Trolls [2016] is a DreamWorks animation starring Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick as Branch and Poppy, two trolls who set off on an adventure to save their friends from the terrifying bergens. It’s an all-singing, all-dancing, all-hugging family movie about the true nature of happiness.
Kid/Adult Balance: Trolls is an excellent movie for the kids. It’s psychedelic, colorful, loud and lively. The movie and its message are both very sweet, and there’s a lot of humor. But, it’s all for the kids. Unlike the first Shrek movie (also from DreamWorks), this film doesn’t quite manage to strike that perfect balance between the kids and the adults. The kids will love it, but parents might have to grit their teeth and suffer through it. Luckily, there are some gems that may help every adult in the cinema.
It’s all in the Hair: While Trolls isn’t spectacularly original, bearing a close resemblance to other kid’s movies like Smurfs, the vibrant, kooky characters, and their epic hair, are worth seeing. They lend themselves to the big screen. Anna Kendrick’s, Poppy is endearingly sweet. Her scrapbooking habit and complete naivety are funny. The side characters, including Bridget (Zooey Deschanel), Biggie (James Corden), and Creek (Russel Brand) all added their own brands of humor and fun to the film. But, Justin Timberlake’s Branch is the star, and for good reason. He’s lovable for the kids, and probably the most interesting for the adults as well. He’s sarcastic and wry, and very sweet in his own way. His refusal to sing, dance, hug or be merry is refreshing, in this world populated by insanely positive characters. Branch’s journey from an unusually pessimistic troll to a happy singing and vibrant blue one is well worth it.
Can’t Stop the Feeling: Where this movie really shines though is in the music. From Celebration to the Sound of Silence. True Colors to Justin Timberlake’s smash Can’t Stop the Feeling, the movie is brimming with poppy, fun tunes. The end dance number, in particular, will be sure to leave the audience smiling and dancing in their seats.
Trolls is multi-colored fun that’s perfect for the kids (if not for the adults).
