Lego’s Ninjago is mildly entertaining – but wholly underwhelming
The film is the third in the Lego series, which seemed to be able to give Pixar a run for it’s money in terms of originality, visuals and that all important kids-adult crossover appeal
This is the third movie in the Lego series, which seemed to be able to give Pixar a run for it’s money in terms of originality, visuals and that all important kids-adult crossover appeal.
Sadly, after the incredible Lego movie and the under-rated Lego Batman, Ninjago feels a bit done-by-numbers.
Ninjago is an offshoot Lego brand skirting dangerously close to Power Rangers territory.
All dinosaur vehicles controlled by four teenagers with different personalities.
The film doesn’t really do anything to pretend otherwise.
There are some good twists here - the inclusion of real footage works as well as it did before, as does the use of real life objects as the “ultimate weapons”.
There are also nods to our obsession with memes and gifs - but the overall message of searching for the hero inside yourself is as predictable as it gets.
I also can't be quite sure who is crying out for cameos from Ben Shepard and Kate Garraway (no offence guys!) apart from their agents.
My kids were mildly entertained but pretty underwhelmed, mainly because they expected something really special.
A lesson in managing expectations here - perhaps the subtext for the sequel?
Lego Ninjago
(U) 101mins
★★★☆☆
