The Lego Movie 2

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

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Mike Mitchell (“Sky High”) directs the appropriately vivid and highly charged sequel to “The LEGO Movie,” “LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part.”

The sequel is slick and engaging with several chuckles, and while the story may not contain as much novel surprise as the first film, the madcap humor combined with the sheer number of guest appearances make up for it.

Five years have passed since the first film and Duplo blocks have taken over, turning Bricksburg into Apocalypseburg, very similar to the Mad Max franchise. A shape-shifting queen is at hand played by Tiffany Haddish, who uses a lot of adjectives. The LEGO characters feel she is a dictator. She wants to marry Batman (Will Arnett) and achieve everything.

Emmett (Chris Pratt) is here. He wants to save Bricksburg and win back the love of Lucy (Elizabeth Banks). There is a macho Indiana Jones version of Emmett known as Rex Dangervest (also voiced by Pratt) who tries to worm his way into every situation and action sequence. There is a lot of action, several somersaults and tons of explosions. By midway, the senses almost tire. Then Bruce Willis appears cracking jokes about his Die Hard roles and the chuckles commence.

Though this chapter has less adult humor than the previous film and seems more geared to younger audiences, Tiffany Haddish carries the film and Batman (wearing a white feather cape) is as entertaining as ever, making jokes about his self-centered narcissism.

There is an intriguing subplot involving a human suburban family fighting over LEGOs, including a mom (Maya Rudolph) who may or may not bring about Our-Mom-Ageddon—infinite darkness.

Despite its occasional lapse in pacing, “LEGO Movie 2” will charm younger viewers and give some adults the giggles, and not only because Ruth Bader Ginsberg makes an appearance at Batman’s wedding. The songs are catchy and the colors pop. This is solid cheer and lighthearted fun will be had by all.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com