… Is everything still awesome? The team behind The LEGO Movie 2 is well ahead of us on that joke, and many others too. This film is even more self-aware than its predecessor, referencing everything from Justice-of-the-moment Ruth Bader Ginsburg to star Chris Pratt’s entire career trajectory. There’s even time allotted to the particular brand of torture that’s stepping on a LEGO brick.

Introducing the ominous ‘Systar system’ and its invasion of baby-voiced DUPLO to Emmet’s world is an inspired idea, especially with accompaniments like weaponised hearts, stars that vomit glittery rainbows and icy kingdoms of sparkly vampires (led by Noel Fielding). This does mean more IRL sections, which are jarring: Maya Rudolph, though, is a welcome addition. Tiffany Haddish is also really excellent as Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi, a new character of many dimensions (literally).

The LEGO Movie 2’s music is as poppy and incessant as ever – and this time there’s even a song over the credits about why you should stay for the credits.

References can be quite niche, though (everyone remembers that screen classic Hot Tub Time Machine, right?), and could date badly. The pace of the wisecracks is relentless too, and not every joke lands. If you’re not entertained by this brand of humour, then The LEGO Movie 2 will not be for you.

The plot becomes a little convoluted towards the end, and the movie loses some of its tight pace as it plays around before arriving at its conclusion.

The LEGO Movie 2 is better than the first, taking what worked originally – and going large. It doesn’t tug on heartstrings, but it tickles funny bones. More credit is also due than historically given for the bright, detailed and imaginative way this LEGO world has been built on screen. 

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Tiffany Haddish, Will Arnett,  Stephanie Beatriz, Richard Ayoade, Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph

DIRECTOR: Mike Mitchell

WRITERS: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (story and screenplay); Matthew Fogel (story)

SYNOPSIS: It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild.