A Lego Brickamentary (2014)

Movie Info

Movie Info

Director
Daniel Junge and Kief Davidson
Run Time
1 hour and 33 minutes
Rating
G

VP Content Ratings

Violence
0/10
Language
0/10
Star Rating
★★★★4 out of 5

Rated G. Running time: 1 hour 33 min.

Our content ratings (1-10); Violence 0; Language 0; Sex /Nudity 0.

Our star rating (1-5): 4

A cynic at first might think that filmmakers Daniel Junge and Kief Davidson’s documentary was an hour and a half commercial for this popular toy—until we learn that the Danish toymaker had no part in producing this highly entertaining film. What we learn is that what started out as a toy inspiring children’s creativity has evolved through the efforts of creative adults to serve as a means of therapy as well as of entertainment for older users.

A Lego man, voiced by Jason Bateman, connects the many segments by narration, beginning with a brief history of the company, which started in Denmark in 1932 and has gone through ups and downs over the years, finally arriving at the place in the toy industry where it is a major rival to such giants as Hasboro and Marx.

I chuckle as I write this review in between screenings at a library, because as I came through the hallway to the computer room there is an exhibit case full of eye-catching Lego creations made by children. Not as large or elaborate as the incredibly complex ones in the movie, they are nonetheless a testimony to the popularity of the toy and to the creativity they arouse in those who play with them

The numerous episodes include an artist who re-creates world famous paintings with the blocks; a psychologist using Lego to help autistic children; a female Tolkien fan whose intricate model of Rivendell, the Elven city from “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” fills up her living room; and the stop-motion animators who shoot movies featuring Lego heroes and Lego sets. Celebrity Lego fans include the pop singer Ed Sheeran; South Park co-creator Trey Parker, the N.B.A. player Dwight Howard; and it is Jason Bateman narrates the film

The creations of all of the above are so awesome that I felt the pull to go out and buy a few sets. Thus far I have resisted this because of constraints on my time, but as a lover of building blocks during my childhood, I can easily see graduating in my second one to Lego. And wouldn’t you know it, the powerful true story film of recovery that I watched an hour ago today, Room, also featured the boy. The little boy born to his mother when she had been kidnapped and kept captive in a 10’ x 10’ shed has a tough time after the pair gains their freedom. Of the many toys given him by well-wishers, the one he chooses to play is a set of Legos. This is a fun documentary for all, whether or not they have ever played with the toy. Consider it a testimonial to human creativity.

No questions for this film.

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