Why THE LEGO MOVIE Isn’t Just For Kids

Following a senior couple into the movie theater was my first inkling that this movie wasn’t only intended for a young audience. Because of the buzz, my boyfriend and I were glad to go see it. While there were plenty of children, I noticed quite a few adults sitting together awaiting The Lego Movie to begin.

A Lego Production

The moment the movie opened, we were thrust into Lego-created title cards and production logos. The movie is truly Lego, beginning to end. With an opening reminiscent of stories about faraway lands and battles of good against evil, I was half expecting a Fairy Tale prince to pop out and fight the evil king in a mythical realm.

While many of these ideas were sprinkled into the movie trope cauldron that is The Lego Movie, a jump 8 years into the future introduces us to our hero, Emmet Brickowski. Oblivious as the day is long, he is happy as can be to follow the instructions that came with his life.

At the end of a normal day, Emmet comes upon a shadowy figure near the construction site and accidentally falls into an underground tunnel where he stumbles upon the “Piece of Resistance” which becomes bonded to him. According to the prophesy introduced in the beginning of the film, Emmet is the most extraordinary and special person in the world, and now holds the power to stop the ancient “Kragle.” Along with a hodge-podge of vintage and modern-day Lego people, he sets off on an epic adventure to save their Lego world.

Adult Humor

Right away, I noticed all the adult humor mixed in.  One of the first scenes shows an in-movie sitcom with a Lego man wearing only his briefs asking the location of his pants – the typical low-brow entertainment of prime time television.  I especially appreciated the coffee shop in Emmet’s hometown where he proclaims, “Overpriced coffee!  Yes!”  It’s true that society just accepts it!  And the audience roared during Emmet’s interrogation scene.

Bad Cop/Good Cop: “You were found at the construction site convulsing with a strange piece.”

Emmet: “That’s disgusting!”

My favorite character was an elderly hippie prophet/wizard named Vitruvius voiced by Morgan Freeman.  Though it was never mentioned for obvious reasons, I would swear he was meant to be high the whole time. Even though he came off as an all-knowing all-powerful being, he quickly showed signs of immaturity. But who doesn’t love Morgan Freeman’s voice?

Along with multiple professions and every-day Lego people, superheroes, movie characters, and other notable pieces showed up. We enjoyed seeing our favorite movies come to life as funny little Lego people; each one adding a bit of comedy relief. And the vintage Legos were a fond memory, especially for my boyfriend who owns many 1980’s spaceman sets.

So, why is this movie especially significant for grown-ups to see?

Warning, spoilers ahead!

In my opinion, the directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, did a great job reminding us not to take ourselves so seriously.  The boy who turns out as the puppeteer behind the Lego worlds teaches his father, played by Will Ferrell, to have an imagination again, which also thwarts the protagonist, President/Lord Business.  It makes you wonder what your own kids call you behind your back.  As we age, we can become detached from our carefree child-like selves and forget how to have fun.

Emmet comes to find that he doesn’t always have to follow the instructions and that sometimes you need to do both – follow the rules and be creative.  Creativity and imagination allow us to relax and accomplish goals rather than expecting the unattainable perfection.

“Everything Is Awesome,” as the film’s focal song suggests, when we take the time to let our hair down once in a while.  And as The Lego Movie ended and we think the real and pretend worlds are at peace, Will Ferrell’s character throws us one last comedic curveball – allowing his son’s little sister to play, too!  We left the theater with the Lego Duplo’s sweet, but sinister declaration ringing in our ears, “Hello, we are here to destroy you.”

Does The Lego Movie appeal to you as an adult? If you have seen it, do you agree with me that it’s great for adults as well? Let me know in the comments!

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