The Almost Oscars: The Lego Movie
The Academy Awards never get it wrong. OK. Sometimes, they get it wrong. Ok. A lot of the times, they get it wrong. In this new world of brutal campaigning, a lack of diversity, and Oscar bait films, it seems as though true art is being squandered in the ceremony. The whole ceremony that does, to some extent, celebrate greatness in the filmmaking community, also has a hefty amount of flaws which smarts many a film lover.
This week, I’m looking at films that should’ve most definitely have won an award. Or at least been nominated.
In a world with Baymax, Boxtrolls, Dragons, and Selkies, animation had never been better. Between Disney and Dreamworks, and across the Song of the Sea, exquisiteness and entertainment found a peak and charmed the hearts of adults and children everywhere. The world of cartoon figures was at its best, with deep emotion and a whole heap of fun at the same time. However, when the Oscar nominations were announced last year, one film was woefully missing from the roster - The Lego Movie.
The Friggen’ Lego Movie. A movie so goddamn brilliant that many wailed in dismay. Not even a nomination would be bestowed on the excellent film. The movie, for those who have lived under a brick and haven’t seen it, revolves around Lego and a figure named Emmett who is happy in his uniformed yet boring life. However, when he finds out that no one cares for him or what he does, he is dismayed. A chance meeting with a mysterious figure causes him to get an equally mysterious object stuck to his back - setting a new journey for his life as he now has to the defeat the evil Lord Business…
The hijinks and comedy are on point in a film that refuses to slip on the hilarity. Between slapstick jokes, fourth wall moments, intelligent quips, and downright silliness, The Lego Movie is a tour de force that will send waves of laughter rippling down you. You’d have to be made from brick to not enjoy the spectacle of colour and comedy that appeals to children and adults alike.
The humour is translated well from a tremendous voice cast. Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, and Will Farrell populate the main characters with ease. The Lego Movie marked a tremendous curve for Pratt as he continued to become one of the most impeccable specimens on this planet. As Emmett, he had bouts of optimism and likeability that you resonated with the hero. Alongside him, the likes of Morgan Freeman (who does some of his best work,) Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, and the superb Liam Neeson, all provide some brilliant memorable moments. It’s on point comedy from people who conceived Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and 21 Jump Street.
Production company Animal Logic replicated stop-motion and attempted to bring our usual childhood toys back to life, even the minutiae. The end effect is this display of creativity that flows seamlessly through worlds, feeling as though our figures spring to life when we aren’t in the room (similarly to Toy Story.) Flowing from animation to live action was a tricky yet superb twist. Fast and colourful, this film had a spectrum addled aesthetic that burned brightly.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the directors, answered correctly to the snub and gave prospective nominees their own Lego Oscars which, if we were honest, we’d want ourselves more so than the actual gong (we’ve tried making it, but we’re just not that skilled.) The Lego Movie was an imaginative spectacle with well-timed comedy, great voice acting, and a song so annoyingly catchy, we’ve had it in our heads since the film’s release. Whilst Baymax and the Big Hero 6 team crafted a nice and well-mannered entry, its win seemed superfluous and erroneous at best, especially when compare it to the unique, different, and hilarious film such as The Lego Movie.
Ah well, at least it won the BAFTA