Poppy discovers that Branch and his four brothers were once part of her favorite boy band. When one of his siblings, Floyd, gets kidnapped by a pair of nefarious villains, Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop culture obscurity.
Directed by the duo of Walt Dohrn and Tim Heitz, Trolls Band Together brings back the familiar faces of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Kenan Thompson. The storyline follows Branch, voiced by Timberlake, who reunites with his long-lost brother John Dory (Eric Andre). The two were once part of a boy band that dissolved, leaving Branch resentful. John Dory reveals that another band member, Floyd (Troye Sivan), has been kidnapped by Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells), two aspiring pop stars.
True to its predecessors, Trolls Band Together retains the elements that made the first two movies enjoyable: a visually stunning, excessively colourful animation, endearing characters, and imaginative song mashups. The film is a feast of boy band-related humour, filled with puns, references, and amusing gags that generate genuine laughter.
However, the movie's attempt to infuse adult jokes doesn't save it from becoming a predictable and unsurprising experience. The narrative unfolds predictably, with the trolls singing their way through the story. The fast-paced nature of the film, operating at a mile-a-minute, provides little room for the audience to breathe, opting for a constant stream of jokes and excitement.
A significant drawback lies in the film's handling of the plot, where the stakes feel unreal due to the swift progression from one plot point to another. The film misses opportunities to let dramatic moments play out, choosing instead to jump hastily from one scene to the next. Elements introduced, such as Poppy's secret sister and a twist involving Viva, remain underexplored, leaving dramatic potential untapped.
The endeavour to give Viva a character arc falls short, with her emotional journey feeling unearned and inconsistent. Strong emotions expressed in one scene abruptly shift in the next, creating a disconnect between the character and the audience. While the chemistry between Kendrick and Timberlake remains a highlight, the screenplay lacks depth, resolving conflicts and defeating villains with little challenge.
Staying true to the Trolls franchise's formula, Trolls Band Together prioritizes a soundtrack filled with pop hits, aligning with the series' signature musical style. The distinct 90s/2000s boyband-inspired soundtrack adds a nostalgic touch, though the film's primary focus remains on delivering a visually and aurally engaging experience.
The narrative revolves around a rescue mission led by Branch and his estranged brothers, following the familiar pattern of troll characters navigating diverse lands, meeting eclectic characters, and pausing for song breaks. Despite its predictability, the film's fast-paced approach caters to its target audience—consumers who revel in the joy of quick, lively sequences.
While the script may lack depth, and the villains are disposed of too swiftly, the movie strikes a balance between appealing to both adults and children. It addresses typical childhood themes, such as sibling dynamics and the desire for acceptance, making it accessible to a wide audience. The villains, Velvet and Veneer, though lacking depth, provide entertaining performances unlikely to intimidate younger viewers.
The film introduces several retcons, revealing new familial connections and relationships, adding layers to the characters' backgrounds. The structure, reminiscent of classic Muppet movies, promises an adventurous journey for the small group of trolls as they recruit characters and navigate through various locations.
Despite the film's entertaining moments, the rush in musical numbers and abbreviated medleys detract from the usually reliable musical experiences associated with the Trolls series. The visuals, however, maintain their inventive, colourful, and creative appeal. Trolls Band Together continues the tradition of the franchise, turning a negligible toy line into an animated, short-attention-span musical. However, like its predecessors, the movie suffers from thinly conceived emotional backstories and life lessons, leading to a pronounced crash from the initial sugar high.
One notable highlight is the chemistry between the primary voice actors, Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, whose winning personalities enhance the overall viewing experience. The animation, as always, remains inventive and creatively surprising, contributing to the film's visual appeal.
The narrative introduces various subplots, including Bergens King Gristle and Bridget's marriage, but struggles to make these plot points memorable. The lack of a strong, cohesive plot is evident, as the synopsis fails to resonate or leave a lasting impression.
Despite the film's shortcomings, Trolls Band Together manages to deliver solid laughs, catering to both children and adults. The humour is well-balanced, ensuring that the jokes resonate with a broad audience.
What stands out most about Trolls Band Together are its valuable lessons about self-acceptance and letting go of perfectionism. The movie delivers a positive message to young audiences, encouraging them to embrace their passions without being bogged down by the fear of doing things "right".
Trolls Band Together offers a visually stunning and musically vibrant experience, staying true to the franchise's formula. While it may lack a robust storyline and emotional depth, the film succeeds in providing an entertaining escape, especially for those who appreciate the energetic, whimsical world of the Trolls.
Trolls Band Together is in NZ cinemas from November 30, 2023