We’ve got the DeLorean and flux capacitor, so that means it’s time for another Flashback Friday! This week, we travel back to the late summer of 2014 and we take a look at The Lego Movie. Considering we are still in the midst of our Anime Marathon and this is the Friday of the Magnificent Seven‘s release (9/23/2016), we figured animated Chris Pratt was the way to go. So, build your favorite spaceship friends, it’s time to remember that everything is awesome.
Deconstructing the Lego Movie
For newer listeners, things may feel unfamiliar as the earlier format of the show was a bit different. We start with our synopsis and reviews as always, and then move straight to analysis. Dalton presents the parallels between The Lego Movie and The Matrix. He speaks to the satirical moments of the film. Then, he praises the film’s championing of equality. Finally, he breaks down the layered nature of the narrative and brings in a little sociology to clear up some of his ideas.
Arthur cites Paul Wells and his article entitled “Notes Towards a Theory of Animation” and discusses the difference between orthodox and experimental animation. He then correlates the ideas that Wells raises with what is presented to audiences in The Lego Movie. Dustin rounds everything out by discussing the construction of modern heroic narratives. He brings to light that there has been a shift towards a more communal heroism. This shift is in opposition to the classic Messianic Hero’s Journey that rose to prominence following Star Wars.
Following analysis, we play our game! The game for this episode was Movies that Look Bad on Paper. Which means, we discussed the good-to-great films that should not have worked whatsoever. Finally, we finish the show like we always used to do. We wrap up with a discussion of what has us fired up in pop culture. So, grab your Kragle and some Tacos, and let’s go find the special!
TIMESTAMPS
01:35 – Welcome and Intros
02:47 – Synopsis and Reviews
08:55 – Analysis
23:48 – Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
29:36 – Social Media
35:25 – The Game: Movies that Sound Terrible on Paper
40:50 – Fired Up in Pop Culture
50:55 – Wrap Up
Arthur is a creator of content, lover of movies, and father of dogs. If you want to keep the conversation going, then click here to follow Arthur on Twitter. If you would like to keep up with what Arthur is watching, then head over to Letterboxd and give him a follow!
