by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Wait… millennials are excited for the latest Trolls movie? The third entry in this popular, animated DreamWorks franchise hit the big screen just before the Thanksgiving boom, and there is some solid buzz from those 30-somethings. Could it be the heartwarming tale about lost siblings and mending those relationships? Could it be the colorful new worlds and characters we are introduced to? Nope! It is obvious based on the recent marketing that NSYNC sells big for people my age, and that releasing new music for the film is the best marketing ever.
With all that buzz, does the music in Trolls Band Together deliver? To be honest, it just might be the highlight of this whole franchise. Sure, the vibrance and incredible animation continues to be the star, but the musical numbers are what really stand out in this one. Introducing Branch’s (Justin Timberlake) history in boy bands like BroZone (made of up his brothers) opens the door for the film to focus on pop music from those late ‘90s and early ‘00s bands. The music is infectiously catchy and so much fun in this film. NSYNC’s “Better Place” is such a jam, and makes for a big climactic performance.
But what about the story? Generally, the plots are quite convoluted in these Trolls movies, and Trolls Band Together is no different. Setting up new kingdoms and types of characters always do the heavy lifting, and will most certainly sell more toys. But the core story about Branch and saving his brothers is quite endearing and gives the film some real weight and heart. We get an effective prologue that sets up the conflict and the drama in a fun way, with some reliably enjoyable music. But the film’s writer, Elizabeth Tippet, decided that the film could not just be Branch’s arc, so Poppy (Anna Kendrick) ALSO gets a surprise sibling. Camila Cabello’s Viva is a fun addition, but feels extraneous when it comes to the overarching story. The antagonists are these new creatures called Mount Rageon — they are cast well, but they have simple motivations that work, yet are not that interesting.
Does the voice cast bring the goods? Timberlake and Kendrick continue to be the lifeblood of the films, as they feel comfortable sliding back into these roles for a third time. Kenan Thompson also stands fast as a comedic standout with Tiny Diamond. Eric Andre makes the biggest splash as Branch’s eldest brother, but Daveed Diggs and Kid Cudi are great too, especially when they get to show off their pipes. Cabello is equally as vibrant and fun as Kendrick. Amy Schumer and Andrew Rannells are pitch-perfect casting as the obnoxious antagonists of the film, as we want to root against these pop star wannabes. The Bergens are back, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Zooey Deschanel bring a lot of fun for these characters, who deliver some funny adult humor, which was honestly shocking to hear.
Is this a great entry into this fun animated franchise? It is, in the sense that it perfectly executes what you expect it to. Is it a great film? No. There are plenty of narrative holes, and the film lacks any real depth and poignancy. But Trolls Band Together introduces new species of characters and continues to expand the ever-growing worlds of this series with gorgeous animation and colorful visual effects, and the music being the real star, as always. This is an inoffensive and silly fun time for the whole family.
Rating: It Was Just Okay
Trolls Band Together is currently playing in theaters
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