The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part Review - 6 Ups And 2 Downs

2. Up: It Discusses Toxic Masculinity Without Being Overbearing

Any topic that would typically lead to aggressive debates between certain groups would usually be avoided entirely in a kids movie, but LEGO Movie 2 still takes it on and does so in an excellent manner. Rather than preaching it to you, the script instead embeds the concept within the film itself, and it expands its depth beyond what you may have initially expected.

Early on, Wildstyle makes it clear she believes Emmet needs to get tougher if he wants to survive. Emmet, being who he is, struggles with that but as the movie moves forward, he begins to see the merits in that. Purely through the storytelling, the film illustrates to you Emmet attempting to take on this new mentality and as you go on the journey with him, you recognize what the film's telling you.

Again, this could've gone so wrong if it wasn't done in a nuanced way. However, since it's a theme implied/embedded within character arcs and the plot rather than being delivered through some preachy climactic speech, the theme is apparent and subtle instead of eye-roll inducing and heavy-handed.