The Lego Movie took critics and audiences by surprise not only by elevating itself beyond a massive commercial but by the thematic depths it plumbed and its ability to blend humor with serious strands of thought through the centuries. The film navigates the nuances of the act of creation and the boundaries between free will and predetermined fate. It forgoes the all too common thematic affliction of promoting unbridled individualism; instead, The Lego Movie realizes the restorative responsibility of balancing free will with obedience and acknowledging the importance of considering the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. We see the story of humanity; from falling out of sync with the Creator, to living in unknowing slavery to sin, to attempts to attain godhood, to the power of sacrificial love and a resolution attained only through deus ex machina. And all this is to say nothing of its social and cultural commentary, which exists hand in hand with its theology. Although the film may not perfectly line up with Christian theology, it is certainly in dialogue with it, and at a level where The Lego Movie is one of the most spiritually resonant animated films in recent years. — Josh Hamm (Profound Distractions)
Arts & Faith Lists:
2014 Arts & Faith Ecumenical Jury — #8