lloyd is despised at school because of his father and that makes for some funny moments but as Green Ninja, he’s a hero.
Green Ninja activates the ultimate weapon but that ruse backfires and Garmadon successfully takes over so the team take off for on a quest to find the ultimate, ultimate weapon and save their island.
It’s fun, it’s clever and there’s nonstop action. While much of it is tongue-in-cheek, it’s well done and only a bit scary. The three directors and a bevy of writers have produced a tale that emphasises the importance of family, love and belonging. Nu, what else is there?
One of my accompanying posse thought the soundtrack was too loud, but I liked the music and found it punchy and appropriate, keeping pace with the action. Chan, even as a voice, is one of the best things about the movie.
Apparently there are many eager Ninjago fans out there so that’s end of year prezzies sorted.
3.5/5 Released September 21 Rated PG Mild Animated Violence 101mins
Voiced by Dave Franco, Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux, Michael Pena, Kumail Nanjiani, Olivia Munn
Directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, Bob Logan
Music by Mark Mothersbaugh
