New LEGO movie doesn’t stack up
October 20, 2022
The iconic characters of the “Star Wars” franchise returned in the puerile animated special, “Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation.” The movie takes place after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”, the final live-action film in the iconic franchise.
Directed by Ken Cunningham, a veteran of the Lego movie franchise, the story opens with Finn surprising his friends with a trip to the Halcyon, an intergalactic cruise ship, for some well-needed rest and relaxation. .
Problems swiftly arise when Finn loses track of his friends. His fears, however, turn into confusion when the Force ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi visits him, explaining he’s there to help a Jedi in need.
The live-action films teased the idea of Finn being a Jedi. “Star Wars” superfans can now rest knowing their beloved character is in fact one with The Force.
The clichéd plot found in most kids movies is present here as well: the main hero finds a conflict, meets different people along the way, has an epiphany to take down whoever or whatever is the problem and learns some valuable lesson, whether that’s teamwork, fun, or in this case, friendship.
All logic-both in reality and within the “Star Wars” franchise- goes out the window, with strange character interactions, unnecessary cameos and a trite script. After all, why would the legendary Billy Dee Williams, returning to his role as Lando Calrissian, transform his charming, playboy character into some tour guide?
Williams, as well as Anthony Daniels, reprise their legendary roles as Calrissian and C-3PO, and are joined by newcomers such as musical comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic and Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”).
There are multiple musical numbers , including singing and dancing, that younger family members will find amazing and hilarious, but at the high school level, the only joy taken out of the movie is through the occasional callbacks to previous live action films. Seeing the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi reduced to performing karaoke makes any passionate Star Wars fan cringe.
Be forewarned. if a younger sibling wants to watch this movie, it will be an hour of a teenager’s life they’ll never get back.
“Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation” has a runtime of 48 minutes, and is available to stream on Disney+.
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