Spoilers:

The Lego Movie: Statistics

• Release Date

  February 7, 2014

• Directed by

  Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

• Production Companies

  Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, LEGO System A/S

• Budget

  $60 million

• Box Office

  $468.1 million

• Runtime

  100 minutes

• Genre

  Animated, Adventure, Comedy

• Main Voice Cast

  • Chris Pratt as Emmet Brickowski
  • Elizabeth Banks as Wyldstyle
  • Will Arnett as Batman
  • Will Ferrell as Lord Business
  • Morgan Freeman as Vitruvius

• Critical Reception

  Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

  Metacritic: 83/100

• Awards

  • BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film
  • Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Animated Feature

The Lego Movie: An Introduction

The Lego Movie, released in 2014, is a groundbreaking animated film that brought the beloved Lego construction toys to the big screen. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film blends humor, adventure, and social commentary, using the iconic interlocking bricks as its medium.

Interesting Facts

• Lego initially resisted the idea of a movie. The fear was it might not be well-received.
• The film was animated using CGI to mimic stop-motion, replicating the feel of real Lego bricks.
• Everything seen on screen adheres to real Lego brick dimensions and connections.
• The voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, and Morgan Freeman.
• One of the scenes saw approximately 3,863,484 bricks on screen at once.

Speculation and Theories

The film sparked multiple theories, especially with its ending. Some speculated about its commentary on creativity versus conformity. Another theory involves the duality of our worlds and how the Lego universe operates within the human universe, hinted in the live-action sequences.

Bizarre Tidbits

• There was a false rumor that the movie had live-action sets to complement the animation.
• Some fans believed the film would accurately predict future Lego sets.

Public Perception Over Time

Upon release, The Lego Movie was met with critical acclaim. Critics praised its humor, voice acting, and visual style. Initially seen as a potential commercial tie-in, it quickly shattered those expectations. The film maintained popularity, with lasting appeal across age groups.

As time passed, it became a cultural phenomenon. The phrase “Everything is Awesome” became ingrained in pop culture. Sequels and spin-offs followed, yet the original remains the most cherished. Some argue that subsequent films did not capture the original’s spirit. Despite this, The Lego Movie is considered by many as a triumph of creativity and storytelling.

The Lego Movie: A Snappy Beat-by-Beat Breakdown

Ordinary World: Emmet Brickowski, just another face in the Lego crowd. A perfectly average, rule-following minifigure.

Call to Adventure: Emmet stumbles onto the “Piece of Resistance,” setting him off on an unexpected journey.

Refusal of the Call: Initially, Emmet’s overwhelmed. He’s just a regular guy, not some hero in plastic.

Meeting the Mentor: Wildstyle crashes in, literally. She’s tough, smart, and ready to shake Emmet’s world up.

Crossing the Threshold: From jumping through realms to dodging capture, Emmet’s life jumps from 0 to 100 real quick.

Tests, Allies, Enemies: Batman, Unikitty, Benny, MetalBeard – the weirdest crew you’ll ever meet. But Lord Business? Ultimate bad guy.

Approach to the Inmost Cave: Getting into Lord Business’s lair isn’t a walk in the park. Plans, sneaking, and a whole lot of luck.

Ordeal: Betrayals, realizations, and facing the truth – Emmet’s not the “Special.” It’s a tough pill to swallow.

Reward: Armed with newfound self-belief, Emmet comes back from the abyss, Piece of Resistance in tow.

The Road Back: It’s not just about saving the Lego universe; it’s about proving everyone, including himself, wrong.

Resurrection: The ultimate showdown with Lord Business. Emmet’s creativity versus cold, hard tyranny.

Return with the Elixir: Emmet’s changed Lego City forever. He’s a hero, the “Special”, and most importantly, still just Emmet.

Quick, Explosive, and Brimming with Heart

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller deliver a knockout. “The Lego Movie” isn’t just a kids’ film; it’s a sharp, lovingly constructed ode to creativity and individuality. Fast-paced, laugh-out-loud funny, and with a surprisingly deep heart, it’s a wild ride from brick one to the closing credits. Don’t let the plastic exterior fool you; this movie packs a punch.

Story Opening of The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie opens with a strong visual and auditory punch. The animation is bright and colorful, immediately drawing the audience in. We are introduced to a meticulously constructed Lego city, where the rules are clear: follow the instructions, be normal, and fit in. The protagonist, Emmet, is established as an ordinary construction worker, living a routine life. This sets the stage for the central conflict of the story—being anything but ordinary. The opening is efficient, showcasing both the world and the main theme: conformity versus individuality.

Story Formula Breakdown

The Lego Movie follows a classic structure:

• Act 1: Setup – Introduces Emmet, his world, and the mundane routine that characterizes his life. We learn about the oppressive regime of Lord Business, who looks to control everything.
• Act 2: Rising Action – Emmet accidentally becomes ‘The Special’ after discovering the Piece of Resistance. He joins a group of rebels, including Wyldstyle, to stop Lord Business and find the importance of creativity.
• Act 3: Climax and Resolution – The final showdown between the heroes and Lord Business occurs. Emmet defies the odds, using creativity to save both his world and the real world, concluding with a narrative about imagination and freedom.

Character vs. Story Driven

The story of The Lego Movie is more character-driven. While the narrative contains significant external plot developments, it heavily focuses on Emmet’s growth and changes. The evolution of characters is at the core, emphasizing themes like creativity, self-discovery, and rebellion against conformity.

Memorable Character Traits

Emmet stands out as a memorable character because he embodies relatability and growth. Initially portrayed as bland and average, his journey towards self-actualization resonates with audiences. His struggle against Lord Business and eventual acceptance of his uniqueness make him relatable. The emotional core is strong due to his innocence and optimism, which feel authentic and grounded.

Main Characters

• Emmet Brickowski: An average construction worker marked by his adherence to rules. He transforms into a hero when he discovers his potential.
• Wyldstyle: A skilled master builder and a fierce rebel. She is independent and challenges Emmet to think creatively.
• Lord Business: The main antagonist who seeks to impose order through conformity. His obsession with control represents the fear of chaos.
• Vitruvius: A wise old wizard who believes in prophesies and guides Emmet on his journey.
• Batman: A self-centered character who merges humor and heroism, adding layers to the narrative.

Story Flow Template

Here’s a basic template for writing a story flow similar to The Lego Movie:

• Opening Scene: Introduce a colorful, vibrant world.
• Establish Routine: Present the protagonist’s mundane life.
• Introduce Conflict: Introduce the antagonist and stakes (fear of control).
• Inciting Incident: Protagonist finds a unique object that signifies their specialness.
• Group Formation: Assemble a team of quirky characters to challenge the antagonist.
• Struggles and Growth: Showcase the protagonist’s learning curve and evolution.
• Climactic Showdown: Centered around creativity, disruption of the antagonist’s plans.
• Resolution: Highlight newfound beliefs and the power of imagination.
• Closing Scene: Suggest a continuation of creativity and teamwork.

Simple Story Summary

In simple terms, The Lego Movie is about an ordinary Lego figure who discovers he is special and embarks on a journey to save his world from an evil tyrant. It explores themes of individuality, creativity, and the importance of thinking outside the box against rigid structures.

The Lego Movie Analysis

Inciting Incident

The inciting incident occurs when Emmet discovers the piece of resistance. This moment symbolizes individuality and the potential for change. Emmet, a typical LEGO figure, represents conformity. His transformation begins here, hinting at the struggle between the mundane and the extraordinary.

Act Structure

The film follows a three-act structure:

• Act 1: Introduction of characters. Emmet is established as an ordinary LEGO figure. He meets Wyldstyle, sparking the quest.
• Act 2: Emmet’s journey. He stumbles through challenges, like battling Bad Cop. His growth starts, but self-doubt lingers.
• Act 3: Climax and resolution. Emmet learns to believe in himself. The power of creativity triumphs over control.

Each act builds on the previous one, creating urgency. Emmet’s journey from conformity to leadership reflects the growth arc effectively.

Climax

The climax occurs when Emmet confronts Lord Business. The emotional capital is immense, as it encapsulates the themes of freedom versus control. The build-up involves Emmet facing his doubts and realizing his unique value. The emotional stakes rise as his friends rally around him, transforming from mere plastic figures to a cohesive team.

Tension and Release

The movie builds tension through fast-paced action and obstacles Emmet must face. Each challenge escalates the stakes. For instance, the encounters with Bad Cop keep viewers on edge. Release occurs when Emmet finally embraces his role—leading to triumphant moments sprinkled throughout the film. Each time the characters unite against Lord Business, the tension dissipates briefly, providing laughter and relief before the next rise.

The Lego Movie Ending Explained

At the end of The Lego Movie, Emmet, the main character, learns that he is special and helps save the Lego universe from Lord Business. He unites the various Lego characters, and in a surprising twist, it’s revealed that the Lego world is actually a model created by a boy named Finn. Finn’s father, the Man Upstairs, represented by Lord Business, wants to keep everything in order and on display.

Writers’ Categorization of the Ending

The ending can be categorized as a metaphorical twist. It merges fiction with reality, blurring lines between imagination and control.

Meanings of the Ending

• Symbolic: The clash between creativity and conformity is symbolized by Emmet’s struggle against Lord Business.
• Thematic: The ending emphasizes the importance of imagination, collaboration, and being an individual.
• Speculative: It suggests that creativity thrives when rules are bent or broken.

Loose Ends and Payoffs

• The reveal of Emmet’s true potential resolves his journey of self-discovery.
• Finn’s relationship with his father gets addressed, showcasing the balance between play and order.
• All characters, from Batman to Unikitty, find their purpose and voice in the end.

Character Changes

Emmet evolves from a generic construction worker to a true leader. Wyldstyle becomes more accepting of different approaches to creativity. Lord Business learns to loosen his grip on control.

Lessons for Writers

Writers can learn to incorporate unexpected twists that reveal deeper truths about characters and themes. The relationship dynamics between characters can enhance the emotional impact. Lastly, blending different realities can lead to unique storytelling approaches.

Dialogue Style in The Lego Movie

The dialogue in The Lego Movie is fast-paced, witty, and often plays with absurdity. It balances humor and emotion seamlessly. Characters engage in quick exchanges that reflect their distinct personalities and often lead to comedic situations.

Examples of Dialogue

• Emmet: “I’m just a regular guy. I work in construction.”
• Benny: “Spaceship!”
• Lord Business: “I will glue you!”
• Wyldstyle: “You can’t just follow the instructions!”

Quintessential Character Moment

A pivotal scene is when Emmet realizes he doesn’t have to be special to make a difference. His simple belief in following instructions contrasts with the chaos around him. It’s this realization that drives the story forward.

Best and Iconic Lines

• “Everything is awesome!”
• “You are the Special!”
• “I am so happy to be here.”

Uniqueness of Dialogue

The dialogue is unique because it embraces LEGO’s playful nature. Characters often use silly phrases and puns, making everything feel light-hearted while still addressing deeper themes like self-worth and teamwork.

Dialogue Density

The script is dialogue-heavy. Characters rarely have prolonged silences. Every exchange propels the story or deepens character insight, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

Realism of Dialogue

The dialogue is not realistic in a traditional sense; it’s stylized. Characters exaggerate their emotions and responses for comedic effect. This enhances the film’s charm rather than aiming for realism.

Writer Takeaways

Writers can learn the importance of concise dialogue. Humor can arise from character uniqueness and relatable situations. Also, juxtaposing absurdity with genuine moments creates depth.

Scene Walkthrough

Consider the scene where Emmet meets Wyldstyle for the first time:

Emmet is confused and excited while Wyldstyle is assertive and resourceful. The balance of their dialogue captures this dynamic.

Emmet: “Wow, who are you?”
Wyldstyle: “You’re kidding, right?”
Emmet: “Yeah, just a regular guy!”
Wyldstyle: “You’re about to be not so regular.”

This exchange sets the tone: Emmet’s innocence vs. Wyldstyle’s confidence. It establishes their relationship and the stakes of the adventure ahead.

Unique Writing Lessons from The Lego Movie

Here are insights that stand out in storytelling and writing from The Lego Movie:

• Embrace Simplicity

  The narrative is straightforward. It focuses on basic themes like creativity and individuality. Avoid overcomplicating your story.

• Use Humor Effectively

  The film balances humor and heart. Utilize jokes that serve the plot and reveal character traits.

• Subvert Tropes

  The movie plays with typical hero’s journey elements, flipping them. Don’t be afraid to challenge audience expectations.

• Layered Characters

  Characters have depth. Even the antagonist has relatable motives. Flesh out all characters, not just the leads.

• Strong Theme of Empowerment

  The “anyone can be anything” message is clear. Infuse your work with themes that encourage audiences to realize their potential.

• Visual Storytelling

  The animation supports the narrative. Consider how visuals enhance your story, not just words.

• Play with Structure

  The movie has unique pacing and structure, keeping it engaging. Experiment with how you build suspense and reveal information.

• Emotional Resonance

  Moments of genuine emotion are balanced with comedy. Subtle depth can elevate a lighthearted story.

• Community and Collaboration

  The film emphasizes teamwork. Highlight the importance of collaboration within your story and characters’ arcs.

• Meta-Narrative

  The film acknowledges its own nature (toys, creativity). Incorporating meta elements can add cleverness without breaking immersion.

*Just watched The Lego Movie and honestly, I was ready to give it 5 stars, but then I remembered that one of my Lego bricks is missing from my last build.

*I mean, seriously, how can I trust a movie about blocks when my real life isn’t even completed?

*That said, I laughed so hard I almost knocked over my Lego™ Millennium Falcon. Major props for that.

*Also, who knew Will Ferrell was such a master builder? He didn’t even need instructions!

*TL;DR: I laughed, I cried, I still can’t find my brick. Thanks, Lego.

*✌️🧱 #MissingBricksClub

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller Discography

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are known for their work as screenwriters, directors, and producers. Here’s a brief overview of their notable projects:

• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

  Their feature directorial debut, this animated film was a box office success and well-received by critics.

• 21 Jump Street (2012)

  A comedic take on the TV series, revitalizing the franchise with humor and charm.

• The Lego Movie (2014)

  This groundbreaking animated film became a cultural phenomenon and was praised for its wit and creativity.

• 22 Jump Street (2014)

  The sequel that managed to match the original’s energy and humor, proving their knack for comedy.

• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

  A revolutionary animated film that won an Academy Award, showcasing their storytelling prowess.

• The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)

  Continuation of the Lego franchise, although it didn’t hit the same heights as the first film.

• Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

  A unique take on family and technology that garnered significant acclaim.

Writing Style

Lord and Miller’s style combines rapid-fire humor with heart, often subverting expectations in traditional storytelling.