This story was originally published in the fifth edition of The Lion’s Tale (March 14, 2019).

Five years ago, the LEGO company released a movie that exceeded expectations.

While most people expected The LEGO Movie to be nothing more than an hour-and-a-half long commercial for plastic bricks, it proved to be not only witty and entertaining, but also a philosophical romp through capitalism, creativity and conformity.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part proved to be as entertaining as the first installment. Even better, it’s rich with wisdom, which is delivered from the animated mouths of smart-aleck LEGO characters.

Set five years after the first movie, it opens in a post-apocalyptic city, in which the characters struggle for survival against mysterious aliens that attack anything happy and bright. Right at the beginning, the movie satirizes multiple tropes, including the idea that for something to be considered “cool,” it has to be dark and brooding.

 Meanwhile, the main character, Emmett, is still cheerful and positive, constructing a bright-yellow “dream house” on the outskirts of the overly harsh and gritty town. Lucy, his girlfriend, tells him she wishes he was more dark and brooding. Emmett strives to prove his seriousness throughout the movie, until he finally realizes that it’s better to be himself than to change his personality to please others.

While the first LEGO movie provided a moral about a balance between being an individual and working with society, The LEGO Movie 2 seems to be focused on a personal message as the main characters struggle with overcoming their own insecurities. 

Like the first movie, this one takes place within the minds of two human siblings as they play and fight over their LEGO figurines. This was a commentary in itself. 

Bianca, the younger sister, only wants her brother to respect and play with her. Finn, now in his preteen years, is trying to come up with a story that only he can participate in. The quarrel between the siblings drives the story forward and delivers a message to young children that it’s okay to not grow up too fast. 

The Lego Movie 2, while filled with snarky commentary and satire, was also a whimsical and lighthearted moviegoer experience for all ages.