An unnamed member of the group told us today that she thought “The Lego Movie” was lacking “substance” and was an overrated film. I was, frankly, livid. However, now I plan to try and set emotion aside and try to prove to her, that this film, despite her grievances, is a uniquely substantial and significant part of cinematic history.
“The Lego Movie” was released in February of 2014. The movie was an instant hit. With self deprecating humor, a clear conflict, stunning cast, and exciting story arch, “The Lego Movie” was considered one of the best films of the year by critics and fans alike (The National Board of Review, Rotten Tomatoes: 96% positive, Metacritic: 83/100 “world acclaim”, and CinemaScore: “A”). Of course, the words of critics do not matter so much as the value and significance of the plot and character development.
The film portrays a lowly construction worker, Emmet, and his quest for acceptance and friendship, ironically, in a society that is standardized and monolithic. His search for belonging, a very human desire, leads him on a path to adventure. He collaborates with “master-builders”, the creative innovators of their fictional, Lego world, to prevent President Business from killing off all creativity and freezing everyone with the “kragle”. Along the way, Emmet faces severe inner conflict with his desire to conform to others’ standards and that of fulfilling the role of the “special”. Furthermore, he learns that fierce individualism and refusal to cooperate with others is a wildly dangerous and undermining form of self sabotage. Emmet, throughout the film, learns to become himself and think for himself, but importantly, understands the importance of forming a community of like-minded and different folks. Emmet also learns that to be special does not take some unique element or trait, but the ability to acknowledge the humanity in others and to give others a helping, loving hand when they are lashing out or struggling to cooperate with others or cope with their own insecurities.
The crux of this aspect of the film is exemplified by the following:
“You… don’t have to be… the bad guy. You are the most talented… the most interesting… and the most extraordinary person in the universe. And you are capable of amazing things, because you are The Special. And so am I, and so is everyone. The prophecy is made up, but it’s also true. It’s about all of us, right now, it’s about you, and you, still, can change everything.”
Emmet’s final monologue to President Business encapsulates a number of substantive points. First, that everyone has intrinsic value. Second, it does not take some unique trait to tap into being special or to become special, you already are. Third, that to give a helping hand to someone is to demonstrate love and understanding. Finally, the manner in which we treat others, whether they are the least or most amongst us, reflects upon all of us.
It is foolhardy to call “The Lego Movie” incorporeal. The movie is the perfect example of one plight that plagues the human condition. This film is truly a masterpiece, demonstrating substantive subject matter in jokes, serious monologues, and brilliant animations.