Conveniently already own the Lego Movie. Time to rewatch with a critical eye.
The Lego Movie, written by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, story by Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, LEGO System A/S, Vertigo Entertainment, Lin Pictures, Warner Bros. Animation (as Warner Animation Group))
Getting past all the shiny details the Lego movie is about a man who, faced with the responsibilities and life changes of fatherhood, tries to maintain control of his life by permanently gluing together dioramas he’s built following the official instructions. Eight and a half years later his child is of an age to reintroduce chaos and play into his life. The tension between parent and child are played out between the hero and villain under the child’s story telling direction.
It’s interesting to note that while the child is obviously extremely creative the hero he creates mirrors his father’s lack of creativity and desire to follow instructions. Though the villain behaves in a manner similar to his father, the son gives the hero his father’s characteristics which leaves an opening for his father’s redemption at the end.
Here the land of the imagination is the landscape of most of the movie and it could easily be dismissed as a daydream right up until the hero of the daydream shows agency on the work table, able to move on his own. Much like when Bastian chases down his bullies riding a dragon at the end of Neverending Story, this is the moment where the stakes become apparent because it’s not just a made up world, it is a world that is doomed or saved by the actions of two people in a basement.
I really liked the Lego Movie. I believe it has a lot more content to it than first glance would give it. It is interesting and has a good emotional punch as well as a significant number of fun moments.
Altogether a good movie.
Rebekah Golden 
[…] “2015 Hugo Awards Best Movie: Reviewing Lego Movie” – May 26 […]
Damnit, I came here to make another Sad Clones joke but it’s the same website and I don’t want to get boring. The Lego Movie is an excellent movie, as you’ve said, with far more depth than is immediately apparent. Everyone I know who’s seen it loves it, and it was actually one of the themes at my friend’s wedding. The film itself is an enjoyable romp but the twist at the end justifies and adds emotional heft and significance to the overall plot and message of the film. I’m not sure what the other nominees are but I’m here as the sole member of the Sad Emmets to warn you that this film must win or I will No Award everything. (I do not have a vote)
There is an interesting feminist point to be made though, that as the boring-default Emmet kinda had to be male as female is positioned as a ‘something’ as opposed to the ‘nothing’ default of male, in our current culture. I don’t think that makes a difference to the film but it’s an interesting point to consider. That does lead back to the Sad Clones unfortunately, as anyone not voting for ORPHAN BLACK is not voting for the greatest female actor of our generation (the lead) and the most female lead and dominated new sci-fi series and is clearly an anti-feminist and misogynist and clone-hating puppy(no affiliation)-kicker. Also probably homophobic because her brother is the second greatest thing about the greatest clone and conspiracy series set in Toronto of all time. ALL TIME. Immaletyoufinish.
As the new leader of the Guardians of the Sad Emmet I’m afraid I have to correct myself. There are two films that haven’t been affected by the evil SJW/Puppy virus (My Sad cohort are equally paranoid about everyone and hostile to everything.) Both of which must win.
I can’t help but think The Lego Movie was a suggestion and the rest of them never bothered to read them, since they hate If You Were A Dinosaur, My Love and “it’s not really science fiction.”
Er, “watch it,” not “read them.”