Really interesting analysis. I have been badgered into promising to take my kids to this movie, so I appreciate the heads-up on themes (or possible themes) in the movie.
However, I wonder if this reviewer has possibly misinterpreted the ending. I took my kids to “Monsters University” so I saw that one first hand, and this reviewer has, in my opinion, misinterpreted Mike’s final realization about himself. Mike is NOT just a “functionary,” as in, someone who keeps the books or makes sure that the official scarer gets places on time or whatever. Mike is, in fact, a coach and teacher. He is Scully’s director. Scully is many times more effective in his scaring with Mike as his team member, analyzing what he needs to do, working on his timing and delivery, telling him, “Go!” Scully is the “talent” but he’s not half as good without his director, Mike. So Mike’s realization is not that it’s okay to be just a wannabe, but that in fact you don’t have to be the “talent” or point man to still be a necessary and vitally useful part of a team.
We’ll see the Lego movie next week and I’ll take a careful look at its themes then. But it sounds to me like I’ll actually like the movie’s theme. This almost sounds like a reprise of the American Revolution. It sounds like Emmet’s realization is that no anointed princeling (even if he is called “Mr. Business”) has the right to run others’ lives, but that everyone should practice self-determination and “speak truth to power.” I think I might like that. :)
I saw the movie opening night and you are absolutely correct. The author here is dead wrong. What I saw was a fascist/corporatist dystopia that was overturned by ordinary human ingenuity set free to pursue individual dreams. The Lego folks were kept unaware of their true talents and desires by a constant drone of media fed propaganda/bread and circuses pablum (sound familiar?) but as soon as they heard another perspective they snapped out of it. The movie really gave me hope, not to mention it was freaking hilarious from start to finish, fast paced, witty, cleverly executed, etc etc etc.
Freepers! Don’t listen to this drivel! The author wants to suggest something that isn’t there in order to obscure the real message of the film. Go see the it, you’ll love it!!!
Oh yeah, and the author’s name is actually “Bilge”, which should tell you a lot.